News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Bon Dance Practice

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Guzeiji Soto Mission News Release

This year’s annual Bon Dance, a Buddhist tradition to remember departed loved ones, will be held on Saturday, July 28. In preparation for the event, Bon Dance practices will be held on Wednesday, July 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Thursday July 26, from 5 to 6 p.m. The practices are open to the public of all ages, and offer an opportunity to practice the movements and learn the meanings of the dances.

The celebration features Taiko drums, with community members and dancers joining in circular dances in honor of those who have passed. Both practices and the main event will be held at the Guzeiji Soto Mission temple on Hotel Lane in Kaunakakai, behind Imamura Store.…

New Vending Machines

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

New Vending Machines

Travelers frequenting the Ho`olehua Airport will greeted by two shiny new newspaper vending machines recently installed by The Molokai Dispatch. Both machines are coin-operated and dispense papers for $.50 each.

“The vending machines are a step forward for us. They offer our travelers a convenient way to access the paper and at the same time, offer our advertisers increased visibility,” said Dispatch Publisher Todd Yamashita.

The papers will continue to be distributed free to the airport and elsewhere around Molokai. However, papers at the free locations tend to run out quickly, while vending machines should remain stocked throughout the week, according to Yamashita.…

Visiting Artist Ceramic Workshop

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Visiting Artist Ceramic Workshop

MAC News Release

Molokai Art Center (MAC) is pleased to announce a two-week workshop featuring first-time visiting artist Professor Emeritus Ron Evans, ceramic artist for over 45 years. Ron’s own artwork consists primarily of crystalline glazed wheel-thrown forms and one-of-a kind art pieces. Ron has recently retired as a Professor of Art at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, where he taught for nearly 40 years. It was the only college in the U.S. to teach crystalline glazes. Combining science and mesmerizing beauty, crystalline glazes shimmer and shift much like holograms do and are
literally three-dimensional.

Workshops will include clay, studio time, glazes, firing and hands on instruction in crystalline glazes and raku.…

Reward for Info on Molokai Fires

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

Maui Crime Stoppers News Release

This week the Maui Police Department and Maui Crime Stoppers asks for the public’s assistance in identifying person(s) responsible for three fires that were set in Molokai on June 11 and 12.

On June 11 at about 3:40 p.m., a brush fire was set in the area of Likelike Avenue at Hoomalu Drive in Kalamaula.

The same day at about 3:44 p.m., an abandoned vehicle was set on fire in an empty lot in the area of S.Mohala Street at Seaside Place.

On June 12 at about 11:05 p.m., a wooden shack near the beach at Kamehameha V Highway at mile 11 in Kamalo was burned to the ground.…

OHA Trustees to Hold Two Meetings on Molokai

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

OHA News Release

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular Board of Trustees meeting. The forum is designed for OHA officials to listen to concerns from the community as well as highlight efforts to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians. Both meetings are open to the public. Here are the specifics:

Community Meeting
Wednesday, June 20, 6:30 p.m.
Kulana `Oiwi Halau, Kalama`ula

OHA Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, June 21, 9 a.m.
Kulana `Oiwi Halau, Kalama`ula…

Walter Ritte Running for OHA

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Walter Ritte Running for OHA

Walter Ritte News Release

Longtime community leader and former Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Trustee Walter Ritte has announced his candidacy for the At Large seat for OHA. A Kamehameha Schools graduate, Ritte is a prominent Hawaiian activist and longtime advocate for Hawaiian rights. He is also a member of the original “Kaho`olawe Nine,” the group of activists who landed on Kaho`olawe in 1976 in opposition to military bombings, which they were successful in halting.

Ritte was also a member of the 1978 Constitutional Convention and supported the formation of OHA. He helped author Article XII Sec. 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution, which codified Native Hawaiian cultural and gathering rights.…

Backyard Poultry Production Workshop

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

UH Molokai Extension Service News Release

Do you have poultry and ever wondered why they aren’t laying eggs, or why their eggs’ shells are thin? Ever wondered about raising them on pasture? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, this may be the workshop for you.

The Hawaiian Home Lands Agriculture Education Program will hold a Backyard Poultry Production Workshop on Wednesday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm/MCC Farm (next to Kumu Farms). The workshop is geared toward backyard poultry production on the homestead.…

Energy Assistance Available in June

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

MEO Molokai News Release

Low income families who need a helping hand paying their energy bills have a chance to get assistance next month. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program through Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) that assists low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The program is available only once a year in June.

Applications on Molokai will be accepted June 1 through June 30 only. Eligible residents can qualify for either electric or gas payment assistance, or energy crisis intervention.

To apply, you will need to bring the following documents to the office: photo ID, most current gas or electric bill, proof of residence, social security number verification, proof of age for household members 60 and older and 5 years and younger, proof of income, and proof of assets.…

Help Develop the Historic Preservation Plan

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is holding community meetings statewide in May on all islands to provide opportunity for public input on the development of the State Historic Preservation Plan for the next five years. The meeting on Molokai will be held on May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Molokai High School Cafeteria.

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawaii’s citizens and visitors.”…

Kaunakakai Harbor Improvements Meeting This Wednesday

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct a public
information meeting in Kaunakakai on Wednesday, May 16, to provide information on planned construction activities for improvements to the commuter ferry (Molokai to Maui) and the impact to harbor operations.

“DLNR is the lead agency coordinating the design and construction of this major project, in coordination with the state Department of Transportation-Harbors Division, which manages the commercial harbor side,” said William J. Aila. “Public use of this essential harbor will continue during construction.”

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Pau‘ole Center, 90 Ainoa St.…