Community

The Aftermath

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

“Lahaina is love,” said Christina Nakihei. “If Lahaina and Molokai were brother and sister, they would be twins. It’s the exact same way as back home…Everyone is trying to help each other succeed.” 

Nakihei grew up on Molokai and then followed in the footsteps of her father, boarding at Lahainaluna High School. 

The connection between Molokai and Lahaina is evident, everywhere. The two communities have been linked for generations. 

“Lahaina is just like Molokai, it’s like home,” said Marcus Dudoit. “A lot of Molokai guys used to work in Lahaina. My grandfather used to work in the hotel.” …

Molokai Community Assists in Maui Fire Aid

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

By Catherine Cluett Pactol, Reporter

Last Tuesday, Aug. 8, fires broke out on Maui that officials now say are the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century. As of Sunday, deaths had reached nearly 100 and rising, with more than 1000 people still unaccounted for. The entire town of Lahaina was destroyed in a fast-burning fire that left residents running for their lives and jumping into the ocean in attempts to escape the blaze. 

With government assistance lacking and official aid slow to arrive to those hit hardest, the Maui community galvanized to organize food, water, clothing and essential supplies to those who fled with only the clothes on their backs. …

Combating Substance Abuse on Molokai

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

“We’re all addicted,” said Carla Ritte-Hanchett, whether it be sugar, our phones, or substances. 

“I used to be known as the Kamoi Queen,” she joked. 

Now Ritte-Hanchett is working with other Molokai residents to educate the community on making healthy lifestyle decisions. Whether those decisions center around food or opioids, for Ritte-Hanchett it all starts with finding a natural path towards wellness. 

Ritte-Hanchett was one of 13 Molokai residents taking part in the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) workforce development training this year. The program addressed opioid overdose prevention and treatment through a framework of community education. …

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

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.”  …