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Community

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

James Henry Lani Acasio

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

James Henry Lani Acasio

James Henry Lani Acasio, 74, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born Aug. 2, 1948, in Ho’olehua, HI, son of the late Hipolito Acasio and Alice (Lani) DeMello. 

He served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. James will be fondly remembered as a loving husband and Papa.  

James is survived by his ‘ohana which include his loving spouse of 51 years Deborah (Bauer) Acasio; daughters Anela Acasio Schwier and Rachel Acasio; grandsons Zane, Jack and Owen Schwier; granddaughter Elise Bostick; siblings Walter (Kehau) Kaiama, Wilfred Demello, Jr.,…

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Makahiki Worth the Wait

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Makahiki Worth the Wait

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai waited a long time for this year’s community celebration of Ka Molokai Makahiki. With the past three years cancelled during the pandemic, the event was postponed again from a torrential rainstorm in January. Finally held last weekend, the opening ceremony and cultural protocol kicked off Friday evening followed by keiki giving it their all in the games. 

“The rising of the Makali’i constellation on the eastern horizon during the setting of the sun in the west signals the beginning of Hawaiian new year, the season of Makahiki,” said Nahulu Maioho during the opening ceremonies. “This was a time set aside to give thanks and to celebrate life.…

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Moana’s Hula Halau a Labor of Love

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Moana’s Hula Halau a Labor of Love

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Moana’s Hula Halau held their first show in several years two weeks ago, with standing room only at the Community Health Center. Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered for dinner and the performance under the banyan tree. Nearly 40 Molokai dancers ranging from keiki to kupuna amazed an enthusiastic crowd. They were also joined on stage by a kane group from Maui and a member of sister halau, Moana’s of Japan. 

Founded by Moana Dudoit more than 60 years ago, the halau was started by Dudoit after she returned home from college. 

“Her first intention was to do it for the family first and she started to teach hula for the family,” said Moana’s sister, Kumu Hula Raquel Dudoit, who has carried on the halau’s legacy following Moana’s death in 2013.…

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New Land Designations Proposed

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

More Molokai state-owned lands have been proposed for re-designation as Natural Area Reserves and Forest Reserves. 

In addition to ‘Ilio Point and Waikolu Valley, which were discussed in a series of meetings last month, new areas on the East End near Pukoo and Halawa could be included in an effort to re-assign land on Molokai. Currently listed as unencumbered state land, the proposal would allow for more specific Division of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) management of the lands, as well as eliminate the risk of future development, according to Emma Yuen with DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.  …

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Living History

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Living History

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

Student artwork and writing filled “The Barn” at Molokai High School on Feb. 25. The event was

the seventh annual ‘Aha Opio O Molokai, dedicated to celebrating Hawaiian culture and education. 

Student projects ranged from artwork based on Hawaiian myths, to wood working, to live action poi pounding. 

The student projects were intended to “celebrate innovation” and align with “one or more of the HA [Hawaii Dept. of Education framework] outcomes: Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well Being, and Hawaii,” according to the event’s website. 

The day was an opportunity for students to fully engage with Hawaiian culture and be reminded of the hard-won history by which this education came about.  …

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Top Finishes for Wrestling

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Top Finishes for Wrestling

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

The Molokai High Wrestling team closed their season with top finishes at both Maui Interscholastic League Championships and the state competition. Twelve students finished in the top three at MILs, qualifying them for the state matches on Oahu last week. 

Anjolie Manaba claimed the MIL championship for Molokai High in her 102-pound weight class. Second place finishes were earned by Moriah HonoKaupu at 107, Skye Caparida at 112, Kahiwa Augustiro at 152 and Elijah Horner at 182. Third places were claimed by Chloe Manaba at 97 pounds, Kailani Bicoy at 117, Bailey Sproat at 132, Stephanie Gandeza at 168, Masina Barden-Phillips at 168, Jona Dudoit at 120 and Ekolu Horner at 160. …

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Land Trust Seeks Kahanui Wetland Acquisition

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

The Kahanui wetland is up for sale, and a local nonprofit, Molokai Land Trust, is gearing up for a possible acquisition in hopes of managing and restoring the area. This 45-acre property sits on the southern coast of Molokai about three miles west of Kaunakakai. 

Butch Haase, executive director of Molokai Land Trust, explained that MLT is hoping to “intervene and secure these lands for the community.” 

The Kahanui wetland, which once was intended to be an oyster and pearl farm, plays a critical role in Molokai’s food and water ecosystems, as well as occupies a culturally and historically significant space. …

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Church Prize Winners

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

St. Damien Church News Release 

The St. Damien of Molokai 2023 Mardi Gras Celebration scheduled for Feb. 17 was canceled due to the weather. On Feb. 21, Father Pat and the fundraising committee members gathered at the Damien Center to pull the tickets for lucky number ticket prizes. 

The winners were: $200 Malu Burrows; $300 Tycole Alcantra; $1000 Mokulele Airlines voucher Steve Chaikin. 

There were other prizes donated including essential packages, baking pans, a quilted purse, 50″ TV, table and 11 more people were also lucky winners! All winners were notified immediately following the drawing.

Mahalo to everyone who donated for tickets, prizes and their time to organize the Mardi Gras Celebration. There…

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Happiness in the Storm

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

I found myself visiting uncle the other day and we sat and listened to the winter trade winds flow down the slopes of Kamakou.  He was talking story when I noticed a trench dug out along his house.  He told me the rains brought a stream to his front door the other day and he unexpectedly found himself digging and quickly!  

He took a break from his trenching and watched the water cascade off the landscaped rocks with a beautiful sheen.  He chuckled to himself as a spoke.  He saw a beauty and happiness in that small waterfall.  Despite a moment of stress and extreme pressure, uncle still managed to find a reason to smile.…

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Building Mental Health

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

By Sage Yamashita, Intern Reporter

Many people may not realize they must care for their mental health. Aaron Mitchell, a mental health counselor, wants to ensure Molokai’s community has his services to care for theirs. 

“Many don’t get help until their circumstances become dire,” said Mitchell. “Since the beginning of time, youth have been going to their elders with their problems. They didn’t wait. Why do we wait today?”

Mitchell is the owner of Molokai Mental Health, where psychological tools that span across cultures are taught. A good psychologist like this Mitchell understands the importance of cultural competence in therapy and emphasizes the need for practitioners to adapt their approaches to meet the diverse needs of their clients.…

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