News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Molokai Hoe Returns for 73rd Crossing of Kaiwi Channel

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

OHCRA News Release

The Oahu Canoe Racing Association announces the 73rd crossing of the Kaiwi Channel, where more than 110 crews will battle in the Molokai Hoe World Championship canoe races, presented by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, on Oct. 12.

“The Molokai Hoe represents the pinnacle of our sport, drawing paddlers from across the Pacific and beyond to test themselves in one of the most demanding challenges,” OHCRA treasurer Ikaika Rogerson said. “Each crew that takes on the Kaiwi Channel carries forward a rich tradition of excellence and Hawaiian cultural pride that defines outrigger canoe racing.”

This championship race builds on the momentum of the recently completed Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, celebrated in honor of the legacy of Hannie Anderson, with unprecedented participation.…

Molokai History Project Transfers to Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

MHP News Release

The Molokai History Project and Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center jointly announce the formal transfer of MHP operations, collections and programming to Ka Ipu Makani, marking a new phase in the continued care and sharing of Molokai’s history.

Since its founding, the Molokai History Project has served as a community space for historical exhibits and narratives of life on Molokai. This transition ensures that that work continues — now strengthened by Ka Ipu Makani’s Native Hawaiian-led approach to cultural stewardship, heritage preservation, and culture- and ʻāina-based education. 

“Molokai’s history belongs to its people — not just in the past, but in how we carry it forward,” said Dr.…

Master Blacksmith to Lead Forging Workshop

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

Master Blacksmith to Lead Forging Workshop

MAC New Release
Hawaii Craftsmen, in partnership with the Molokai Arts Center, is proud to announce a two-day blacksmithing workshop titled “Small-Scale Non-Ferrous Forging: Form and Function.”
Led by acclaimed Seattle-based artist Lisa Geertsen, this hands-on workshop will teach participants how to forge functional and artistic items from copper, such as dinnerware, cuffs, and hairpins.
The workshop will be held at a private residence in Kalae Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Geertsen will also give a public lecture on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Molokai Arts Center at 5-7 p.m. Registration begins Oct.…

OHCRA World Championships Celebrate Legacy of Hawaiian Canoe Racing

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

OHCRA News Release
The Oahu Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) announces a record-breaking year for the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe World Championship canoe races, presented by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, with participation numbers reaching an all-time high.
Seventy-three female crews competed in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, shattering the previous record of 71 crews and marking both the largest field in the race’s 46-year history and the most female crews ever registered for the world championship.
“We’re continuing the incredible momentum started last year with the return of these world championship races,” said Ikaika Rogerson, Treasurer of OHCRA.…

September Wildfire Tip

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

HWMO News Release
Wildfire safety tip from Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization: Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on areas that are paved, on gravel or solid dirt, not on dry grass, especially in high winds. For more wildfire preparedness information visit hwmo.org.…

Molokai Artists Juried into Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibit

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Molokai Artists Juried into Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibit

MAC News Release

Hawaiʻi’s premier statewide juried exhibition — held annually since 1967 — features traditional and contemporary craft from across the state. This year, juror Sarah Darro, Curator and Exhibitions Director of Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, visited each of the islands to make public presentations and select works to be included in the exhibition. There is about $13,600.00 that will be awarded in this show.

Two hundred and forty-one artists from around the state entered 613 artworks to be juried for the 59th Annual Hawaiʻi Craftsmen State Exhibit. Of the 613 entries, only 124 works were juried in.

Congratulations to the six Molokai artists whose works got juried into this highly competitive statewide exhibit.…

Pesticide Disposal Program for Commercial Businesses Begins

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity News Release

The Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is kicking off the second annual statewide Pesticide Disposal Program for farms and other commercial users of pesticides to safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted or unlabeled pesticides.
The PDP is only for commercial operations and state and county government agencies. There are some restrictions (see list of acceptable and unacceptable pesticides). Household pesticides will not be accepted under this program.
The PDP has scheduled the following pesticide collection events:
Maui – Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration deadline is Oct.…

Youth Basketball Clinic Saturday

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Maui County Parks and Recreation News Release
Get ready to learn basketball from coach Maiki Tihada, a former Gatorade State Player of the Year and college standout at Gonzaga and Morehead State.
The Youth Basketball Clinic for third-to-sixth graders, a partnership between County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation and Hoop Heads Academy is this Saturday, Sept. 20 at Kaunakakai Gymnasium from 8 to 10 a.m.
Registration started Sept. 8. Visit Kaunakakai Gymnasium from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until Friday to register.…

DOH Applauds Public Tours in Kalaupapa

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

DOH News Release

The National Park Service announced that public tours at Kalaupapa National Historical Park will resume this week. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health welcomed the return of tours as an opportunity to share the history and legacy of Kalaupapa and those who have lived there.

A media tour is scheduled for Sept. 18, with tours for the general public beginning in late September through Kalaupapa Saints Tours.

The National Park Service manages all commercial activity and concessions in Kalaupapa National Historical Park, with preference given to businesses owned by patient-residents of Kalaupapa.

Kalaupapa Saints Tours, like previous tour operators, is owned by a patient-resident.…

Aging Gracefully Means Monitoring Eye Health

Sunday, September 21st, 2025

Hawaiian Eye Center News Release

As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month this September, Hawaiian Eye Center is advocating for proactive eye care, urging adults 50 and over to make vision health a top priority in their aging journey. Offering Quality Eye Care ensures that patients receive comprehensive support for maintaining healthy vision throughout their lives.

“Vision is one of the most important senses we rely on every day, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise,” says Dr. Steven Rhee, who has specialized in age-related eye conditions for over 15 years. “Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to remind our communities that taking care of your eyes is a critical part of aging well.”…