News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Public Invited to Weigh In on County Budget

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Maui County News Release

Mayor Charmaine Tavares is hosting a budget meeting for the community this September, taking public testimony regarding the proposed budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Citizens with an interest in the county budget are encouraged to attend and offer testimony as individuals or on behalf of an organization. Both written and verbal testimonies will be accepted.

Officials will be on Molokai on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Mitchell Pauole Center. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing will start at 5:15 p.m., followed by the budget meeting at 5:30 p.m.

More Work at Kalaupapa

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

National Park Service News Release

The National Park Service (NPS) is planning to repair the dock structures at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, in Molokai, Hawaii. NPS is holding a public meeting topside for comments on its environmental assessment (EA).

Officials will be at the Molokai Planning Commission on Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

The project would complete deferred maintenance on the dock structures only.  Original project elements such as dredging and construction of a dolphin are no longer part of the project.

Native Hawaiian Health Care Gets Funding

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Representative Mazie Hirono News Release
 
Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that a $9,044,880 grant has been awarded to support Native Hawaiian health centers on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Island of Hawaii, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 
These grants keep vital health care providers operational by enabling them to pay for rent, salaries, various overhead, and medications for qualified patients.
 

Emergency Response Drills This Week

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Emergency Response Drills This Week

Monsanto News Release

If you happen to see fire trucks, police cars and ambulances descend on one of Monsanto’s fields this week, don’t panic. It’s all part of a safety drill that provides emergency response training for Monsanto employees and public safety personnel.

“Safety is integral to Monsanto’s daily operations, and is incorporated into everything we do,” said Dawn Bicoy, community affairs manager for Monsanto Molokai. “This practice drill is a great way to provide hands-on training so our employees are prepared for emergencies and know what to do.”

The emergency drill is being carried out with the cooperation and assistance of the Molokai fire and police departments, and EMT personnel.

“We’re very fortunate to have such enthusiastic fire fighters, police and EMTs here on Molokai who want to participate in a pro-active safety event like this,” Bicoy said.  “They’ve been extremely helpful in planning for this drill.”

Monsanto employees have been given training and are aware that a drill will take place, but in order to simulate real emergency conditions, the specific date and location have not been disclosed to them.  “This is really exciting to know we’re going to participate in something that also provides civic emergency training,” said Chiemi Talon, administrative assistant at the Monsanto Molokai site. 

County Offices Closed Friday

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

County of Maui News Release

All County of Maui offices will be closed on Friday, August 20, 2010 in observance of the Statehood Day holiday.

The Molokai Landfill and Recycling will be open from 8 a.m. - noon

All County pools will be closed on the holiday due to budget constraints. Pools will be open on Saturday and Sunday. The public is advised to call 270-8208 for daily recorded pool schedule information, which is updated by 9 a.m. seven days a week.

For more information on County services, programs and schedules, visit www.mauicounty.gov.

Native Hawaiian Health Care Gets Funding

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Representative Mazie Hirono News Release
 
Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today announced the awarding of $9,044,880 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant funding to support Native Hawaiian health centers on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Island of Hawaii.
 
These grants keep vital health care providers operational by enabling them to pay for rent, salaries, various overhead, and medications for qualified patients.
 

Fine Increase at Library

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Board of Education News Release

Better keep track of your library books – the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) has increased their overdue fine amounts and made some changes other administrative rules, effective last Thursday, Aug. 5.

Parents should be aware that overdue fines for children at Hawaii’s public libraries have increased from 15 cents per item per day to 25 cents per item per day. The current maximum fine of $4.50 per item for children (ages 17 years and under) will also increase to $7.50 per item. By implementing this change, overdue fines and the maximum amount per item will be the same for all borrowers. Of course, children who return library materials on time will not be affected by this rule change.

Business Students Receive Scholarship

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Business Students Receive Scholarship

Molokai Chamber of Commerce News Release

The Molokai Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2010 Business Education Scholarship. They are Kerianne Mokuau, Herbert Antolin, Brittany Ann Rawlins and Vanessa Joao.

“All of our scholarship recipients have demonstrated the ability to accomplish many great things throughout their educational careers,” said Robert Stephenson, Molokai Chamber president. “This fundamental part of each person’s character will undoubtedly carry them far in their ongoing education in business studies. The Chamber is proud to help Molokai students pursue their educational dreams.”

For more information and to learn how to donate to the Molokai Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund please email molokaichamber@hawaiiantel.biz

Immigration Benefits Made Easier

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) News Release

For the first time, the USCIS has proposed a standardized form to waive fees for financially disadvantaged individuals seeking immigration benefits.

The proposed fee waiver form is the product of extensive collaboration with the public.  In meetings with stakeholders, USCIS heard concerns about the criteria for applying for benefits.

DLNR Solicits Land Conservation Requests

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

DLNR News Release

In an effort to protect resource-rich land, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will provide funding to acquire land in need of preservation.

The Legacy Land Conservation Program (LLCP), funded by the State Land Conservation Fund, is now accepting applications. State agencies, county agencies and non-profit land conservation organizations are encouraged to apply.