News Releases

‘Maui Nui First’ Website to Feature Free Listings for Holidays

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

OED News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development invites Maui County businesses to be featured in its 2025 Maui Nui Holiday Deals campaign on https://www.MauiNuiFirst.com. 

This initiative offers an opportunity for businesses based on Molokai, Lānai and Maui to share their holiday offerings and engage with residents and visitors looking to shop local this season.

Beginning in late November and continuing through Dec. 31, MauiNuiFirst.com and its social media channels will spotlight holiday promotions from Maui County businesses. Participation is free and provides added exposure during the peak holiday shopping period. 

“This campaign is about uplifting the small businesses that strengthen our communities,” OED director Jade Rojas-Letisi said.…

New Reforestation Effort Begins at ʻAikoʻolua in Kamalō

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

Ka Ipu Makani News Release

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center has officially launched the Kīpuka Kamalō Reforestation Project, a community-led effort to reforest 12 acres of ʻāina at ʻAikoʻolua within the Kamalō Ahupuaʻa. The project seeks to restore ecological and cultural health to one of East Molokaʻi’s most degraded landscapes, addressing soil erosion and sedimentation that have long impacted nearshore fisheries and reefs.

A Hoʻolaʻa ʻĀina (land dedication and blessing ceremony) was held in early November, bringing together an intimate group of partners, as well as kupuna and descendants of Kamalō. The blessing was conducted by Kahu Jimmy Duvauchelle, who offered pule and words of guidance as participants came together to honor the ʻāina and set intentions for the restoration work ahead.…

Metal Forging Lecture in Kualapuʻu by Artist Lisa Geertsen

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

MAC News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen guest artist Lisa Geertsen will present a slide presentation and lecture about her creative perspective on metal crafts. This lecture is free and open to the public and is being held Friday, Nov. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the Molokai Art Center at 1630 Farrington Ave, Kualapuʻu.

Geertsen is an artist blacksmith from Seattle, Washington, and the owner of Firelight Forge, which she has operated since 2007 creating custom architectural and sculptural work. She is currently an instructional technician in sculpture at the University of Washington.

She earned her BFA in sculpture from West Virginia University in 1997, and her MFA in Blacksmithing and Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University in 2023. …

November Wildfire Safety Tip

Thursday, November 13th, 2025

HWMO News Release

Wildfire safety tip from Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization: Clear out dead leaves and plant debris lodged between your home’s siding and the ground as well as from under your homes. 

Visit hwmo.org for more wildfire preparedness information.…

Who Are Molokai’s Future Farmers?

Thursday, November 13th, 2025

Molokai Bahá’í Community News Release

The Global Citizenship Speaker series resumes at the Molokai Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. This presentation features Molokai youth sharing their manaʻo about the future of farming on Molokai. 

All around the world, the average age of farmers is going up, and few young people are taking up farming. But today, youth on Molokai, including those in the Molokai Homestead Youth Council, Hui Meaʻai Culinary Club, Molokai High School Future Farmers of America, the 4-H Club, and Molokai High School Youth Entrepreneurs are exploring ways to get involved in Molokai’s food system.…

Molokai Community Does Great Job in Wildfire Preparedness Efforts

Thursday, November 6th, 2025

HWMO News Release

Look what Molokai Communities accomplished in 2025 with technical and financial support from the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization’s Firewise Communities Program, funded through a grant from the American Red Cross. 

Nāʻiwa removed one acre of dry brush and shrub to clear their main access roadway in case of evacuations. Twelve families assisted in removing over 20 cubic yards of flammable vegetation, consisting mostly of invasive haole koa. 

Kalamaʻula cleared over 200 cubic yards and contributed 100 hours of volunteer work to reduce the risk of wildfire for 124 homes, eight churches, seven businesses, and two preschools. 

Paniolo Hale maintained a fire apparatus road that doubles as a fire break and removed wildfire hazards.…

OHCRA Donates $10K to Molokai High, Middle Schools

Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools News Release

Established in 1952, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to perpetuating the rich heritage of Hawaiian canoe racing.

OHCRA is the organizer of the Nā Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe (Molokai to Oahu) canoe races across the Kaiwi Channel. Both events are regarded as among the most famous and most challenging outrigger canoe events in the world. More than 2,000 canoe paddlers from around the globe come to compete in the annual 41-mile event from Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai to Waikiki Beach on Oahu.…

MEO Head Start Preschool Remains Open

Thursday, November 6th, 2025

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start preschool classrooms on Maui and Molokai are not currently impacted by the federal government shutdown and will remain open.

While some of our Head Start partners have had to close due to funding issues, MEO’s Head Start operates on a different program year, June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, explained MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe. This means that MEO Head Start is funded for the current school year.

“MEO would like our Head Start parents and the community to know that our preschool program remains open,” Cabebe said. “This is not the case for some communities across the nation, forcing families to scramble to secure childcare or to stay home from work.…