Island Youth

Aka’ula’s Big Night

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

On a windy Saturday night in Kaunakakai, Aka’ula School hosted their Ku Ka Lau Lama fundraiser for the first time since 2019 at the Molokai Community Health Center. Well-dressed students transformed into waiters and entertainers for the night for their families and community supporters as artwork, coolers, crossbows and more were auctioned off to the crowd.

Proceeds from the event went to support the financial aid program for the fifth through 12th grade private school, according to Victoria Newberry, an administrator at the school.

In addition to the general fundraiser, attendees could contribute specific “giving tree” gifts to students. These included art supplies, school materials, ceramics classes, water polo clinics and more.…

Youth in Aviation

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Twelve Molokai youth recently had a chance to begin their journey towards a career in aviation. Molokai’s own Hikili’i Chow, a commercial pilot, led the charge leading a Youth in Aviation program last weekend through the Aloft nonprofit.

“The main goal is to introduce kids to many different aviation jobs,” said Chow. During the three-day camp, kids had flight lessons, met air traffic controllers, firefighters, mechanics, pilots and more.

“When you look at these aviation jobs, not many of them are filled by Molokai people,” explained Chow.

Chow, a 2017 graduate from Molokai High School (MHS), has flown for Lanai Air for four years after a year and a half with Mokulele.…

Robotics on the Rise

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga | Editor

Buoyed by a new, permanent home, the Molokai High School (MHS) robotics team is ready to compete at the highest levels. 

The robotics team had shuffled around locations in recent years before landing at the Vocational Shop and Agriculture Building, Building H. Last year, the club was located in the cafeteria but suffered break-ins and vandalism of equipment. Now, the club has access to work benches, computer stations, and a permanent practice field for robotics competitions. 

“I think with our new space we can do a lot more now. We can leave equipment out and leave our power tools out,” explained Robotics Coach Edwin Mendija. …

Culinary Club Shines at Statewide Contest

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga | Editor 

For the second straight year, Molokai High School (MHS) Culinary Club placed in the top two at the prestigious Localicious Recipe Contest at the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival. This year, senior Aiko Kanemitsu took second place at the cooking event. 

Out of 127 high school competitors statewide, Kanemitsu was one of three finalists chosen. The finalists competed in a cook-off style contest on Oct. 28 at the Bishop Museum. Accompanying Kanemitsu were four other MHS students who had participated in the preliminary competition as well. 

The theme for this year’s contest was what type of dish you would like to see in school lunches.…