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Community

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

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Just before noon last Monday, one of the homes at the teachers’ cottages in Kaunakakai erupted in fire. By the time that fire crews were able to put it out, the single-dwelling residence was destroyed and two neighboring homes were also damaged. The teachers living in the homes were not there at the time of the fire. 

Sara Jane Larkin, a teacher at Kilohana Elementary School and the occupant of the house that was fully destroyed by the fire, shared on Facebook that she and her dog were safe. 

“Lola and I are okay,” wrote Larkin. “No clue how it happened but it did.”  …

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MHS Fall Sports Outlook

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

The school year has begun and sports are back at Molokai High School, with football and volleyball already practicing at full speed this summer. This year will be filled with excitement, as fall sports will be offering sideline cheer, eight-man football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, and boys and girls air riflery this season. 

Kaimana Kahale, a coach from the football team, said he is looking forward to an exciting season even though they have graduated many seniors.

“Though we have lost 18 senior players, we are still thrilled about this team which has brought out new additional athletes,” he said. …

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August Ace Winner

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

August Ace Winner

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely

Dr. Dana Takashima, retired dentist and Molokai professional golfer, is the August Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Takashima, the better half of the Susumo Brothers, with Jeff Egusa, shot 42-38 for a gross score of 80. With his 13 handicap, his net 67 secured his victory. Takashima now qualifies for the Ace of Aces Club Championship in December. 

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai. …

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Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St Francis Church, Kalaupapa

It was Saturday morning and I was enjoying my extra hour of rest since Saturday Mass is celebrated at 7 a.m. rather than at the usual weekday hour of 6 a.m. Suddenly, I was awakened by a couple of really loud and enthusiastic “meows” and when this did not receive the intended response from me, Titus The Tiger, the number two of my seven cats, launched his plump body onto my bed. Titus had never done this previously, even though I often permit him and Bailey, my number one cat, to stay in the house overnight.…

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Mental Health Resources

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Anisa Wiseman 

Molokai, a close-knit community nestled amidst natural beauty, faces its share of mental health challenges. Many residents may be unaware of the valuable resource available to them: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Hawaii). As an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions, NAMI Hawaii offers a range of online programs tailored to meet the unique needs of Molokai residents. 

NAMI Hawaii offers online programs designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to navigate the challenges associated with mental health conditions.…

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Reflections of a Dispatch Board Member

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

To call them eras may sound a little pretentious, but in our history of The Molokai Dispatch, that is what they are.  The Jerry and Edie Anderson era, the Todd Yamashita era, and the Catherine Cluett Pactol era.  These individuals have been responsible for the stewardship of The Molokai Dispatch for most of our now nearly 40 years of existence.  They are the reason that we have survived momentous changes in the newspaper industry and continued to serve the Molokai community.  We stand on the foundation that they have built.

The latest layer in that foundation has been laid down by Catherine Cluett Pactol over the past 15 years. …

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Scholarship Donation Mahalo

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Shout out to my friend Jim Foti and the Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association. Big mahalos for the generous donation to our Friends of Molokai High and Molokai Middle Schools foundation. At this year’s Shaw and Partners Molokai Challenge Race held in May, Jim set aside a portion of every entry fee with all the proceeds going to our Friends Foundation. This donation will help all our students at Molokai High and Molokai Middle schools. Mahalo to our worldwide paddling community for participating in the Kanaka Ikaika race. A part of your entry fee came to us. Yessah, a $3,135 donation for the Friends Foundation. …

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Obon Festival Mahalo

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

After a three-year hiatus, Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai recently held its Obon festivities on their temple grounds in Kaunakakai.  Many people came to remember and honor their ancestors as they ate chicken hekka and danced the night away!  We would like to thank all who participated and made Obon 2023 a huge success:  Rev. Shuji Komagata, GSMM members and their families, Somei Taiko, Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, Derrick Iwata and dancers, Royce Villa, Shirley Rawlins, Jean Ribao, Charlene and Bull Dela Cruz, Tracey Apoliona, Bright and Dio Youngstrom, Puni Ignacio, Sherman Napoleon and Jonathan Jefts.  We are very grateful and appreciative of your continued generosity and kindness. …

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Darkness

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

There are countless stars
up above tonight
like the bright
beautiful Milky Way
in the southern sky
but, as I look to the east
from Kaunakakai
sitting here in silence
on our lanai
I cry
at the sight on the horizon
just as black
as the ink from this pen
I dwell on why
and I wonder when
this darkest of darkness
is going to end

Jayson Mizula 

 …

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M2O Brings Racers, Competition, Controversy

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

M2O Brings Racers, Competition, Controversy

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

More than 200 athletes representing over 20 countries pushed off the sandy shores of Kepuhi Beach last Sunday to compete in the Molokai 2 Oahu (M2O) paddle board world championships. Competing on standup paddles, prone boards, hydrofoils and more, the athletes were joined by escort boats on their 32-mile journey across the notorious Ka’iwi Channel. As the last of the boats disappeared into the blue horizon, many Molokai residents were left with questions, concerns, and, in some cases, trash to contend with. 

The return of the 24th annual M2O after a three-year pandemic break caught many Molokai residents by surprise. …

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