Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

HHA Scholarship Supports High School Seniors

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

HHA Scholarship Supports High School Seniors

Two Molokai high school seniors are $1,000 closer to their future educational goals.

The Ho’olehua Homesteaders Associations (HHA) scholarship fundraiser celebrated scholarship recipients Ohi’aku Makaila’olu Ritte Camara Tangonan and Kamalua Arce at their fundraiser last Friday.

Established back in the 1980s by Evangeline Bush and the late Winona Kaawa, the HHA’s scholarships are intended for any high school senior who lives in the Ho’olehua area code for post-high school studies.

The scholarship fundraiser likewise recognized Bush, Kaawa and current DHHL Commissioner Zachary Helm “for all the hana done for our homesteaders,” explained HHA Treasurer Lu Ann Faborito.

Homesteading can be financially difficult, explained Faborito.…

May Day 2024

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

May Day 2024

For Molokai schools, the month of May means May Day. Students from across the island practiced for weeks, learning hula, mele, oli and more in honor of the aloha spirit. While celebrations vary from school to school, all include the Royal Court procession with students donning specific colors, clothes and lei representing each Hawaiian island. Typically, each grade will have a performance, along with special ceremonies by the King and Queen and their courts.
Photos from Molokai High School, Kualapu’u and Kilohana are included above, with more from Kaunakakai and Mauanloa Schools to follow later in the month.…

Kruze Cruises to National Finals

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Kruze Cruises to National Finals

A freshman at Molokai High School (MHS) is headed to the International Science and Engineering Fair. Kruze Lani earned a spot in the finals, which will be held in Los Angeles, by securing second place at last month’s Hawaii state competition.

Kruze’s project is a “comparative analysis on water conservation and plant growth efficacy,” he explained. The project examined differences between traditional watering methods and a wicking bed.

“The main thing I was researching was which one would grow the plants better and save water, especially because we live on Molokai,” said Kruze.

He was inspired by a workshop he took at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Molokai extension office, which experimented with wicking beds.…

Robotics Awarded at World Championship

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Robotics Awarded at World Championship

Molokai High School (MHS) robotics concluded their memorable season with a trip to Dallas, Texas to compete in the Vex Robotics World Championship. Of the 820 robotics teams from across the world, the MHS robotics team was honored with the 2024 Vex Community Award. Sponsored by Google, the award recognized the MHS team for their contributions towards supporting the larger Molokai robotics landscape.

Coach Edwin Mendija explained that judges were “really impressed, just knowing how limited in resources we are.”

Mendija and the MHS team had helped restart robotics on Molokai following COVID. Mendija explained that the MHS students helped Molokai elementary schools gear up for robotics competitions by providing parts, training and funding.…

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Record Setting Keiki and Teen Fest

There was fun for youth of all ages last Saturday as Molokai celebrated Keiki and Teen Fest, put on by the Molokai Community Action Team. This year’s event featured a record number of booths and pre-registered participants.

The event is held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, explained Tylor Tanaka, one of the event organizers.

“Keiki Fest is a place where we can foster that connection with the families,” said Tanaka.

Tanaka explained that the Community Action Team uses games and booths to teach kids and parents about child abuse prevention resources, rather than just pass out a flyer.…

Volleyball Named Regular Season Champs

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Volleyball Named Regular Season Champs

In a stunning display of skill, the Molokai Boys Volleyball team continued their remarkable run by securing commanding victories over Lanai. This past Friday, the matchup saw Molokai triumph 3-1 with scores of 25-13, 25-17, and 25-12. Lanai fought hard and won the third set with a score of 21-25.

Molokai continued their winning streak with Lanai on Saturday. Lanai struggled to keep pace with Molokai’s relentless offensive onslaught, with Molokai winning 25-12, 25-10, and 25-20. Molokai’s cohesive teamwork and strategic plays were evident throughout the match, highlighting their status as a formidable force in the league.

With this victory, Molokai extended their undefeated streak to an impressive 8-0, earning their position as the regular season champions.…

Softball Senior Day, Volleyball Clinches Title

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Softball Senior Day, Volleyball Clinches Title

The Lady Farmers took on Hana in two games this past weekend. As the last home games of the season, the Molokai seniors were celebrated after Saturday’s game. On Friday, the Farmers’ offense exploded for a 25-10 win. Natalia Pastrana hit a grand slam, with Pi’i Victorino launching two home runs and earning the win for the pitching staff.

Saturday’s game featured more of the same, with the Farmers securing a 23-7 win over Hana and a 3-1 division record. Victorino smashed two more home runs in the emphatic victory.

On March 29 and 30, the Farmers boys volleyball team defeated Seabury Hall 3-0 and 3-2, capping off a perfect 6-0 record for the season.…

Victory for Youth Soccer

Friday, April 5th, 2024

Victory for Youth Soccer

Molokai keiki athletes can now compete off-island in soccer thanks to the establishment of travel teams for both girls and boys.

On March 23-24, Molokai girls competed in the 12 and under Kirk Banks Tournament on Oahu. The team, coached by Kathy Puhi and Naomi Bicoy, dominated their opposition, winning 7-0, 6-0, 6-0 in tournament play against West Oahu and Pearl City. They went on to win the championship game by a score of 4-1. Kaiolohia Puhi, Qarah Torres Umi Napoleon and Zoey Place led the offensive charge for the girls with multiple goals over the four games.

The other Molokai travel team, a new 12 and under team made up of boys and girls coached by Sam Westcoat, Andrew Valyo and Ryan Link, also had a chance to show their talents off-island.…

Celebrating the 8th Graders

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

Celebrating the 8th Graders

As Molokai’s eighth graders walked into the cafeteria, they couldn’t help but smile. Their parents had been hard at work, transforming the space into a dramatic night sky for the annual Eighth Grade Banquet.

Kui Adolpho, a parent as well as member of the parent planning committee, explained that the parents wanted the night “to feel a little more special.”

“We’re celebrating that they are getting older,” said Adolpho. “Getting the opportunity to dress up, it’s different for Molokai kids. They don’t really get that opportunity that much.”

The banquet, on Saturday March 16, started with a dinner, followed by ice breaker games and then a DJ.…

Future Fest 2024

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Future Fest 2024

Molokai High School recently hosted an inspiring event, Future Fest 2024, aimed at guiding students towards their collegiate and career aspirations. Taking place on Friday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event provided an immersive experience for students to explore various pathways to success.

This year’s Future Fest featured a diverse range of workshops, from Homeland Security and the Secret Service to Ho’ahu Energy and Puu O Hoku Ranch, with workshops alongside the traditional college and career fair. These workshops were carefully curated to offer students hands-on opportunities to delve into their areas of interest and craft actionable plans for their post-high school endeavors.…