News Releases

Hunters Rescued from Pelekunu

Wednesday, November 9th, 2016

MFD News Release

Two weeks ago, a group of Molokai hunters and their dogs got stranded in Pelekunu Valley due to poor weather and were rescued by the Maui Fire Department.

On Saturday Oct. 29, the six people and their nine hunting dogs arrived by small boat to go pig hunting in the remote valley. At around 3 p.m., weather and ocean conditions worsened, which resulted in only three of the six individuals making it back out to the boat.

Two males aged 18 and 30, a 15-year-old female, and the nine hunting dogs were not able to make it safely out to the boat and remained on shore.…

New Rules to Guide State Aha Moku

Wednesday, November 9th, 2016

Molokai Aha Kiole News Release

Historic rules have been adopted by the state’s `Aha Moku Advisory Committee (AMAC). After almost two years of administrative rules discussion, AMAC voted to approve its Administrative Rules draft, thereby fulfilling a mandate handed down by the legislature in 2015.

The rules reflect the `ike (traditional knowledge) shared by Hawaiian cultural practitioners and kupuna throughout Ka Pae `Aina (the Hawaiian Islands).  The rules also reaffirm statutory and constitutional protections of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights and practices and the public trust.  The rules incorporate by reference the Paoakalani Declaration in order to protect Hawaiian traditional knowledge as a resource in itself that must be managed carefully and safeguarded from misappropriation. …

Call to Molokai Artists

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) is gearing up for its fifth annual member art show by opening up the call for submissions. For the first time in the show’s history, cash and other prizes will be awarded in the categories of: Keiki Award, College Student Award, Board of Director’s Award, Best in Show and People’s Choice Award.

MAC studio members are invited to submit up to three pieces of art in any medium for the selection process, with a maximum of two pieces accepted into the show. The deadline for submission is Thursday, Nov. 17 by 5 p.m.—no late entries will be accepted.…

Floating Lantern Ceremony

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

Join us for the third annual Floating Lantern Ceremony “In Peace and Harmony” to honor our loved ones who died with gratitude, love, peace and harmony. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. at the Molokai Community Health Center.  Free floating lanterns will be passed out one per family.  Pens will be available to write messages to loved ones.

The holidays are approaching and often we want to remember our loved ones who died.  It is important for good emotional and physical health to grieve and mourn our losses.  The event is sponsored by Hospice Hawaii and Molokai’s Guzeiji Soto Mission.…

Maui Fundraiser Success for Molokai Candidate

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

Keani Rawlins-Fernandez Campaign News Release

On Sept. 19, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez held a fundraiser at the Kahului Community Center for her bid for the Maui County Council seat to represent Molokai. Over 100 people attended the community event, including many former Molokai residents, who have relocated for better job opportunities or for school.

The event was opened with Keani, standing with her family, performing an oli kahea (chant requesting permission to enter) and receiving an oli pane (chant to welcome) from Napua Greg-Nakasone, Maui County Council candidate, with candidates Alika Atay, Shane Sinenci, and Kelly King standing with Napua. Attendees called the event an “authentic expression of community cohesiveness” and an example of “what servant leadership is all about.”

Invoking her teal logo, Keani compared the sea of teal shirts standing in front of her to water, the most powerful element on earth.…

AmeriCorps Youth Honor Veterans

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

Interval House Molokai Press Release

Our Molokai High School AmeriCorps youth members chose to honor our Molokai veterans for the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Ida Pongmulee, Sonja Angst and Journey Miguel joined other Americans to unite in service in remembrance of the remarkable way that so many came together following the attacks in 2001.

Our AmeriCorps group was warmly greeted by Commodore Sam Makaiwi, Secretary Allen Diorec, and Watch Commander Ronald Pelekai who proudly gave us an impressive tour of their Veterans Caring for Veterans Center. Thanking our veterans for all they have done for our country, Sonja presented them with a poster highlighting beloved veteran, Larry Helm, which she inscribed with, “In loving memory of Larry Helm.” Her vivid depiction brought Larry’s fight to build the Veterans Center to life.…

Philippine Consulate Coming to Molokai

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

County of Maui News Release

For those needing Philippine Passport renewal, Dual Citizenship and Authentication, the Philippine Consulate mobile outreach is coming to Molokai next week. The Consulate will provide those services on-island on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2.

Appointments are required and can be made in-person at the Maui County Immigrant Services Division offices. On Molokai, the office is located in the Moore Center on Kamoi St. in Kaunakakai. Priority will be given to expired passports or passports expiring within the next six months, disabled or aged applicants and emergency travel.

Anyone wishing to reserve an appointment should bring the following items: Completed Application, Philippine Passport, Permanent Resident Card, and $6.45 priority stamp.…

New Honolulu Terminal for Makani Kai

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Photo courtesy of Makani Kai. William Crocker, left, of Hawaii Industrial Structures and Richard Schuman, president of Makani Kai Air, review plans for the new airline terminal being constructed at 100 Kaulele Place at the Honolulu International Airport. The facility is expected to be completed early in 2017.

Makani Kai Air News Release

Construction has begun on a new terminal at the Honolulu International Airport for Makani Kai Air. The facility, which will be four times the size of Makani Kai Air’s current home, is located at 100 Kaulele Place.

“We’re excited to be moving the airline operation to a new home,” said Richard Schuman,
president of Makani Kai Air.…

Recalling Kulaia History

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Molokai Canoe Festivals Committee News Release

Historical records dating back to 1865 note Hawaiian outrigger canoe race competitions as one of the many events our kupuna took part in during annual la kulaia, days of festivities honoring the Kingdom of Hawaii and especially honoring our beloved monarchy. During that era, kulaia generally occurred once a year during a national holiday or birthday celebration of a mo`i (monarch).

After the overthrow of our beloved Hawaiian Kingdom, kulaia festivities changed focus and no longer celebrated the Kingdom and monarchy. In historical records, we see the shift from national celebration to simply canoe race competitions.…