News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Hawaii Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs News Release

The state of Hawaii Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is encouraging residents who do not have health insurance coverage through their employer to visit HealthCare.gov to compare plans. Open enrollment via the Health Insurance Marketplace lasts through Jan. 15, 2025. Consumers who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, can secure coverage that starts January 1, 2025.

People who already have a Health Insurance Marketplace individual plan can update or upgrade their health plans during this period. Over 20,000 Hawaii residents purchased plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2024, and more than 17,000 received subsidies.…

Pest Alert, Coqui Frog

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

MoMISC News Release

Eleutherodactylus coqui, commonly known as the coqui frog, is a small tree frog slightly larger than 2.5 centimeters, or 1 inch, long, with colors varying from light yellow to dark brown. It has a round body shape and a broad rounded snout with obvious toe pads. They also make a distinctive “ko-kee” vocalization that can be easily heard. They are native to Puerto Rico.

Since the discovery of coqui frogs on Hawaii Island in the late 1980s, they have made it to all major islands including Maui, Oahu and Kauai.

MoMISC has intercepted and controlled one immature and seven mature coqui frogs that arrived on Molokai since 2001, preventing the establishment of this species on island. …

Cluett Pactol Wins National Award

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Cluett Pactol Wins National Award

HPR News Release

Hawaii Public Radio’s Maui Nui reporter, Catherine Cluett Pactol, represented the station at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala in New York City last month to accept a national award for feature reporting.
Catherine’s story from 2023, “Aboard a Small Plane, This Maui Pilot Takes Animal Rescues to New Heights,” follows two Maui women who volunteer their time to transport essential supplies and rescue animals aboard their yellow Cessna.
Congratulations to Catherine and the HPR news team for winning this prestigious award that exemplifies local journalism’s service to the community. To hear the story, visit hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2023-11-29/aboard-a-small-plane-this-maui-pilot-takes-animal-rescues-to-new-heights.
A resident of Molokai and former editor of The Molokai Dispatch, Catherine joined the HPR team full time in the summer of 2023.…

Special Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Special Upcoming Events

Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project has some very special events planned for November and early December: three talk story events that aren’t to be missed. Please see our ad for details on dates, times and locations of each gathering. We look forward to sharing with you the special stories as we gather together to learn more about our island and lifestyle. Also, we can’t seem to stop ourselves from seeking out some really fun artwork from the students at the high school. We have some of the most creative Christmas gifts ever: a painted coconut arriving in the mail, or a papier mache piece inspired by land and sea creatures.…

Internships and Scholarships in Intelligence, Cybersecurity and More

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

P3I News Release

Application deadlines are approaching for summer 2025 internship and scholarship opportunities for Molokai students interested in fields like intelligence and cybersecurity.

The Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I) and its partners are opening pathways for students, young professionals and military personnel interested in pursuing careers in Hawaii’s defense sector. These new opportunities aim to build a skilled, local workforce of professionals in high-demand fields such as intelligence, information technology, cybersecurity and data science within the Department of Defense (DoD).

Hawaii students, including those currently attending college on the U.S. mainland, are encouraged to apply for scholarships in support of their education or internships to gain firsthand experience available through P3I’s partners.…

A Busy November

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project has planned several intriguing and educational November events for all our Molokai friends and visitors. No doubt, you will enjoy our three special “talk story” occasions so please mark your calendars on the dates listed in our ad, and by the end of the month you will have heard an entertaining story of growing up on Molokai; you will learn about the history and the importance of the fishponds, and you will have a better understanding of the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of those who were born and raised here. These events are not to be missed.…

Children’s Theatre Hosts Christmas Nativity Festival

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Hokulani Children’s Theater News Release
The Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM) invites the community to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the Hokulani Christmas Nativity Festival, themed “Come Let Us Adore Him.” This festive event will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Home Pumehana Main Hall. It will be an evening filled with music, art, and pageantry, featuring the talents of Molokai’s children and local artists.
At the heart of the festival is a special children’s pageant, reenacting the Nativity story and bringing the birth of Jesus to life.…

Hawaii International Film Fest Coming to Molokai

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

HIFF News Release

The premier cinematic event of the Pacific, the 44th Hawaii International Film Fest (HIFF) Fall Festival presented by Halekulani will feature an exciting slate of screenings to showcase feature and short films from around the world with a special focus on Asia, the Pacific, and made-in-Hawaii productions. HIFF is a desired destination for celebrated industry professionals, emerging artists, and film enthusiasts from around the world. Free screenings on Molokai will take place at Kaunakakai Elementary School Nov. 7 and 8. Admission is free.

A Molokai filmmaker talk story event will kick off the film festival on Nov. 7 at 4 p.m.…

Halloween Is Coming

Friday, October 25th, 2024

Halloween Is Coming

Molokai History Project News Release

The Molokai History Project is ready for ghosts and goblins to stop by on their way to Ranch Camp on Halloween night. We have fun treats for everyone. It’s a worthwhile stop as the history project has good stuff to fill your bag on your way to a busy exciting evening. But wait, there’s more! The history project has plans for three events you won’t want to miss. Our keiki are honored on Halloween night but November brings treats for all ages. We’re looking forward to three events full of nostalgia, good laughs and sharing of knowledge.…

$10,000 Donation to MHS AND MMS

Friday, October 25th, 2024

$10,000 Donation to MHS AND MMS

Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation

Established in 1952, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is a non-profit organization committed to perpetuating the rich heritage of Hawaiian canoe racing.

OHCRA is the organizer of Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe canoe races across the Ka’iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu. Both events are regarded as among the most famous and challenging outrigger canoe events in the world. More than 2,000 canoe paddlers from around the globe come to Molokai to compete in the annual 41-mile event from Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai to Waikiki Beach on Oahu.…