News Releases

Nuestro Futuro Supports Kaohi Program

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Nuestro Futuro Foundation News Release

The Hawaii-based Nuestro Futuro Foundation has provided two grants this year to support the Maui Economic Opportunity Kaohi program that works to prevent substance abuse, bullying and suicide among middle and high school youth on Molokai.
The Nuestro Futuro Foundation’s initial grant in 2022 helped start the program on Molokai that year. MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. Bringing MEO Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai was a perfect fit.
Under the direction of coordinator Mela Tancayo and her staff, Kaohi offers programs in school, after school and during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks.…

Community Budget Meetings for Fiscal Year 2026

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings throughout Maui County starting next week for residents to share their priorities and provide input on the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

“Many of our county services, programs and projects touch the everyday lives of our residents; therefore, getting input from our community is vital. As each of our departments begin to shape next fiscal year’s budget that begins in July 2025, hearing from our residents on their priorities and needs is both helpful and valuable,” said Mayor Bissen. “I encourage residents to attend a budget community meeting or utilize online options to send their input.…

MHS Robotics Fundraising for Speedway Event

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

MHS Robotics Team News Release

The Molokai High School Robotics Team has been invited to compete at the 2024 VEX Robotics Speedway Event, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, taking place on Nov. 22 and 23. This event is a world championship-qualifying tournament, with over 100 teams nationally and internationally attending. Our students will not only have the opportunity to compete with their robots, but also work hands-on with real Indy 500 cars, operate race car driving simulators, and tour the Indianapolis Speedway Museum!
We plan on traveling from Nov. 19-24, 2024, with a fundraising goal of $25,000 to cover our inter-island airfare, continental airfare, transportation, room and board, meals, registration fees, and incidentals.…

OED Accepting New Grant Applications

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Maui County News Release

The Office of Economic Development (OED) will accept new grant applications for programs, projects and events that promote and nurture economic development in Maui County. Approximately $868,000 in funding is available. The application process opens Sept. 16 and runs until Nov. 1, 2024. The county is seeking proposals that are consistent with community needs and priorities, while supporting local businesses and nonprofits.

Funding is available for initiatives in Cultural and Arts Programs, $48,000, for cultural and art events, workshops, festivals and other opportunities in Maui County; Small Business Promotion, $30,000, for promotion of Maui’s small towns and businesses and support of small business events, trade shows, workshops and other economic development activities that support small businesses county-wide; Business Technology, $555,000, for new technology-based economic development for Maui County; Workforce Development, $180,000, for locally and nationally recognized education-to-workforce initiatives; Molokai and Lanai youth, $35,000, for student travel.…

Molokai Artists Selected for State Exhibition

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen is thrilled to announce that eight exceptional artists from Molokai have been selected to have their artwork juried into the prestigious Hawaii Craftsmen 2024 Annual State Exhibition. This esteemed showcase is one of Hawaii’s premier juried exhibitions. Held annually since 1967, it highlights both traditional and contemporary craft from across the state.
From a staggering 522 entries submitted by 277 artists statewide, only 101 pieces were chosen by this year’s juror, Suzanne Isken. We are incredibly proud that eight artists from Molokai are among the 85 artists represented in this highly competitive show.

Congratulations to the following Molokai artists for their outstanding contributions: Arabella Ark for “Temple,” Daniel Bennett for “I Grew Up in an Orange Grove,” Jason Elder for “Na ho’omaka hou,” Patricia Golebieski for “Sacred Moloka’i,” Koko Johnson for “Golden Pot,” Kim Markham for “Marielito,” Mathayus Scherling for “Water Reflections,” and Paula Scott for “Geisha” and “The Natives.”…

Celebrating One Year

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

One short year ago, a group of Molokai folks came together to help celebrate the opening day of the Molokai History Project. With the help of Jimmy Duvauchelle and Donna Paoa, we opened our doors on Oct. 6, a wonderful day for Molokai. Very quickly many volunteered to be greeters and help keep the doors open six days a week. Folks came in, loved the exhibits, found their photo on our 1976 calendar, learned facts they might have forgotten, and quickly began to bring in their own memorabilia to share with their fellow classmates, friends, family and visitors alike.…

Punalau Pond Community Meeting

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Molokai Land Trust News Release

The Molokai Land Trust (MLT), along with Sust’ainable Molokai, will be hosting a community meeting on Sept. 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. to begin a community visioning process for restoration of Punalau Pond, a 45-acre wetland on the south shore of Molokai.
MLT is a member of the Molokai Wetland Partnership, which was formed in 2020 with the goal of creating an interconnected network of diverse and resilient wetlands that support thriving traditional community practices, native flora and fauna, and ecosystem services in the face of climate change and sea-level rise. With the support of the partnership, MLT was awarded funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Coastal Resilience Fund to begin the development of plans for the restoration and functionality of Punalau Pond, and one other wetland on Molokaiʻs south shore.…

Upcoming Out of Darkness Walk

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention News Release

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. for the third annual Molokai Out of the Darkness Walk, at the Molokai Canoe Club. Our team of community volunteers, in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hawaii Chapter (AFSP) is organizing this suicide prevention and awareness event. Food and entertainment at the Veterans’ Center is to follow. Together, we can connect with the community to provide support, break the silence to talk about mental health, participate in purposeful activities, and offer other vital resources for our community.
September has been designated “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” in Hawaii.…

Hokule’a Headed For Molokai

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

After a week in Waiʻanae engaging with students and community, Hokuleʻa will depart Pokaʻi Bay and return to Sand Island. As the crew heads out of the bay, they will honor the late Twinkle Borge with an oli, pu and flower drop. The Hawaiian flag will be flown at half-staff along with a pink lei hulu on Hokuleʻa as the canoe sails along the Waiʻanae coast. The crew will also stop off-shore of Nanakuli to honor the community with pu and oli.

“Twinkle was the navigator who would find the smallest light in each person and help them find their way out of the darkness.…

Coombs Named To 40 Under 40 List

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

Bayer News Release 

A huge congratulations to Bayer Hawaii’s own Jill Coombs for being honored in Pacific Business News ’40 Under 40′ Class of 2024!

PBN’s 40 Under 40 recognizes outstanding young business professionals in Hawaii who have demonstrated excellence in business, contributed to the overall success of their company, and are strongly involved in the community.

Hailing from our Molokai farm, Jill is a passionate advocate for agriculture across our state. Through her leadership, she has significantly contributed to the health and well-being of our employees and championed STEM education initiatives in schools. Her dedication to sustainable farming and conservation is inspiring.…