News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Lessons and Fun at Kamp Kaohi

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Lessons and Fun at Kamp Kaohi

MEO News Release 

Sixteen middle and high school youth on Molokai learned about the negative effects of alcohol and “bad-vertising” of vaping and tobacco products  while having fun and developing their leadership skills at Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)’s Kamp Kaohi.  

The overnight gathering on April 7 and 8 at Molokai Baptist Church was run by MEO Youth Services staff on Molokai and Maui and was the first camp for MEO’s year-old Kaohi youth program on Molokai.

Activities at the camp focused on tobacco/vaping, bullying, underage drinking and teen suicide prevention with informational, teambuilding and fun activities. For example, youth wearing goggles simulating drunken vision participated in a relay race.…

Torch Run for Special Olympics

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

MPD Press Release 

The 38th Annual Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run  for Maui County, hosted by the Maui Police Dept., will begin on Friday, April 21 between 4 to 6 p.m. on Molokai at the Kalaiakamanu Hou Church across from Coconut Grove.  

This year’s event will continue on Lanai and conclude on Maui on Friday, April 28. 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 in Kansas and is the largest grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions and Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. …

April Is Native Hawaiian Plant Month

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

DLNR News Release 

Governor Josh Green, M.D. has proclaimed April as Native Hawaiian Plant Month, recognizing the diversity and biocultural value of roughly 1,400 native plant species, including many found on Molokai.

Native Hawaiian Plant Month also provides an opportunity to celebrate the successes made by rare plant botanists, who manage more than 420 endangered plant species statewide. The Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP), a collaboration of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), University of Hawaii, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released an annual report detailing a series of rediscoveries and rebounds in rare plant populations across the archipelago.

Several plant species previously thought extinct were rediscovered through field surveys last year.…

Give Input on Hazard Mitigation Plan

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

HI-EMA News Release 

A series of meetings across the state this month will give community members an opportunity to help build a safer Hawaii. The public can give input on the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, hosted by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). 

The Molokai meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center. 

“We fully update these plans every five years because they’re a key tool we use to reduce or eliminate the harm caused by the hazards we face across Hawaii,” said James Barros, administrator of HI-EMA. The State and counties rely on these hazard mitigation plans to guide their efforts to protect communities against the threats of flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis and other hazards. …

Molokai Property Assessment Office Temporary Closure

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

County of Maui News Release

The County of Mauiʻs Molokai Real Property Assessment office located at Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai will close temporarily from Tuesday, April 4 to Friday, April 14 due to a staffing shortage.

The office will reopen on Monday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For property tax payments and circuit breaker questions, call (800) 272-0117 and ask for the Real Property Treasury Office or call (808) 270-7697.

For other property questions, call (800) 272-0117 and ask for the Real Property Assessment Division, call (808) 270-7297 or send email to rpa@co.maui.hi.us. Information is also available online at www.mauipropertytax.com

Wildfire Prevention and Craft Kit

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Paniolo Hale Firewise Committee News Release

Summer is quickly approaching, which means hotter, drier weather and the risk of wildfire increases. Did you know that most wildfires are started by embers?  You can help protect ‘ohana, neighbors and firefighters in three easy steps:

Keep grass cut short and trim low-hanging branches Remove leaves and debris away from your home Plant native and drought-tolerant plants

Pick up your free Hawaii Prevents Wildfire Take and Make Craft Kit from the Molokai Public Library anytime during the month of May! Kits include one Activity Book of your choice (either Grade K-2 or 3-6), a box of crayons and a small gift.…

‘Legend of Mulan’ Upcoming Performances

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

Hokulani Children’s Theatre News Release 

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai proudly offers our first ever community performance!  The “Legend of Mulan” features the efforts of 22 Molokai keiki on Friday, April 14 at  6.p.m and Saturday, April 15 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Home Pumehana Recreational Hall.  

Performances are free — we do not want any child to miss this opportunity for wholesome family entertainment.  For those who are able, donations are gladly accepted to support our scholarship program for interns and future program offerings to develop performing art skills for our island children.  There will be a drink and snack concession available for purchase.…

Broiler Chicken Project

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

Broiler Chicken Project

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

The Molokai community has a new opportunity to increase local poultry production, boost our island’s economy, and support farmers and ranchers in their business goals. Sustʻainable Molokai is looking for 30 beginning Native farmers/ranchers on Molokai for our Mahiʻai Moa Project! This project is a five-month educational program on commercial broiler chicken production utilizing a blend of in-person and Zoom classes. 

Participants will have access to workshops with J. Ludovico Farm, workshops with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), off-island field trips, one-on-one farm business support with a Farm Business Specialist, a built-in market for broiler bird sales, a cohort-style model that encourages farmer-to-farmer support, and $4,000 worth of supplies to get your chicken business up and running. …

Hot Malasada Sale

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

St. Damien Parish News Release

St. Damien Parish is hosting a hot malasada sale on Saturday, April 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, or while supplies last, at the Damien Church in Kaunakakai.

There are two ways to get your sweet treat! You can walk up to the front of the church, or drive in the back parking lot. Malasadas are priced at six for $10.

This will be the replacement for the Mardi Gras event back in February that was canceled due to the weather. …

MHS Alum Named CEO of Hawaiian Board

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

MHS Alum Named CEO of Hawaiian Board

HCDB News Release

Patti Tancayo Barbee, of Molokai, is the new president and CEO of the Hawaiian Community Development Board (HCDB). She has been senior vice president, working for over 20 years with Kali Watson, the outgoing president who has been appointed by Gov. Josh Green and confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a post he first held in the Cayetano administration.

Barbee has many years of experience planning, executing and closing various types of housing projects throughout Hawaii. She is an expert in project and program management, mortgage financing, environmental reviews, government procurement and contract management. …