News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

‘Ainapa‘a Wrestling Team Tournament

Thursday, April 24th, 2025

‘Ainapa‘a Wrestling Team Tournament

‘Ainapa‘a Wrestling Team News Release
On behalf of the ‘Ainapa‘a Wrestling Team (AWT) ‘ohana, we would like to extend our deepest mahalo to the Molokai community for helping to create such a successful and memorable wrestling tournament experience. As the first wrestling tournament ever held at the Kaunakakai County Gym, it was a true honor to be a part of this milestone. We are proud to have showcased the sport of wrestling and contribute to its growth here on Molokai. Your support, hospitality, and aloha made all the difference, and we are filled with gratitude.
Until next time, AWT will continue to travel to Maui to compete in more Maui style wrestling tournaments, as well as participating in Hawaii Federation USA Wrestling events on Oahu.…

Celebrate Mother’s Day with “Malama Your Mama” Fundraiser

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

Aka’ula School News Release
Join Aka’ula School ‘ohana in honoring mothers, community and education at “Malama Your Mama,” a heartfelt Mother’s Day fundraiser on Sunday, May 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Molokai Community Health Center.
This special event will feature a delicious brunch, an exciting silent auction with locally sourced treasures, and a live performance by the incomparable Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, whose voice and presence will make this a Mother’s Day to remember.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Molokai’s south shore, the “Malama Your Mama” celebration is more than an event, it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation.…

Students Receive No Cost Dental Services

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

Students Receive No Cost Dental Services

University of Hawaii News Release
For the first time, the Hawaii Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn Program offered free dental services to Molokai students.
On April 8, a team of nine Oahu and Maui-based dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and nurses traveled to Maunaloa Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary and Kualapuʻu School to host dental sealant events. Three Molokai-based Hawaii Keiki health technicians provided additional on-the-ground support.
About 110 Molokai students were seen, receiving dental screenings, oral health education, hygiene kits and, where needed, dental sealants—a protective treatment that helps prevent cavities.
“This is the first time Hawaii Keiki has come to do dental sealants and we’re looking forward to next year,” said Kualapu’u School Principal Lydia Trinidad.…

Hawaiian Monk Seal Peak Pupping Season

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Dept. of Land and Natural Resources News Release

The number of endangered Hawaiian monk seals born in the main Hawaiian Islands is growing. So too, are the chances of pups and their mothers interacting with people.

Thirty-four pups were born in the main Hawaiian Islands in 2024, and three pups have already been born this year.

After giving birth, monk seal mothers will nurse and take care of their pups for five to seven weeks. During this time, nursing moms can be very protective and may react aggressively to anyone who gets too close. When seals are born at highly visible and popular beaches the chances of someone getting hurt increase dramatically.…

New Full-Time Speech Therapy Services Now Available

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Maui Speech and Swallow News Release

Maui Speech and Swallow and Neurological Rehabilitation is proud to announce the expansion of its services to Molokai, offering full-time, in-person speech-language therapy with a licensed speech-language pathologist now based on island.
Alana Ducroix-Miyamoto, MS CF-SLP, has joined the team as Molokai’s full-time speech therapist, bringing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across the lifespan—from infants to kupuna. With a mission to empower individuals of all abilities, Maui Speech and Swallow provides comprehensive therapy for a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.
Services include early intervention for young children, support for articulation and language development, cognitive rehabilitation for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, therapy for voice and fluency disorders, and specialized treatment for feeding and swallowing (dysphagia).…

Hospice Maui Molokai 10th Annual Yard Sale

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Hospice Maui Molokai News Release

Beginning April 15, donations will be accepted for Hospice Maui Molokai’s annual yard sale. Your gently used or new items are another person’s treasure. If you are donating clothing, please wash before donating. Hospice will not be accepting books, videos, or DVD’s, as well as computers, keyboards, or monitors unless they are new and still in the box. For information on when and where to donate items, please call Dan Reed, 808-658-1015 or Maile Silva, 808-658-6030. The sale will take place Saturday, July 5, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dr. Dan’s Parking Lot, 130 Kamehameha V Hwy.,…

Addressing Education for Social Action

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Molokai Bahá’í Community News Release

What is the purpose of education, really? That’s the question Dr. Mona Kiani, founder of Education With Purpose, will discuss in the next installment of the Global Citizenship Speaker Series at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at the Molokai Public Library.

“Teachers are under colossal pressure to prepare students for standardized tests,” said Kiani, “but this can lead to a narrowed overall vision for the purpose of education. This leaves educators in an uphill battle trying to engage students when the learning doesn’t always feel fully relevant and meaningful to students’ lives.”

“Acquiring knowledge and developing critical thinking skills are imperative,” said Kiani, “but I think the future of the K-12 schooling system is destined for a much greater purpose.…

St. Damien Talk Story Event

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

St. Damien Talk Story Event

The Molokai History Project News Release

On Tuesday morning, April 15, Paula Scott will host a talk story about Father Damien and the 16 years he spent at Kalawao and Kalaupapa. This continues with the Molokai History Project’s desire to present as many talk story events as we can to share Molokai’s history with visitors and residents. Please join us at 10:30 a.m. in the garden behind the history project. Along with the presentation of this incredible history drinks and snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there!…

Maui Matsuri Art Contest, Cash Prizes Available

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Maui Matsuri Art Contest, Cash Prizes Available

Maui Matsuri News Release

The 23rd annual Maui Matsuri is now accepting entries for its art contest from eligible students, who can win up to $100 in cash prizes. The Maui Matsuri Art Contest is sponsored by HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts Maui.

The contest is open to Maui County students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The deadline to enter and submit artwork is April 21. All entries must depict this years’ Maui Matsuri 2025 Festival theme of Nozomi “Hope and Aspiration”.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners in each of the following four age divisions: kindergarten – 2nd grade; 3rd – 5th grade; 6th – 8th grade; 9th – 12th grade.…

Mayor Bissen Proposes FY 2026 Budget Focuses

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Mayor Bissen Proposes FY 2026 Budget Focuses

Maui County News Release

On March 25, Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 proposed budget to the Maui County Council, emphasizing the plan’s focus on recovery, long-term resilience and a balanced approach to countywide priorities.
“Over the past year, our community has faced immense challenges — and through strong partnerships with the County Council and our community, we’ve stood united in our shared commitment to serving the people of Maui County,” said Mayor Bissen. “This year’s budget is guided by the theme of kahua — a Hawaiian concept meaning ‘foundation,’ and it is our reminder to care for our people, protect our ʻaina, respect our culture and honor our history.”…