Community

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

Tropical Pumpkins

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH CTAHR Extension Agent

Tropical pumpkins, known by its Latin name, Curcurbita moschata, are among of the strongest and most resilient members of the cucurbit family that includes watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, cucumber and squash. It is known for its high yield, great nutritional value, good storage life and its ability to ship long distances. Native to Mexico and Central America, it’s been grown for over 8,000 years and is believed to be one of the oldest crops grown before corn and beans and carried with native people throughout the Americas. 

Many North American varieties were developed by ancient tribes such as the Seminole of Florida, Iroquois of New York, Cherokee of the Appalachians, and Lakota of the Sioux nation.…

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

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

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

Community Contributed

By Sara Jane Larkin, Teacher

First graders at Kilohana are studying fresh water on Molokai. We are learning about where it comes from, where it goes and why it is so valuable — waiwai.  Our Project Based Learning goal is to have outdoor hand washing stations that reclaim the water used for handwashing to water our grass and our gardens.  We are calling our project the Waiwai Wai Project.…

Earth Day Celebration Returns

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Earth Day Celebration Returns

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

For the first time in three years, Molokai residents gathered at Mitchell Pauole Center to celebrate Earth Day as a community. 

To the backdrop of the Kalaupapa Backyard Band and smells of laulau, residents visited booths hosted by dozens of organizations. These exhibits ranged from clean energy projects to health and wellness to sustainable hunting. Taxidermy birds, erosion run-off demonstrations and more adorned the tables and engaged residents. 

“Look at all the groups here…to me, this is the glue that really defines us as a community,” said Ho’ahu Energy Cooperative Advisor Todd Yamashita. 

Throughout the night, Molokai residents were able to share with each other both a love of Earth Day and their own specific knowledge. …

Hazard Mitigation Plan Seeks Local Feedback

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

The State of Hawaii 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan is being created right now. Representatives from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) are seeking input from Molokai residents on the types of hazards they would like identified in the plan. 

Updated every five years, the hazard mitigation plan aims to “protect communities against the threats of flooding, hurricanes, wildfire, tsunamis and other hazards,” by “taking action now, before the next disaster,” according to a recent news release from HI-EMA. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will use the state plan to create a list of projects requiring funding.…

Baseball and Volleyball MIL Champs

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Baseball and Volleyball MIL Champs

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

For the ninth straight year, the Farmers are Maui Interscholastic League Division II Champions in baseball. The decisive victory came Saturday, April 22 with a 11-2 win over Seabury. The Farmers will head to the state tournament to contend for the state title. After falling to Seabury 16-2 on Friday, the Farmers were faced with possible elimination from the state tournament and their first MIL D-II pennant loss since 2012. Ho’olei Arce pitched a complete game in the turnaround win. 

Boys’ Volleyball team completed its regular season in style with a win over Lani on Friday. The Farmers finished the season with a perfect 9-0 record and the MIL D-II title for the first time since 2018.…

Junior Lifeguard Program

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Maui County News Release 

Registration is now open for the 2023 Junior Lifeguard Program, the County of Maui Department of Public Safety – Ocean Safety Bureau announced. The one-week Ocean Junior Lifeguard program was designed to train boys and girls ages 8 to 17 in lifesaving water skills and to develop an awareness of beach hazards and ocean conditions.

Participants will become familiar with First Aid and CPR techniques, while improving their health and fitness. Beach programs will be offered on Maui, Lanai and Molokai. The program also promotes efficient lifeguard services by instilling essential safety knowledge and rescue skills in young participants.…

Congresswoman Holds Town Hall

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Rep. Tokuda News Release

U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda will hold additional town hall meetings across Hawaii’s Second Congressional District to hear from constituents. Tokuda previously held town hall meetings in Hilo, Oahu and Maui.

Rep. Tokuda will also hold Farm Bill listening sessions with farmers, workers, and agriculture producers.

The Molokai event will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center.   

For more info and to RSVP, community members should visit tokuda.house.gov/town-halls.…

Summer College Classes

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

UHMCM News Release

Have you picked up our most recent course schedule for UH Maui College, Molokai? If you haven’t gotten your hands on one, call us and ask about our free summer courses. We are offering MATH100 Survey of Math and MAIN160 Small Equipment Repair tuition-free! 

If interested in any of these, contact amandaos@hawaii.edu for more information. We are also offering free sheltered classes for high school students in CARP 121 Framing and Exterior Finish along with BIOL 124 Environment and Ecology. Contact msterner@hawaii.edu for more information.…

Peter Dean Gonzalez

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Peter Dean Gonzalez, 66, of Kaunakakai, Molokai, died at home on March 18, 2023. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife Valerie; sons Neil (Emily) and Guy; daughters Cherie Gonzalez (Nathanael) and Lian Chong- Kalima (Joseph); father Jose H. Gonzalez; brother Jose S. Gonzalez (Arlene); and nine grandchildren.

Peter enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was once an active CB operator as well as a HAM radio operator. He was also an advocate for mental health.

Services will be held on May 13, 2023 at Molokai Church of God in Kalamaula across from Coconut Grove. Family from 8 to 9 a.m.,…

Keiki and Teen Fests

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Keiki and Teen Fests

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

The fifth annual Keiki Fest and second annual Teen Fest took place Saturday, April 15 at Mitchell Pauole Center. Hosted by the Molokai Community Action Team, both events featured free food, music, games and resources for hundreds of keiki and teens and their families. 

Tylor Tanaka, part of the Molokai Community Action Team, explained that the events fall in April to signify National Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness month. 

“This month we recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Sexual assault prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help to protect children and strengthen families,” explained the Molokai Community Action Team in a Facebook post. …