News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Humpback Sanctuary Expanding Past Whales

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

NOAA News Release
 
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reviewing its Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary management plan and encouraging public input through a series of meetings from Aug. 10-26. During these meetings, comments on management considerations will be recorded as input to the management plan process.

A meeting will be held on Molokai at the Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

Sailing to Empowerment

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Youth In Motion News Release

Youth in Motion’s Ocean and Sailing program will commence on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Participants will learn to sail, stand up paddle, American Red Cross learn-to-swim levels, basic water safety and kayak.
 
YIM is also reviving the festival “A Celebration of Youth Opportunities” or “Na Opio Hana Pa`a” in 2011 at Malama Park. YIM is looking for volunteers and donations for the Sailing and Ocean awareness program and the festival for 2010/2011. All ages are welcome but for those under 11 years old, adult supervision will be required.

Immigration Benefits Made Easier

Wednesday, July 28th, 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.

Worthy Award

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

MOC News Release

New funds for the Molokai Occupational Center (MOC) will allow the continued employment of Molokai’s disabled and disadvantaged residents. MOC recently received a $50,000 award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to be used for their Work Activity Service Program.

This program provides work training, rehabilitation and employment opportunities as well as valuable community services in a variety of fields. These include yard maintenance and landscape, janitorial, garment cleaning, car cleaning, and thrift store services. However, these services don’t usually generate enough revenue to pay for their employees.

Eat for Free – Or Nearly

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u School announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the Office of Hawaii Child Nutrition Program.

Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown below are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Foster children can also be eligible for school meal benefits; those households should contact the school for more information.

What’s in Your Water?

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Maui Dept. of Water Supply News Release

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) sent out its twelfth annual Water Quality Report earlier this month to customers on Maui and Molokai.  Following regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act, the DWS has been preparing the Report annually for customers since 1999.  The report includes information on water sources and the results of testing done over the past year.  The Report is mailed to all billing addresses and will be posted on the internet at www.mauiwater.org later this month.

Customers with questions about water quality may call the DWS Laboratory at 270-7550.

New Disability Support Office Opens

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Hawaii Centers for Independent Living News Release

Hawaii Centers for Independent Living offers services to adults with permanent disability and now has an office open on Molokai. The new office is located at Home Pumehana Room 3, and a blessing will be held on July 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The world renowned non-profit organization provides advocacy and support services to disabled adults.  Come and find out for yourself what we can do for you.  During the blessing, we will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American with Disability Act. 

Kualapu`u School Teacher Opening

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Kualapu'u School Teacher Posting #2 for 2010-2011 School Year

Opening Date: July 15, 2010
Closing Date: July 22, 2010

Kualapu`u School is hiring licensed and highly qualified teachers for the following anticipated vacancies. This majority of new positions is in anticipation of Kualapu`u School’s expanded learning schedule:

• Grade 5 (General Education)

VA to Hold Molokai Meeting Tuesday

Friday, July 16th, 2010

VA News Release

Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System (VA PIHCS) will hold a town hall meeting for veterans on Molokai on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 3 p.m. The town hall will be held at Mitchell Pauole Community Center in Kaunakakai. VA PIHCS and VA Regional Directors, representatives from the State Office of Veterans Services and Maui Vet Center along with support staff will provide a brief update on what is new in their area followed by a question and answer period. The purpose of the town hall is to further enhance the lines of communication between Molokai's veterans, their beneficiaries, the VA and State Office of Veterans Services.

Molokai Dispatch Awards 2nd Scholarship

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Molokai Dispatch Awards 2nd Scholarship

Molokai Dispatch News Release

In keeping with The Molokai Dispatch’s goal of community empowerment, the island’s newspaper recently awarded the 2nd annual Excellence in Writing and Media Scholarship. The $400 scholarship was given to recipient Kathy “Aunty Kapua” Templeton, for her inspired contributions to the Molokai Dispatch over the past two years. The scholarship, awarded for educational purposes, is meant to recognize recipients’ excellence in media and writing. 

Templeton began volunteering once a week at the Dispatch in 2008. She now works as sales assistant and writes a colorful bi-weekly column called Aunty’s Corner.

Templeton said she is using the money for three courses in Hawaiian culture and language at Maui Community College, Molokai. She begins classes in August.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “It means I can study the language like I’ve always wanted to.”

Templeton, originally from Washington State, first came to Hawaii in 1959 to attend University of Hawaii. Her oldest daughter was born in Hawaii, and she’s been coming back and forth ever since. She moved to Maui five years ago, and made Molokai her permanent home in 2008. She said she has studied hula for the past 40 years both on the Mainland and in Hawaii.

“We hope that scholarship will further enrich her contributions to the community through her column,” said Molokai Dispatch owner Todd Yamashita.

Last year’s scholarship was awarded to Ka`ohele Ritte-Camara, who wrote a Hawaiian language column for The Molokai Dispatch.

Call The Molokai Dispatch at 552-2781 or email editor@themolokaidispatch.com to see how you can become involved in the island’s newspaper.