News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Flagbook Classes with Tamara Moan

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Paʻa Printmakers News Release

Paʻa Printmaking Studio is offering workshops on July 18 and 19 to teach Flagbook making using Turkish folding techniques.
Participants will learn stencil-making and pop-up techniques from Oahu artist Tamara Moan. The class, held at the Paʻa Printmakers studio at 201 Ala Malama Avenue, will offer step-by-step instructions on how to create a book full of imagery with space to add poetry, a story or a letter to a friend.
Pa’a Printmakers: a hui for Molokai makers, is a creative space for local artists to learn and hone printmaking skills. Community programs at the studio include open studio time and printmaking workshops by local and visiting artists.…

Election Announced for Vacant Senate Seat

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Office of Elections News Release 

Following the retirement of Senator Michelle Kidani on June 30, the Office of Elections has issued a proclamation announcing the vacancy election for Senate District 18. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 17-3(b)(3), the vacancy will be filled at the 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026.

All qualified political parties have till 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, to submit their nominee. For nonpartisan candidates, applicants also must submit their Nomination Paper by September 4 at the Office of Elections. In the event there is more than one nonpartisan candidate, a drawing to determine the candidate that will appear on the 2026 General Election ballot will be held at 5:00 PM on September 4.…

UH Launches New Funding for Ecological, Cultural Stewardship

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

UH Launches New Funding for Ecological, Cultural Stewardship

UH News Release

The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is launching a historic $7 million community funding opportunity through the Pili Nā Moku project to support community-led efforts that care for ʻāina, strengthen cultural and ecological stewardship, and build resilient communities across Hawaiʻi.
This funding initiative will invest in projects focused on five moku (district) and hui (group of) moku: Kona Kauaʻi, Waiʻanae (Oʻahu), Molokaʻi, Central Maui and Kohala (Hawaiʻi Island). Up to $1.4 million is available within each moku/hui to support projects that reflect community-identified priorities and advance long-term resilience.
Pili Nā Moku is a project dedicated to reinvigorating the moku system (a framework for traditional Hawaiian land tenure and biocultural stewardship) by investing in ʻāina restoration and governance practices that balance local knowledge and stewardship with centralized decision-making.…

Molokai Student Awarded Nursing Scholarship

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Molokai Student Awarded Nursing Scholarship

AlohaCare News Release

The AlohaCare Foundation awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 12 students across six islands pursuing careers in health or social services. The funds may be used for tuition, books, supplies, and fees including certification, testing and course costs. 

“What you see in this year’s recipients is a genuine commitment to uplifting the health of Hawaii,” said Francoise Culley-Trotman, President of the AlohaCare Foundation Board of Directors. “They are training to become the nurses, therapists and advocates for their communities. Their dedication to serve the islands they call home is what drives our Foundation’s work and we’re proud to support them.” …

Community Feedback Needed to Shape Aging Services

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Office on Aging News Release

The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns Office on Aging is inviting community members to share their input on aging services, which will help shape future services and resources for older adults, caregivers and their families across Maui Nui. 

“The voices of our community are essential to shaping a stronger, more age-friendly Maui County,” County Executive on Aging Rowena Dagdag-Andaya said. “Every perspective shared helps us better understand the needs of our kūpuna, caregivers and families. By listening and learning from those we serve, we can direct resources where they will have the greatest impact and create a community where everyone can age with dignity, connection and support.” …

July 4th Fireworks Information from Maui Fire Department

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

 Maui Fire Department News Release


The County of Maui’s Department of Fire and Public Safety announce the sale of July 4th fireworks beginning on Monday, June 29, 2026, and ending on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. A fireworks permit is not required during designated times (see below) for consumer fireworks such as sparklers, snakes, and cylindrical or cone fountains, which emit effects not higher than 12 feet off the ground. 

Retail stores will not sell firecrackers for this holiday; therefore, Firecracker Permits will not be available for purchase at these stores. The Maui Fire Department also would like to remind residents that fireworks can only be legally set off from 1 p.m.…

AARP Commits $139,200 to Strengthen Communities

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

AARP Commits $139,200 to Strengthen Communities

AARP News Release

AARP is awarding five grants totaling $57,000 to improve communities on Maui, part of $139,000 given to 12 organizations throughout Hawai‘i through the AARP Livable Communities 2026 Community Challenge grant program.
Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes.…

MHS State Winners Head to National Educators Rising Conference

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

MHS Educators Rising News Release

Four talented Molokai High School (MHS) Educators Rising (EdRising) state winners departed Molokai on June 1, to showcase their skills on the national stage. Kealaula Pali, Kruz Lani, Leila Pereira and Mark Ragonton are traveling to Portland, Oregon, to compete in the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, running from June 20–23.

The students earned their spots after a stellar performance at Hawaii’s first in-person Educators Rising State Conference and Competition, held on February 5 – 6, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education.

Educators Rising is a vital national program active in 42 states.…

Bissen Bringing Holomua Kakou back to Molokai

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokai on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 as part of his ongoing effort to take county government directly to Maui County’s rural communities.

“Holomua Kākou is about ensuring every community — no matter how rural or remote — has meaningful access to county services, information and the people responsible for serving them,” Bissen said. “This effort reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they are and listening to what matters most to them.”

Bissen will host a community talk story from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria, 30 Ailoa St.,…

Common Cause Hawaii Hosts Town Hall

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Common Cause Hawaii News Release

Common Cause Hawaiʻi will host a town hall on Tuesday, June 30th from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Molokai Public Library (15 Ala Malama Ave.). This gathering is an opportunity to come together, stay informed and share your voice. State Director for Common Cause Hawaiʻi, Camron Hurt, will discuss highlights from the recent legislative session, provide updates on flood impacts and relief efforts and open the floor for community questions, concerns and ideas.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy.  The organization works at every level of government on priorities that impact each of our lives.…