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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Summer Meals for Youth

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Do you have children and want to take advantage of free meals over the summer? Do you have a student who relies on school meals to stay fed? Even though school is out of session for the summer, free grab and go meals will be available at four school locations across the island, for all Molokai youth aged 1 to 18, regardless of school enrollment status.

The meals will be provided by Kualapu’u School from June 7 to July 16. Meal pick up sites and times are Kilohana Elementary School between 11:45 and 12 noon, Kaunakakai Elementary School between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m.,…

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Molokai Water Use and Development Plan

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

Townscape News Release

Please join us for a Hoʻolauna Meeting, the first community meeting to discuss the Molokai Water Use and Development Plan, on Wednesday, June 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The State of Hawaii Water Code requires each county to develop a Water Use and Development Plan and Maui County has chosen to develop separate plans for Molokai, Lanai and Maui to better address the unique needs of each island. The Molokai Water Use and Development Plan will analyze the island’s water resources and project how future water needs will be met.

The Water Use and Development Plan for the island of Molokai is being updated in a collaboration of Townscape, Inc.,…

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‘Ohana by Hawaiian Not Returning

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

‘Ohana by Hawaiian Not Returning

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

‘Ohana by Hawaiian, which had temporarily suspended flights to Molokai in January, announced it is permanently closing operations. The passenger service previously offered flights between Honolulu and Molokai and Lanai, as well as cargo service.

Hawaiian Airlines cited a severe decline in travel demand from the COVID-19 pandemic and state and county quarantine measures triggering a labor provision that led to the temporary suspension of passenger and cargo flights early this year. Hawaiian representatives said the company decided to permanently end service following an in-depth assessment of the overall operation and its long-term viability.

“This is a heartbreaking decision, particularly for those of us who were involved in launching the business in 2014,” said Peter Ingram, president and CEO at Hawaiian Airlines.…

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2 Molokai Seals Dead from ‘Human-Inflicted Trauma’

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

2 Molokai Seals Dead from ‘Human-Inflicted Trauma’

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Two endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals were found dead on the west end of Molokai on April 27, and state and federal officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Post-mortem exam results indicate that both seals died as a result of “human-inflicted trauma,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last week.

There was no indication of disease or other health concerns, officials reported, and both seals were sighted the previous week appearing to be in good health.

The 4-year-old male seal known as RJ08 and 3-year-old female, RK92, were both born on Molokai and were known to spend time on Molokai’s west side.…

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Hawaiian Electric Urges Hurricane Preparedness

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

The 2021 Central Pacific hurricane season starts on June 1 and Hawaiian Electric is advising customers, both residential and commercial, to be prepared and have emergency plans in place.

Hawaiian Electric crews work year-round to harden the company’s five island grids so they are better able to withstand the effects of powerful storms. A major focus of Hawaiian Electric’s efforts to build resilience involves reinforcing poles, lines and other equipment. The utility also spent $18 million in 2020 to clear trees and vegetation from around power lines and equipment, resulting in fewer and briefer outages during storms.…

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OHA Awards Nonprofit Grants

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

OHA News Release

A Molokai program is among 14 nonprofit organizations statewide that received grant awards from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs totaling $1.25 million that will support the Native Hawaiian community through its new ‘Ohana and Community Program Grants. The funding is intended to help reinforce and strengthen Native Hawaiians’ ‘ohana (family), moʻomeheu (culture) and ʻaina (land and water).

On Molokai, Maui Family Support Services, Inc., is awarded $41,199 for their “Ho‘owaiwai Kaiaulu Project – Molokai” to provide a continuum of programs to strengthen the physical and mental wellbeing of Native Hawaiian ‘ohana and keiki, to increase their social and emotional competence, and improve ‘ohana strengths and resilience.…

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Rent and Electric Bill Assistance

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

With the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment set to end May 31 for Hawaiian Electric customers, Molokai renters behind on utility bills are urged to seek financial help through new county program. Millions of dollars in federal assistance to households behind on rent and electric bills are now available through the County of Maui.

Disconnections for nonpayment and collections activities have been suspended for more than a year as part of Hawaiian Electric’s effort to help households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium, set by the Public Utilities Commission, is scheduled to end on May 31.…

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‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

DDCF News Release

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) announced that Molokai organization ‘Aina Momona is among five organizations selected nationwide that will receive general operating grants totaling $1.5 million through the foundation’s new Building an Inclusive Conservation Movement Program. These five Black, Indigenous and people of color-led conservation organizations will each receive $300,000 in funding over three years in recognition of and contribution to the pivotal leadership roles they play in developing culturally driven and community-centered conservation work that builds more positive outcomes for biodiversity, nature and people.

“We are excited to support these bold and impactful organizations with flexible funding to help advance their goals,” said Sacha Spector, program director for the environment at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.…

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19-Person Plane Starting Service This Fall

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

19-Person Plane Starting Service This Fall

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Come this fall, a larger plane will once again be servicing Molokai travelers. Mokulele’s parent company, Southern Airways, will be bringing in a 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 aircraft to offer two roundtrips to Honolulu from Molokai and Lanai most weekdays initially, the airline announced.

Tickets will be available starting this summer to begin service in the fall, pending the approval of the Dept. of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration.

The pressurized, twin-engine turboprop aircraft will allow kupuna and those with limited mobility greater ease in boarding and moving in the cabin, said Mokulele Chief Marketing Officer Keith Sisson.…

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Hawaiian Electric Celebrates a Century With Nonprofit Donations

Thursday, May 6th, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

In commemoration of 100 years of serving its customers and communities on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, Hawaiian Electric is recognizing 21 nonprofit organizations across the county with a total contribution of over $11,000. The company’s employees nominated the organizations to receive donations for their impactful and positive efforts in the areas of community resilience, environmental sustainability, and educational excellence. On Molokai, Molokai Community Service Council and Molokai Land Trust both received $1,000.

“We’re celebrating our century of service with a reflection of our employee’s long-standing commitment to supporting our communities and customers,” said Mahina Martin, director of government and community affairs for Hawaiian Electric in Maui County.…

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