News Releases

Poaha-Kaai Awarded Legacy Scholarship Program

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Takitani Foundation News Release

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. (Takitani Foundation) has named nine high school seniors from Maui County as scholarship recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.

For Molokai, Naneaikauhaahaa Poaha-Kaai was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for Maui District Public School students.

Poaha-Kaai of Molokai High School has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school for maintaining a 4.0 academic average. She has enjoyed participating in the Molokai College Career Club, the Culinary Club and Molokai High School’s May Day and Homecoming festivities. Her success at school is attributed to her leadership skills and positive contributions to the school community.…

Paddling Championships to Return

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

After a four-year hiatus, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is proud to announce the return of the Molokai Channel World Championships, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe. Registration is now open to all eligible paddling divisions from the junior level to 70 years and over.

The Na Wahine O Ke Kai Championship race kicks off a two-week stint of inter-island paddling as the top female paddlers from across the globe take on this grueling inter-island challenge on Sunday, September 29. The Molokai Hoe follows on Sunday, October 13, celebrating the 72nd crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel.…

Opunui Appointed to Omidyar Fellows Program

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Hawaii Leadership Forum News Release

Landon Opunui, executive director and medical director of Na Puʻuwai, was one of 16 local leaders in Hawaii welcomed into the ninth cohort of the Hawaii Leadership Forum’s Omidyar Fellows program. The program seeks to cultivate the conditions in which Hawaii thrives by equipping leaders with the skills and cross-sector relationships necessary to affect societal change.

Following a rigorous application process, these individuals were selected from the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors based on their accomplishments, innovative skills, ability to collaborate with other leaders, and motivation to make a positive difference.

“We are excited to bring back this unique opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in impactful discussions, learn from one another, and help make Hawaii even better,” said AJ Halagao, president of Hawaii Leadership Forum.…

Broadband Infrastructure Program Will Begin on Molokai

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Oceanit News Release

Oceanit recently announced that their team will lead an initiative to implement accessible broadband infrastructure across Hawaiian Home Lands. Oceanit’s work is a collaborative effort with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and is a significant step toward addressing digital equality for Native Hawaiians, while also boosting the state’s economic diversity. Oceanit’s work is a vital part of a broader, nationwide endeavor to extend high-speed broadband access for all.

Oceanit is commencing work in 2024 with Molokai as an initial focus for implementation. The collaborative initiative will benefit both current and future Native Hawaiian residents by enhancing reliable broadband access and providing digital literacy training through community anchor institutions.…

Continuing to Thrive

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

This history project continues to thrive and grow thanks to our wonderful community and your support. Thank you to Misaki’s and to Molokai Drugs who allowed us to place huge posters guiding the community to the library. Thank you to the staff at the library where we have been allowed to install our Paniolo Exhibit, with a nod to many of our Molokai cowboys with saddles and lots of facts and photos. Thank you to the staff at the airport as our beautiful display case, built locally, is placed right in the center of the departure lounge allowing you to walk all the way around to see the beautiful display for the history project and the Molokai Arts Center.…

Hospice Molokai Yard Sale

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Hospice Molokai News Release

Now accepting donations. Your gently used items are another person’s treasures. If you have gently used or new items of value and want to donate them, please call Dan Reed, 808-658-1015 or Maile Silva at 808-658-6030. Molokai Quilt Guild donated a beautiful crib and toddler size Aloha Sue and Surfer Sam quilt. Lucky number tickets will be available — call Barbara Helm, 808-250-4001. Need not be present to win. Suggested donation is $2 minimum per ticket. The yard sale will be held Saturday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Location to be announced.…

New Church Service Missionaries for Molokai

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Kahului West LDS Stake

The Kahului Hawaii West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pleased to announce the calling of James and Vicki Boswell of Ho’olehua as church service missionaries for the island of Molokai. Their mission will center on helping others, regardless of religious affiliation, learning more about their family history and sharing the resources the church has for genealogy research with the community.
The Boswells are also looking forward to fostering hands-on learning opportunities for young children, youth from 12 to 18, and young single adults, 18 to 30, in the Ho’olehua and Kaunakakai congregations that focus on temple and family history work for their ancestors.…

Satisfy Your Malasada Craving

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

St. Damien Parish News Release

Malasadas — more than just a donut. When Portuguese laborers from the Azores and Madeira arrived in Hawaii in 1878, they brought their traditional foods, including the malassada — now commonly spelled as malasada. A staple for anyone who has grown up in Hawaii, the malasada is a yeasted donut that is deep fried, and coated with sugar and sometimes cinnamon, offering a slightly chewier and fluffier texture than an everyday donut.
In high demand, malasadas are known to sell out quickly when offered for sale. However, here on Molokai, there is a scarce supply of this beloved delicacy.…

Molokai Pesticide Disposal Event

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture News Release

The Pesticides Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will hold a free pesticide disposal program on Molokai in June. Molokai farmers and other commercial users of pesticides may safely dispose of canceled, suspended, unwanted or unlabeled pesticides, but pre-registration is required.

This statewide Pesticides Disposal Program (PDP) is only for commercial operations such as farms, licensed pest control operators and certified applicators as well as state and county agencies. There are some restrictions. Household pesticides will not be accepted under this program.

Participants must register in advance. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 22 at 4:30 p.m.…

Annual Board of Trustees Community Meeting

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

OHA News Release

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is pleased to announce its annual Board of Trustees Island Community Meeting, scheduled to take place on Molokai. The meeting will be held at the Lanikeha Community Center in Ho`olehua on Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. The event will commence with a light dinner for all attendees at 5 p.m. followed by the meeting starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. In a historic first, MEO will provide transportation to and from the meeting for registered attendees, with bus pickup points at the Kilohana Recreation Center in Mana`e and the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai.…