News Releases

Surveying Residents About Top Community Needs

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) is seeking the community’s help in identifying Maui County’s top community needs as the Community Action Agency embarks on a process to develop a three-year plan to tackle those needs.
The survey of the general public and stakeholders is an initial step as MEO creates a Community Action Plan for 2027-30.
The Community Needs Assessment Survey can be found at forms.gle/uq57oVKrHpHcKUvx8. The deadline to receive the surveys is June 25.
MEO was established 60 years ago through the American Opportunity Act, part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. The agency is one of more than a thousand Community Action Agencies across the nation (and four in Hawaii) formed to tackle poverty.…

Molokai High School 2025 Graduation

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Molokai High School News Release

The Class of 2025 will be honored through a traditional ceremony on Friday, May 23 at 4 p.m. in the Molokai High School gymnasium. The community will be invited to join in-person or via livestream online on Akaku, channel 54, the Akaku app called “Maui Stream”, akaku.org, as well as the Maui/Molokai Akaku Facebook pages.

At the gymnasium, the doors will open at 3 p.m. and close at 3:55 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes for the graduate processional. Please be inside and seated prior to 3:55 p.m.

There are no COVID-19 restrictions, however, there are no signs, tubes, balloons, or air horns allowed in the gym.…

Axis Deer Control

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

DLNR News Release
Axis deer continue to negatively impact Maui Nui forested watersheds, agricultural land and population centers. To combat these problems, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting eligible private landowners and lessees to apply to the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to achieve appropriate, sustainable population levels.
This program aims to incentivize landowners on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai to increase the number of axis deer removed from their properties and enhance protection efforts for the state’s threatened natural and agricultural resources. Applicants awarded a contract will be eligible to receive up to $50 for each qualifying deer tail presented.…

Share Your Manaʻo for Molokai’s Economic Future

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Solutions Pacific News Release

Molokai residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders are invited to participate in a survey that will look deeper into the business landscape today and explore community-driven economic opportunities for the future. The survey aims to identify and learn from businesses on Molokai, gather insights from community members, and get input into how economic development and growth on Molokai can align with the values and aspirations of her people. The survey project is funded by the County of Maui and will provide decision-makers, including business and nonprofit leaders on Molokai, with important insights and information. Your survey responses can empower actions that improve well-being for all of Molokai.…

Cybersecurity Camp for Students and Teachers

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

University of Hawaii News Release

The University of Hawaii is calling on students and teachers across the state to register for the highly anticipated 2025 GenCyber camps. These camps provide exciting, hands-on opportunities to develop valuable cybersecurity skills. Space is limited.
GenCyber is a program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation that offers free cybersecurity camps for students and teachers nationwide. Since 2015, UH has hosted 44 student camps engaging more than 1,000 middle and high school students, and more than 25 teacher camps training more than 750 educators across the state.
“GenCyber camps are an excellent way for students to learn about exciting skills and careers they can pursue in college, and teachers learn techniques and content they can teach students in the classroom or in after-school programs,” said Jodi Ito, UH chief information security officer.…

April Police Summary

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Molokai Police Department News Release

During the month of April, the Molokai Police Department responded to 415 calls for service. Top three calls for service were for abuse of a family household member, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Officers also generated 246 cases, issued 108 traffic citations, and arrested 26 individuals for a total of 48 charges. Some of the most notable cases included a motor vehicle theft on the west end and burglary on the east end.…

Pescaia Receives Lifetime Education Achievement Award, Part Two

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Aka’ula School News Release

Miki’ala Pescaia is the recipient of Aka’ula School’s 2025 Lifetime Education Achievement Award. Below is an interview with Pescaia discussing her education, influences and beliefs. This is part two of the interview. Part one ran in last week’s issue of The Molokai Dispatch.
Aka`ula School (AS): Was there a school teacher who through his/her philosophy showed you that education does not have to be four walls and textbooks? A favorite saying of that teacher?
Miki`ala Pescaia (MP): Kumu Moke Kim was my 7th grade kumu that became a hanai dad to me. He didn’t do anything by the book.…

Free Wifi Now Offered at Molokai Airport

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Hawaii Department of Transportation News Release

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) recently announced that free Wi-Fi is now available at Molokai Airport (MKK). Service through Hawaiian Telcom began April 17 and is available throughout the terminal.
The fiber optic network infrastructure was installed through HDOT’s HI Connect pilot project, which improved broadband infrastructure along roads in Kalihi, Puna, Ka‘u, Nanakuli, Wai‘anae, Makaha and Kapa‘a. The Hawaiian Telcom 1G fiber network can accommodate video streaming and downloads by multiple users.
“Air travel is a necessity for Molokai residents to access medical care and other resources,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “Access to free internet while waiting for flights can help make these essential trips more efficient and comfortable.…

70s Decade Bash, It’s a Party!

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

70s Decade Bash Committee News Release

There will be a 70s Decade Bash taking place at the Mitchell Pauole Center on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. All students who not only graduated from Molokai High School in the 70s, but also for those who grew up here on Molokai but went away for high school and graduated in the 70’s are included. This would be for the graduating classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979.
There will be a catered dinner followed by a night of 70s music and dancing!…