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News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Island Energy Services Ends Partnership with Rawlins Service

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Island Energy News Release

Island Energy Services announced the conclusion of its fuel supply partnership with Rawlins Service in Kaunakakai, Molokai effective April 9, 2026. The transition follows Rawlins Enterprises Inc.’s recent announcement that founding matriarch Aunty Shirley Rawlins will step back from day-to-day operations after 67 years of family stewardship, a milestone that IES recognizes with deep respect and admiration.

For more than 50 years, IES has been honored to serve as the fuel supplier for Rawlins Service, one of Molokaʻi’s most enduring and beloved businesses. That partnership has been grounded in shared values: dependable service, integrity, and genuine commitment to the people of Molokai.…

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HECO Using Drones as Wildfire Tools

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

HECO News Release

As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric will begin this month using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas throughout Molokai. Inspections will continue through May 2026. The drones play a critical role in the inspection process in Maui County, and on Hawaii Island and Oahu as the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.

On Molokai, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Cyberhawk to conduct drone inspections alongside the company’s own staff. Inspections typically will be conducted weekdays between 7:30 a.m.…

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Green Authorizes Relief for Storm-Impacted Taxpayers

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

DOTAX News Release

Gov. Josh Green has authorized the state Department of Taxation to provide relief to eligible impacted local residents and businesses from the filing and payment deadline for state income taxes to July 20, 2026 from April 20, 2026.

“People’s lives were turned upside down and activity at businesses in some cases came to a screeching halt with the recent Kona Low storms,” Green said. “For many local residents and business owners, there is no doubt that paperwork vital to filing state tax returns would have been badly damaged or destroyed. It will take our local people and impacted businesses time to gather the information needed to complete their tax filings.…

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Green Secures IRS Extension for Storm-Affected Residents, Businesses

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

DOTAX News Release

Resulting from a request for disaster relief by Governor Josh Green, the Internal Revenue Service has announced federal tax relief for individuals and businesses in Hawaiʻi affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides during the recent state-declared Kona-Low disaster that began on March 10, 2026. 

Residents and owners of businesses in the federally declared Hawaiʻi severe storms disaster area, which includes the counties of Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui, now have until July 8, 2026, to file federal tax returns and make tax payments that were originally due on or after March 10, 2026.

“I am pleased and grateful that our request for a federal disaster declaration could also bring relief to Hawaiʻi taxpayers,” Green said.…

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New Chapter for Longtime Molokai Station

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

New Chapter for Longtime Molokai Station

Aloha Petroleum News Release

After more than 60 years serving the Molokai community, Rawlins Service has entered a new chapter, with operations transitioning this week to Aloha Petroleum.

The change comes after careful consideration by the Rawlins ʻohana, who have operated the station for generations. While Aloha Petroleum will take over day-to-day operations, the Rawlins family will retain the land lease.

“This was not a quick decision,” said Shirley Rawlins. “We took our time to find the right partner, someone who understands the importance of this station to Molokai and will continue to serve the community the right way.”

Maintaining continuity was a priority for the family, who wanted to ensure the station would remain a reliable resource for residents while adapting to the challenges of operating a small business today.…

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New Dates Set for Kamp Kaohi

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

New Dates Set for Kamp Kaohi

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services invites Molokai 6th to 12th graders to the 4th Kamp Kaohi — on its new dates of May 1 and 2 — for an overnight of fun while learning and discovering the inner strength to handle the difficulties of teenage life on the island.

The camp is offered at no cost to youths 11 to 18 years old. It will be held at Molokai Baptist Church, 495 Puupeelua Ave., Hoʻolehua.

Drop off is set for Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. with pick up Saturday, May 2 at 3 p.m.

The overnight camp will feature fun activities, such as s’mores and games, while highlighting the Sources of Strength philosophy. …

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MEMA Highlights Tsunami Awareness Month

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Maui County News Release

Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reminding the community that April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, an opportunity for people to prepare, protect their property and safeguard loved ones by understanding tsunami risks and taking practical preparedness steps.

“As we saw with last year’s tsunami, even events that are not catastrophic can still impact our shores,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “That’s why we encourage residents and visitors to understand evacuation zones, stay informed and have an emergency plan.”

“April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, but there is no ‘tsunami season’ – tsunamis can occur at any time,” he added.…

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Wiliwili Jewelry Workshop in Hoʻolehua

Friday, April 10th, 2026

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center’s Hawaiian Arts (HĀ) Program presents two separate jewelry making workshops at the Hoʻolehua Homestead Makeke at 2240 Lihi Pali Ave behind Molokai High School on Sunday, April 12 and 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Register at bit.ly/MACHA2026.

The MAC continues its popular HĀ workshops featuring the wiliwili tree. 

Kaulananapua Dudoit, Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner will teach participants to create jewelry using wiliwili seeds. Kaulana was raised on the east end of Molokai and is now a homesteader in Hoʻolehua. She currently sells her handcrafted jewelry and plants. Participants may also bring shells, beads, or wiliwili seeds.

The MAC HĀ 2025-26 Program is a bi-monthly series which promotes cultural arts through ʻāina (land) and mea kanu (that which is planted), utilizing our natural resources. …

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Free Hauling, Disposal of Storm-Damaged Appliances

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Maui County News Release

In response to the March 2026 Kona storms, the County of Maui is providing free hauling and disposal of storm-damaged appliances for Molokai residents, according to the County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division.

DEM contracted A&S Services LLC and Island Refuse Inc. to haul and dispose of storm-damaged white goods at no cost to residents. Molokai residents may contact either vendor directly to arrange pickup or drop-off. Call A&S Services LLC at (808) 366-0747 and Island Refuse Inc. at (808) 877-2515 or (808) 357-0671.

White goods include the following household appliances:

Washers and dryers Dishwashers Microwave ovens Refrigerators and freezers Water heaters Air-conditioning units Stoves and ovens

In the aftermath of the recent Kona storms, County departments and agencies including DEM, Public Works, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Office of Recovery have been mobilizing resources to assist residents with residential property cleanup, including picking up debris for kūpuna or others physically unable to self-haul debris.…

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Free Ocean Movie at Mango Theater

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Free Ocean Movie at Mango Theater

By The Molokai Dispatch staff

There is a free community screening of Ocean with David Attenborough at The Mango Theater, sponsored by the Sacharuna Foundation on April 18 at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome. 

This special event invites the Molokai community to come together for an inspiring look at the world’s oceans through the lens of legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a talk-story and Q&A featuring Molokai’s own Mac Poepoe, alongside longtime collaborator Dr. Alan Friedlander and Dr. Randy Kosaki, recently retired NOAA marine biologist for Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. 

Dr.…

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