Environment

Go Slow, Whales Below

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

By The Molokai Dispatch staff

Each winter, more than 10,000 humpback whales migrate from the frigid Alaskan waters to the warmer, tropical waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Once here, they breed, nurse their calves and raise their young before returning to the North Pacific. 

“As koholā, or humpback whale, season reaches its peak in Hawaiʻi, the Go Slow – Whales Below initiative urges mariners to be mindful and exercise caution when out on the ocean, for the safety of the whales and everyone on the water,” the state Department of Land and Natural Resources states in a recent news release.

Most of the koholā migrations are between December and April, but there are whale sightings as early as October.…

Program Engages Groups for Cleaner Shores, Ocean

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

An ocean-cleanup program at the Hawaii Marine Animal Response-Molokai is only on its sophomore year, but it is already making a big splash on Molokai’s shores and surrounding waters.

HMAR Molokai’s Marine Debris Program, on its second year, continues to successfully remove marine debris from the island’s shorelines by partnering and engaging with established organizations and networks already caring for Molokai’s resources. This includes ongoing organized cleanups with some of the island’s largest landowners, fishpond groups and most recently, with a youth bodyboarding team. 

“There are two great things going on here. We are recognizing and supporting our amazing people who are already committing their lives to our shorelines.…

The Beetle Stops Here: Interim Rule Against CRB Approved

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

State officials added an important layer of protection against the threat of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Molokai, the last of the major Hawaiian Islands where the invasive pest has not been detected yet. 

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity voted unanimously Sept. 23 to recommend adoption of a year-long ban on landscaping and some construction materials entering Molokai from other islands. The moratorium went into the effect the following day. 

“It’s a battle that we have to win when it comes to attack on our canoe crops (and) our indigenous plants,” U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said after meeting with Molokai/Maui Invasive Species Committee coordinator Lori Buchanan the same day the interim rule was approved.…

Molokai ‘Ulu Fest 

Friday, September 19th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

The Molokai ‘Ulu Fest last week celebrated the versatility of this highly productive, climate-resilient starchy fruit that grows on trees and is considered one of the most productive crops on Earth.

“The intention behind the event is to celebrate all things ʻulu,” ʻĀina Momona event coordinator Mercy Ritte said.

A couple hundred people came to Molokai Community Health Center Saturday morning to the event highlighting ‘ulu, also known as breadfruit. Just like in past events hosted by ʻĀina Momona, the focus is on food security, food sovereignty and food independence, always highlighting traditional and locally grown foods, Ritte said.…

ʻOlena, Lemonade and Learning: Maunaloa’s Taste of Nourishment

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Community Contributed
Kristina Cacpal, Farm to School UH CTAHR

The scent of fresh herbs and citrus filled the air as fifth and sixth grade haumana from Kumu Wendy Espaniola’s class proudly presented their value-added products at the third quarter Mala Hoʻike. With a theme of nourishment, the event highlighted student creativity, cultural connection, and hands-on learning through a special partnership with Farm to School.
The young learners began their school year with a clear goal: to grow, study, and transform herbs from their mala (garden) into value-added products to share with their school and wider community. Throughout the year, they diligently cared for a vibrant selection of herbs including ʻolena (turmeric), lemongrass, basil, rosemary, and dill.…

Honoring Earth Day

Thursday, April 24th, 2025

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

One of the most attended events on Molokai, the annual Earth Day celebrations, took place last Friday, April 18, at the Mitchell Pauole Center. Approximately 1,000 Molokai residents came through to check out over 30 exhibits along with music, food and a celebration of the Malama Kuleana Honua award.

The long running tradition celebrated 31 years of Earth Day on Molokai, explained Allyson Durkin, program coordinator for The Nature Conservancy and organizer of Friday’s event.

Earth Day on Molokai “is unique,” said Durkin. “We hope you walk away with something that you can implement into your own life.”…