News Releases

ʻGrow Aloha’ Surpasses 5K Native Plant Adoptions, Extends Through June

Friday, January 16th, 2026

NTBG News Release

Grow Aloha, the statewide initiative dedicated to restoring Hawaii’s native plants and our relationships with them, is proud to announce the extension of its free, monthly plant adoption program through June 2026. This extension ensures continued access for residents across Hawaii to native plants, Hawaiian heritage crops and educational resources. 

Since its launch, Grow Aloha has placed more than 5,000 native plants and Hawaiian heritage crops into the hands of local residents through free monthly plant adoptions. These plants — representing over 100 species and varieties  —  are now growing in backyards, schools, and community spaces statewide, helping restore our built environment collectively. …

Youth Summit to Reveal Student Voices

Friday, January 16th, 2026

By Ric Ornellas

On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, the Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria will transform into a hub of student advocacy and community connection for the 4th Annual Molokai Youth Summit. Running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the summit continues its mission of bringing forward to the Molokai community the voices of our 21st-century youth and future leaders.

Since its inception, the summit has prioritized providing opportunities to hear the authentic voices of keiki o ka ʻāina, Molokai students. This year’s theme poses a direct, provocative question to students in grades 1–12 across both public and private schools: “What do I want from my school?”…

Deadline Approaching for Home Exemption Applications

Thursday, December 18th, 2025

 Maui County News Release

Eligible homeowners are reminded to apply for the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit or Home Exemption before the end of this year, the County of Maui Department of Finance Real Property Tax Assessment Division said. The County Real Property Assessment Division applications are due by Dec. 31, 2025.

Applications for the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and the Home Exemption may be found on the County Real Property Tax website, www.mauipropertytax.com, by clicking the “Forms” link.

The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit is available to taxpayers who apply by the deadline and meet criteria, including:

The Home Exemption is available to taxpayers who apply by the deadline and meet criteria, including:

Speaker on Hawaii’s Historic Role in World Affairs

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

Molokai Bahá’í Community News Release

The Hawaiian Kingdom played an important role in global affairs in the 19th century. Dr. Ron Williams, a historian specializing in Hawaiian history and Native language resources, will make a presentation on this theme at the Molokai Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m., as part of the Global Citizenship Speaker Series.

In the illustrated presentation, titled Hawaiʻinuiākea: The 19th-century Hawaiian Kingdom as Global Citizen, kumu Ron Williams will explain how the Native-led government of Hawaii, a remote group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, managed to become a core member of the family of nations that dominated 19th century international politics.…

Free Workshop on How to Start a Food Truck

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

YWCA News Release

YWCA Maui Women’s Business Center and UH Maui College’s Food Innovation Center Launch “From Dream to Drive: How to Launch Your Maui Food Truck” Workshop

YWCA Maui Women’s Business Center (MWBC), in partnership with the UH Maui College Food Innovation Center (MFIC), is excited to announce “From Dream to Drive: How to Launch Your Maui Food Truck,” an interactive workshop designed for aspiring food truck owners across Maui County. The event will be held on Dec. 11 from 12 to 2 p.m., offered both online and in-person at UHMC’s MFIC.

This hands-on workshop will walk participants through the essential steps of planning, launching, and running a profitable food truck business on Maui.…

‘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.…