News Releases

2025 County Budget Includes Funds for Puko’o Fire Station

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Alongside Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Mayor Richard Bissen signed into law an approximately $1.263 billion fiscal year 2025 budget that boosts housing for residents, especially those who were displaced after the 2023 August wildfires, supports wildfire recovery and resiliency, bolsters social service programs and delivers core County of Maui services.
For Molokai specifically, the budget included $2.25 million in funding for the Puko’o fire station.
The budget was signed into law a week after it was unanimously passed by the Maui County Council on June 5.…

Kamaka Air Resumes Flights

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Kamaka Air News Release

Kamaka Air, Hawaii’s premier inter-island air cargo company, is proud to announce it has resumed full flight operations servicing all islands in the state once again. Due to recent personnel transitions, Kamaka temporarily halted its flights on June 5 but ensured continued deliveries through a partnership with a third-party airline.
“At Kamaka Air, we understand the essential role our services play in delivering products, medications, and mail to residents across every Hawaiian island. We deeply regret any disruption caused by the events of last week,” said David Hinderland, CEO of Kamaka Air. “Today, our planes are flying again, our teams are excited to be in the air, servicing our great Kamaka Air customers who depend on our deliveries for their everyday needs.…

Public Safety Power Shutoff Program

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Hawaiian Electric News Release

With the dry summer months ahead, Hawaiian Electric is expanding its wildfire safety strategy by launching a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric may preemptively shut off power in areas that appear at high risk of wildfire during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions to help reduce the risk of wildfires.
For Molokai, approximately 1,300 residents in Kaunakakai and Kualapuu would be potentially impacted by the PSPS.
This program is our last line of defense to keep communities safe and may result in extended power outages. The program will start in areas that Hawaiian Electric has determined present higher wildfire risk factors.…

An Invitation to all Students

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

Summer is here. School is out. Looking for something interesting? The Molokai History Project welcomes students to come to the museum, take on the responsibility of looking after it for a two hour shift one day a week. You can meet new people and learn a lot of facts about our Molokai history that you might not know. It’s a rewarding task, and one we think you would enjoy. We just honored all those who do this job, called a docent, with a delicious luncheon. There could be another one at the end of the summer if you come and help us plan it.…

No-Cost and Low-Cost Bargains

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Saving Grace Episcopal Church News Release

Shopping on Molokai is more affordable with the launch of the “Blessings,” a free merchandise room at Saving Grace Episcopal Church thrift store in Kualapuu. Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the U.S., and bargains help stretch a budget. In 2014, Saving Grace Episcopal congregation, led by Father Jim Loughren, started the thrift store in the church property’s fellowship hall. The store sells gently used items such as housewares, small and large appliances, clothing for all ages, books, music and much more at bargain prices. Recently, a family was shopping, and the family’s young child saw a toy and clutched the toy to his heart and said, “my truck,” and looked at his mother.…

Naiwa Homesteaders Meeting

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Naiwa Agricultural Subdivision Alliance News Release

There will be a Naiwa homeowner and builder meeting on Monday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the OHA conference room. Come and meet and greet with Hawaiian Community Lending, Hawaiian Community Assets, and explore the offerings and opportunities that are in motion and on the horizon for the Naiwa Agricultural Subdivision Homesteaders. If you have questions, simply email Naiwa Agricultural Subdivision Alliance (NASA) at mkk.nas.alliance@gmail.com…

Apply for Department of Agriculture Grants

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Specific grants for Molokai agriculture are now available for application. Part of a larger series of grants administered by the County of Maui Department of Agriculture, nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the Maui County agriculture sector, and qualified groups, are encouraged to apply until 4:30 p.m. on June 30.

Grants will be awarded in the following categories: agriculture operations, infrastructure, education, recovery, livestock, non-food agriculture, Lanai agriculture, and Molokai agriculture.

Applications and general requirements for applicants are available online at mauicounty.gov/2726/Agriculture-Grants. A request can also be made to have an application emailed by calling (808) 270-8276 or emailing Aggrants@co.maui.hi.us.…

The MOM Hui Announces Scholarship Recipients

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

The MOM Hui News Release

The MOM Hui is proud to announce the 2024-25 Hoʻola Hou scholarship recipients: Hazel Carey, Leihiwahiwa Ritte, Kuʻulei-Aloha Simon, and Mallory Go. These outstanding students have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to their communities.
Hazel Carey, a 2024 graduate from Molokai High School, will be attending Kapiʻolani Community College on Oahu, to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing.
Leihiwahiwa Ritte, a current student at Willamette University in Oregon, is focused on earning a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and environmental science.
Kuʻulei-Aloha Simon, a 2024 graduate from Molokai High School, will be attending Weber State University in Utah to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging and radiology.…

Historic Molokai Newspapers Digitized for Public Access

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center News Release
Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center’s Moaʻe Molokai Digital Repository is excited to announce the release of over 1,300 newspaper scans from the 1950s. Supported by a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, these scans include 287 issues from the Ka Leo o Molokai and the Friendly Isle News. Ka Leo o Molokai, printed in English, graced the island’s readers weekly from Dec. 8, 1950, to Nov. 11, 1955. Sponsored by the Molokai Chamber of Commerce and managed by the Molokai Civic Group Advisory Board, it operated under the guidance of Dorothy Tanner and Louise Borsella, with Marie Horner at the editorial helm.…

Come Celebrate the HECM Graduates

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

HECM News Release
Hoahu Energy Cooperative Molokai (HECM) is hosting a ceremony for the graduates of the 2024 Clean Energy Solar Sales Training. The ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the OHA Conference Room at Kulana Oiwi, Kaunakakai. These graduates have been engaged during the spring 2024 term with exploring the world of solar sales. They have learned the ins and outs of solar technology, how to effectively provide solar systems to potential clients, and how to overcome common objections. They received guidance through real-world scenarios and were given valuable techniques for successful solar sales.…