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Community

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

Ho’ahu Awarded Energy Grant

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

Ho’ahu Energy Cooperation Molokai (HECM) was one of four organizations nation-wide to receive funding under the Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Initiative. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) funding will assist Ho’ahu deploying residential islanded solar and battery storage nano-grids to 15 households in the Molokai community. ES4SE will support a BESS, inverter and controls, remote monitoring equipment, and look at ways to partner with HECM’s workforce development program.

ES4SE is designed to empower disadvantaged communities to consider energy storage technologies as a viable path toward achieving their energy goals.

“These organizations are fully engaged with ES4SE to find energy storage solutions in their communities,” said Gene Rodrigues, assistant secretary for electricity.…

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Canoe Races Return

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Canoe Races Return

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

After a four-year break during the pandemic, the famed Molokai Hoe and Na Wahine O Ke Kai paddling races are back on. There’s both excitement among paddlers for their return, as well as challenges to overcome. The women’s crossing will be on Sept. 24 and the men’s race is set for Oct. 8. 

Hundreds of paddlers from around the globe flock to Molokai each year for the iconic Ka’iwi Channel crossings – and that can put a strain on the island’s resources, particularly after COVID. 

One of the biggest obstacles race organizers and community members considered in discussions of whether or not to bring the races back was how to get paddlers to Molokai. …

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Kaunakakai Harbor to be Dredged

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Molokai depends on barge deliveries for food, fuel and other essentials. The barge depends on being able to dock at the Kaunakakai Harbor, which must be kept at a certain water depth for it to be usable. Maintaining the harbor depends on the US Army Core of Engineers (USACE), the authorities responsible for monitoring 28 harbors across the state. Dredging is essential to maintaining necessary depths by removing the sediment that collects in the harbor over time. Similar efforts, such as dredging near Palm Beach County, FL, have shown how proactive maintenance can ensure smoother operations and long-term reliability of vital waterways.…

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Molokai-Made Hip Hop Album Na Hoku Finalist

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Molokai-Made Hip Hop Album Na Hoku Finalist

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Molokai couple Maile and Hanohano Naehu have created a musical album called Ho’okupu, a hip-hop anthology of Hawaiian history. It was nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year in this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano awards and has been named a finalist for the category, with the awards ceremony this Saturday, July 1. 

Ho’okupu tells the story of Hawaii’s history, from the Kumulipo at the beginning of time, to modern day, using the artistic medium of hip hop. It’s a collaborative effort with emcees, academic professors, Hawaiian historians, chanters, music producers and others, created and recorded at the Naehu’s east end off-grid home. …

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Molokai Subsistence Survey

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release 

The Molokai Subsistence Survey from 1993 shows important informated about how residents get their food. Now, Sust’ainable Molokai is conducting an update to that survey. Please consider taking between five and 30 minutes to complete the 2023 Molokai Subsistence Study Update. All English-speaking Molokai residents over the age of 18 are eligible to complete the survey. The survey can be found online at sustainablemolokai.org/subsistence or can be completed in person at community events or at the Sustʻainable Molokai office. 

In 1993, the governor commissioned the Molokai Subsistence Task Force to study subsistence on Molokai. The study found that the average Molokai family got 28 percent of their food from subsistence activities like hunting, fishing, gathering from the ocean, and raising animals.…

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Vandalism at Kamakou

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

E malama i ka lako honua no na hanauna a pau. Take care of the resources for future generations. 

I was disappointed to hear that a fence in the Kamakou Preserve was cut and vandalized two weeks ago.  The fences of Kamakou Preserve protect some of the last and best native forests on Molokai and are home to species found nowhere else on the planet.  The native forest of Kamakou collects the water that is used by residents across the island, which includes Hawaiian Homes, county, private and other folks.  

We only have 13 percent of the native forest this island once had, pushed back miles inland by fire and hooved animals, now mostly at the tops of the mountains, such that many people now never see what a healthy forest looks like. …

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William Harry Johnston Sr.

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

William Harry Johnston Sr.

We are sad to announce the passing of William Harry Johnston Sr. “Uncle Bill” of Kaunakakai. He died on May 15, 2023 at the age of 79. Uncle Bill passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Earline; sons Wayne and Kalani; and daughter Tammy. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday July 8, 2023 at the St. Damien Catholic Church in Kaunakakai at 8:30 to 10 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:20 a.m., eulogy then 10:30 to 11 a.m. services.  

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, please come by and celebrate via drive by at dad’s house Lot 28 Kapa’akea at 11 a.m.…

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Youth Theatre Program for Teenagers

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Youth Theatre Program for Teenagers

Community Contributed

By Mahina Segario

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) is proud to announce our new Senior Division for those 13 to 18 years of age who would like hands on performing art opportunities in all performing art genres beyond just acting. I am working as an intern at CTOM under the AluLike work program as a community youth coordinator. I am tasked with producing a youth empowerment performance and recruiting youth wanting to develop talent in all areas of performing arts.

Is comedy, singing, dancing or becoming a writer your passion? Would you like to be a make-up artist?…

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Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Molokai’s First Community Solar Project Nears Completion

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

An array of solar panels anchored into the stoney ground near Kawela Plantation represent Molokai’s first completed community solar project. While not online yet, Molokai residents can now sign up for community solar. 

Community based renewable energy (CBRE) is a program through Hawaiian Electric that allows residents the benefits of solar power without having to own solar panels, which is especially beneficial for renters or those who can’t install their own rooftop system. Normally, solar panels are installed by electricians like Las Vegas Electrician on individual homes, requiring homeowners to make an upfront investment and manage maintenance.…

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Progress on Solutions for the Unhoused

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

A newly-formed organization is dedicated to addressing Molokai’s unhoused population, and is seeking community feedback on their proposal to create long term housing solutions.  

Led by President Leola Kahalewai, Hui Kaiaulu is a Molokai-based group formed this past December.  

Currently, Hui Kaiaulu is searching for a seven to 10-acre plot to construct permanent homes out of shipping containers, explained Kahalewai. Recipients of this housing would farm the land as well. Presently, Kahalewai is engaged in talks with Molokai Ranch about utilizing some of their properties in Kaunakakai.

 Molokai’s estimated homeless population sits at about 25 people. However, many more Molokai residents live as “hidden homeless.”…

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