Community

General news which affects the Molokai community in one way or another.

Resident Honored for Healthcare Contributions

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Resident Honored for Healthcare Contributions

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

A Molokai resident has been recognized with a Maui County Outstanding Older American Award for her work to advocate for and support healthcare on Molokai. 

Judy Mikami was one of three residents county-wide honored with the award, presented at a recognition event in Kahului last week. It was the county’s 54th annual presentation of the Outstanding Older American Award.

“We’re here to celebrate the members of our community who are doing impressive work by volunteering to help other seniors, by caring for the ʻaina, or by starting much needed services in the areas where you live or they live,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in presenting a proclamation for Older Americans Month in May.…

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Molokai’s Hawaiian language immersion preschool, Punana Leo, held it’s annual Ho’omau event last Saturday for the first time since the pandemic. Haumana of Punana Leo opened the community event with song and keiki introductions, followed by performances by Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Kualapuu, the island’s elementary language immersion program. Keiki sang throughout a torrential downpour of rain, as attendees took cover under tents. But the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered, who went on to enjoy food and craft booths and entertainment throughout the day. 

The event is a fundraiser to help support Punana Leo o Molokai’s continued perpetuation of Hawaiian language education. …

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

A’o Aku; A’o Mai: What I Learn, I Teach

Community Contributed

By Sara Jane Larkin, Teacher

First graders at Kilohana School used the prompt, “This is not a day you have already had. It is a day that you dream to have. My very best day starts with…” to write about their best day. …

Concert on the Lawn

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

MAC News Release 

A music performance by the Molokai Instrumental Music Education Program (MIME) will be held on Friday, May 19 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Molokai Public Library. Students from Kualapu’u and Kaunakakai elementary schools’ 21st Century program will perform introductory music as well as Shostakovich and Copland. This is a free event and all are welcome! 

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) is the fiscal sponsor for this program which is led by Bob Underwood. Underwood has graciously and with dedication taught music performance to Molokai’s keiki and adults for over 12 years. This program is offered free to elementary students during the school year and instruments are provided.…

March for Kawakiu Access

Thursday, May 11th, 2023

March for Kawakiu Access

By Catherine Cluett Pactol and Jack Kiyonaga

At 7 a.m. last Saturday, more than 100 Molokai residents stood at the gated entrance to Kawakiu, an area of west Molokai owned by Molokai Properties Limited, also known as Molokai Ranch. For those gathered, Kawakiu represents not only a cultural and historic site, but also generational subsistence grounds.

“We’re walking for our young people so they can go hunting and fishing here… it’s a constant battle to keep your rights alive,” said activist Walter Ritte to the gathered crowd waiting to march the dirt road that is currently blocked to the beach. “Kawakiu is a historic site, there are burials over there, house sites over there, heiau over there.”…

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Spring Sports Close Out the Season

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

The Maui Interscholastic League Division II champion Farmers Baseball team took on the state tournament last week. The Farmers were ultimately defeated by Damien, 7-2, and Konawaena, 9-2. The Farmers finished the year with a 13-4 record and their ninth consecutive MIL DII title. 

“Mahalo Molokai for all the love and support! Mahalo Mr. Schonely, Lee and faculty, parents for all the help this season, my ohana for getting my back and most importantly the boys that had to deal with me throughout the season, until next season,” said MHS Baseball Coach Keahi Rawlins in a Facebook post. …

Tokuda Pledges Air Assistance

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Tokuda Pledges Air Assistance

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Congressman Jill Tokuda, the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s Second District, is in the process of writing a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding Molokai’s airline crisis. 

“I’d like to create a thoughtful letter that really lays out the transportation crisis and vulnerability that exists,” said Tokuda. “Right now, the only constant is that it is inconsistent,” she added. 

Tokuda explained to Molokai residents gathered at her town hall meeting held at Mitchell Pauole Center last Thursday that the FAA needs data on flight delays and cancelations along with personal testimony to make a difference. 

Molokai community members related horror stories of family members passing away without loved ones and surgeries cancelled – all due to flight expense and unreliability. …

MHS Senior Wins District Rodeo Championship

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Molokai High senior Kahiwa Augustiro was named district champion by the Hawaii High School Rodeo Association. At the Maui District Finals, which took place April 1 and 2 on Maui, Augustiro took home victories in multiple events including steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. He also came away with the award for best all-around cowboy. 

Bull riding is Augustiro’s favorite event. 

“Riding bulls is all in your head,” explained Augustiro. “You’re supposed to know what you’re doing already.” 

When he’s on the bull, all Augustiro thinks about “is just making that eight second ride.” 

While there is no rodeo team at MHS, Augustiro travels with his younger brother Buzz and cousin Baby together to compete at events off-island. …

Pūnana Leo Ho’omau

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Pūnana Leo o Molokai News Release

E hele mai a launa pū me mākou. Hui Mākua o ka Pūnana Leo o Molokai presents Ho‘omau 2023, happening this Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kualapu’u Rec Center. Booths and activities include local crafts, ‘ono food, keiki corner, lucky number, entertainment and more! 

This event will benefit the keiki of Pūnana Leo o Moloka’i. We hope to see you there. E ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.…

Give Input on Renewable Energy Projects

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Ho’ahu News Release 

Come learn about and give input on the first community-owned solar projects on Molokai at a virtual meeting to be held May 20 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Residents can check hoahuenergy.coop/community-meetings/ for login information.

The purpose of the meeting is to share information about two community-based renewable energy projects proposed to be developed on Molokai in Kualapuʻu and Palaʻau and to solicit public comments to be filed with the Public Utilities Commission.

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai (Hoʻahu) was first formed in 2020 by Molokai community advocates to enable our island residents to design and own renewable energy projects built on Molokai.…