Culture & Art

Art Show Postponed

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020

MAC News Release

In light of new COVID rules, the 2020 Molokai Arts Center Member Art (MAC) Show has been postponed until the fall. We will not collect art work between Aug. 14-28 as originally planned.

The new dates will be posted soon on our Facebook page and sent via our e-newsletter. Like our page and visit our website molokaiartscenter.org to be added to our mailing list.

Any questions or concerns may be directed to molokaiartscenter@gmail.com.…

Arts Center Celebrates 10 Years

Thursday, August 13th, 2020

MAC News Release

On Aug. 6, 2010, Molokai Arts Center, Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization in the state of Hawaii. Ten years later, in the midst of COVID-19, the MAC, as it is affectionately known, continues to grow despite its current limited capacity.

In 2005, master potter Dan Bennett transformed his two-car garage into a studio. He invited a small group of Molokai artists to share his space and equipment. Dan taught, guided, and encouraged this growing group of potters and sculptors.

Five years later, over 20 eager artists were creating and collaborating. Dan’s modest space was bursting at the seams.…

CBSFA a Step Toward Hawaiian Self-Governance

Thursday, August 13th, 2020

Aloha kakou. I am Davianna McGregor, professor of Ethnic Studies and director of the Center for Oral History at UH-Manoa. I live in Hoʻolehua with my life partner, Dr. Aluli.

Recently, some of our neighbors put up signs saying that I should be shame for supporting the Moʻomomi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA).

Actually, Dr. Aluli and I are proud that for the past 25-plus years, we’ve been part of the Hui Mālama O Moʻomomi team to establish a CBSFA from ʻIliʻo Point to Nihoa.

Why do we support? Well, it was our Hoʻolehua Hawaiian Homestead community, not DLNR, that created the CBSFA designation.…

CBSFA Follows ‘Ike Kupuna

Thursday, August 13th, 2020

Opinion by Keani Rawlins-Fernandez

The highly anticipated Board of Land and Natural Resources public hearing on the Mo‘omomi CBSFA will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30pm. Due to COVID-19, the hearing will be livestreamed. Testimony may be provided online or in-person with advanced registration.

What is a CBSFA? A Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area designation is a type of fishing management area that encourages continued subsistence, and in Mo‘omomi’s case, would prohibit commercial fishing, except for trolling, within its boundaries. CBSFAs are not marine sanctuaries. It would not create “no-take zones,” like Hanauma Bay.

The Mo‘omomi CBSFA would not limit or prohibit anyone’s right to gather and feed their families: “§13-60.9-1(3) Recognize and protect customary and traditional native Hawaiian fishing practices that are exercised for subsistence, cultural, and religious purposes in the area.…

Mo’omomi CBSFA Public Hearing

Thursday, August 13th, 2020

DLNR News Release

Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate online for a statewide, online public hearing on the proposed adoption of new rules to establish the Moʻomomi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) on Molokai’s northwestern coast. The goal of the CBSFA is to establish a marine managed area to maintain sustainable long-term harvest of key subsistence fish stocks and to reaffirm traditional and customary native Hawaiian subsistence fishing practices.

Brian Neilson, Administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) said, “This innovative option of an online hearing, especially with the spike in coronavirus infections, provides a safe and appropriate physical distancing for DLNR/DAR to hear from everyone regarding these important nearshore marine resources.…

Can a CBSFA Bring Us Together?

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

Opinion By Eric Co

To support a Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) at Mo’omomi for me is not an effort to disrespect those who oppose it. Despite the issues, we are still neighbors, friends, and family who all want to do right by this island, even if we disagree on the right way to do it.

Especially now, in this heightened time of vulnerability and uncertainty, we recognize how reliant we are on our resources. Our fisheries in particular are Hawaii’s greatest source of protein. This is an important moment to consider how we will ensure their sustainability now and for future generations.…

Honoring the Fallen

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

Honoring the Fallen

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Molokai’s Staff Sgt Kimoha’e Puailihau and fellow National Guardsmen currently deployed on Molokai placed flags at the Ho’olehua Veterans Cemetery on Memorial Day May 25.

The service of the seven members of the Hawaii National Guard has been extended on Molokai, potentially until the end of June, dependent on instructions from Mayor Victorino, said Puailihau.…

Impacts of COVID-19 Among Native Hawaiians

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020

By Dr. Landon Opunui, ND

The United Nations has warned indigenous populations that they may be at a disproportionately high risk of being impacted by COVID-19 because of preexisting health inequalities.

Across the nation, there is strong evidence showing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI), defined as people having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Guam or other Pacific Islands, are at greater risk of being infected and of having severe symptoms compared to other United States racial populations including African American, Asian, Latino and Caucasian.

This should raise alarms for the island of Molokai as it has the highest number of Native Hawaiians per capita of all the Hawaiian Islands, excluding Niʻihau.…

Research Your Family Tree from Home

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020

HSPLS News Release

Through May 31, the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) is able to offer access to Ancestry Library Edition from home with just a library card.

Molokai library cardholders can access the Ancestry Library Edition to get census, vital data records, directories, and photos for those doing research on their family tree. During the COVID-19 crisis, Ancestry Library Edition is offering temporary remote access to cardholders while libraries remain closed to the public.

“We are so happy that the Hawaii State Public Library System can provide access to this rich genealogical research tool from home. It’s really amazing when you can see a photo of a written census that your grandmother was part of when she was 9, and find clues to other family members,” said State Librarian, Stacey A.…

Register for Online Keiki Program

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

Register for Online Keiki Program

By Kumu Maile Naehu

Finally! Ka Hale Hoaka is open for registration! The Keiki Program, level 1, taught by Kumu Maile Naehu, will introduce olelo, mele, mo’olelo, oli, weekly worksheets and activities related to the lessons! It’s a 16 online session class that runs for eight weeks. Once you register for the program you will not only get lifetime access to the keiki program — which is perfect for beginning learners of all ages, but you will also be able to access the seven sessions that I just completed. So that’s 23 lessons for $97! We also have a three-payment plan option.…