News Releases

Historic Molokai Newspapers Digitized for Public Access

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center News Release
Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center’s Moaʻe Molokai Digital Repository is excited to announce the release of over 1,300 newspaper scans from the 1950s. Supported by a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, these scans include 287 issues from the Ka Leo o Molokai and the Friendly Isle News. Ka Leo o Molokai, printed in English, graced the island’s readers weekly from Dec. 8, 1950, to Nov. 11, 1955. Sponsored by the Molokai Chamber of Commerce and managed by the Molokai Civic Group Advisory Board, it operated under the guidance of Dorothy Tanner and Louise Borsella, with Marie Horner at the editorial helm.…

Come Celebrate the HECM Graduates

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

HECM News Release
Hoahu Energy Cooperative Molokai (HECM) is hosting a ceremony for the graduates of the 2024 Clean Energy Solar Sales Training. The ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the OHA Conference Room at Kulana Oiwi, Kaunakakai. These graduates have been engaged during the spring 2024 term with exploring the world of solar sales. They have learned the ins and outs of solar technology, how to effectively provide solar systems to potential clients, and how to overcome common objections. They received guidance through real-world scenarios and were given valuable techniques for successful solar sales.…

Luau Mahalo

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

HHA News Release

Ho’olehua Homesteaders Association (HHA) celebrated higher education and servant leadership at its Scholarship Lu’au on Friday, May 10. The last two years of fundraising garnered two $500 scholarships this year. Mahalo to Ho’ohana Molokai, Luana Alapa, who donated a check for $1,000 to match the fund, resulting in two $1,000 scholarships awarded to Kamalua Arce, for nursing, and Ohi’aku Ritte-Camara-Tangonan, for business entrepreneurship.

The event also honored three distinguished homesteaders whose servant leadership has mirrored the legacy of Hawaiian Homestead champion Prince Kuhio. The late Winona “Auntie Nona” Ka’awa was represented by her husband Edwin and their beautiful daughters Hau’oli, Lana, Kuulei, and Jay-R.…

Call for Artists

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen recently announced an open call to artists for our 58th consecutive annual statewide exhibition. This exhibition will be juried by Suzanne Isken, and is open to residents of Hawaii for artworks in the categories of clay, fiber, glass, wood, metal, stone, and mixed media. Entries must be registered online at HawaiiCraftsmen.org.

For Molokai, online registration will run from Aug. 1 to Sept. 2, with jurying taking place on Sept. 10.

Hawaii’s premier statewide exhibition, which has been held annually since 1967, features traditional and contemporary craft from across the state of Hawaii. Hawaii Craftsmen’s 2024 juror Suzanne Isken served as the executive director of Craft Contemporary in Los Angeles from 2011 through 2023 where she led initiatives to support the creation of contemporary craft and build audiences by establishing a large-scale program of hands-on-experiences for the public.…

Poaha-Kaai Awarded Legacy Scholarship Program

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Takitani Foundation News Release

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. (Takitani Foundation) has named nine high school seniors from Maui County as scholarship recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.

For Molokai, Naneaikauhaahaa Poaha-Kaai was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for Maui District Public School students.

Poaha-Kaai of Molokai High School has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school for maintaining a 4.0 academic average. She has enjoyed participating in the Molokai College Career Club, the Culinary Club and Molokai High School’s May Day and Homecoming festivities. Her success at school is attributed to her leadership skills and positive contributions to the school community.…

Paddling Championships to Return

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

After a four-year hiatus, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is proud to announce the return of the Molokai Channel World Championships, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe. Registration is now open to all eligible paddling divisions from the junior level to 70 years and over.

The Na Wahine O Ke Kai Championship race kicks off a two-week stint of inter-island paddling as the top female paddlers from across the globe take on this grueling inter-island challenge on Sunday, September 29. The Molokai Hoe follows on Sunday, October 13, celebrating the 72nd crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel.…

Opunui Appointed to Omidyar Fellows Program

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Hawaii Leadership Forum News Release

Landon Opunui, executive director and medical director of Na Puʻuwai, was one of 16 local leaders in Hawaii welcomed into the ninth cohort of the Hawaii Leadership Forum’s Omidyar Fellows program. The program seeks to cultivate the conditions in which Hawaii thrives by equipping leaders with the skills and cross-sector relationships necessary to affect societal change.

Following a rigorous application process, these individuals were selected from the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors based on their accomplishments, innovative skills, ability to collaborate with other leaders, and motivation to make a positive difference.

“We are excited to bring back this unique opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in impactful discussions, learn from one another, and help make Hawaii even better,” said AJ Halagao, president of Hawaii Leadership Forum.…

Broadband Infrastructure Program Will Begin on Molokai

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Oceanit News Release

Oceanit recently announced that their team will lead an initiative to implement accessible broadband infrastructure across Hawaiian Home Lands. Oceanit’s work is a collaborative effort with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and is a significant step toward addressing digital equality for Native Hawaiians, while also boosting the state’s economic diversity. Oceanit’s work is a vital part of a broader, nationwide endeavor to extend high-speed broadband access for all.

Oceanit is commencing work in 2024 with Molokai as an initial focus for implementation. The collaborative initiative will benefit both current and future Native Hawaiian residents by enhancing reliable broadband access and providing digital literacy training through community anchor institutions.…

Continuing to Thrive

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

This history project continues to thrive and grow thanks to our wonderful community and your support. Thank you to Misaki’s and to Molokai Drugs who allowed us to place huge posters guiding the community to the library. Thank you to the staff at the library where we have been allowed to install our Paniolo Exhibit, with a nod to many of our Molokai cowboys with saddles and lots of facts and photos. Thank you to the staff at the airport as our beautiful display case, built locally, is placed right in the center of the departure lounge allowing you to walk all the way around to see the beautiful display for the history project and the Molokai Arts Center.…