News Releases

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. Hire a trusted exterminators in the area to properly dispose of any household pesticides you may have.…

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.…

FFA Alumnus Meets with Molokai Students

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Molokai Drugs Inc News Release

Owen Petrich, CPhT, has been the spring 2024 pharmacy intern at Molokai Drugs, Inc. for the past three months. Raised outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Owen was very involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA). The Molokai High School (MHS) staff and students enjoyed hearing Owen talk about his experiences in FFA, which included his state championship project in chicken production and representing the state of Wisconsin at the national FFA convention. At the same time, the MHS FFA students were able to share their successes and how much the Molokai Farmers chapter has grown in the past year.…

MHS Library Receives National Grant

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

MHS News Release

Molokai High School (MHS) Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, American Library Association (ALA) initiative. This provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.
The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will initiate the MHS Library’s new A’o Project – A’o meaning to learn, teach, counsel – for students needing improved reading comprehension and focused real-life skills practice. The A’o Project supports the MHS third-transitioning year to full academy school status.…

CTOM Seeking Parent Input to Build Program

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Hokulani CTOM News Release

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) is thrilled to announce an array of exciting summer performing arts opportunities for the youth of our community. With grant funding at our disposal, we’re gearing up to offer enriching experiences that combine creativity, literacy education, and community building through the magic of performing arts.
Parent input and guidance is needed to make sure that CTOM’s performing arts program is meeting the children and teenagers needs in an exciting way. We are the new kid on the block and urgently need to know when and what your children are interested in learning and sacrificing for.…

Celebrate Ho’omau 2024

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Pūnana Leo o Molokai News Release

E launa pū kākou! Hui Makua Pūnana Leo o Molokai Presents Ho’omau 2024 on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center. Booths and activities include local crafts and vendors, ‘ono food, keiki corner, demonstrations, lucky number, silent auction, and free entertainment. This event will benefit the keiki of Pūnana Leo o Molokai. E ola ka ʻŌlelo Hawaii.…

State Budget Bill Includes Kalaupapa Positions

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Hawaii State Legislature News Release

On April 23, Senate and House conferees approved a final version of the State’s Supplemental Budget This measure includes operating, capital
improvement projects, and grants-in-aid monies for fiscal year 2024-25.
The bill includes an operating budget of $10,395,945,997 in general funds.
While a variety of budget lines will influence Molokai residents, for Molokai specifically, the Dept. of Health was designated $122,556 for two positions at Kalaupapa.
“The budget bill that we passed today balances the ongoing needs of Maui, while also preparing our state for future disasters and working to diversify our economy and workforce to keep our keiki in Hawaii,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.…

Mahiʻai Moa Seeks Aspiring Farmers

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Sustʻainable Molokai Press Release

Sustʻainable Molokai is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Mahiʻai Moa 2024 Session 2 cohort, marking the second year of this impactful initiative. Following the success of the inaugural year, where participants gained hands-on experience in broiler bird production, we are thrilled to offer another opportunity for aspiring farmers and ranchers.

With the aim of increasing local poultry production, boosting our island’s economy, and supporting the agricultural sector, the Mahiʻai Moa project is a five-month educational program specifically designed for beginning farmers and ranchers on Molokai. The project incorporates a unique blend of in-person and Zoom classes to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences.…