News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

No More Plastic Foodware

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Maui County News Release 

Maui County’s Plastic Disposable Foodware Ordinance No. 5084 went into effect March 1, and the County’s Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division continues working with affected businesses and suppliers to help them transition toward non-plastic products. With the exception of some temporary exemptions, plastic foodware will no longer be used at take-out restaurants or for purchase at stores on Molokai. 

“We are focused on education and working with businesses to comply with this new law,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “There is a temporary exemption process in place to assist businesses with supply-chain challenges and those that need to exhaust non-compliant supplies.…

Grants Fund Molokai Homestead Projects

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

DHHL News Release 

Three Molokai projects were funded among 14 recipients of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)’s Community Development Program, each receiving a portion of $859,375 in grants.

In June 2021, the Hawaiian Homes Commission (HHC) approved a total of $1,000,000 from the Native Hawaiian Rehabilitation Fund (NHRF) for the current fiscal year. The funds were administratively allocated as $100,000 for Capacity Building and $900,000 for Regional Plan Priority Projects.

DHHL makes available annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a purpose to benefit native Hawaiians. The Department has offered grants in several program areas over the years as a means of implementing the community development component of the rehabilitation fund.…

Lindo Promoted to Asst. Chief

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Lindo Promoted to Asst. Chief

Maui Fire Dept. News Release

A Molokai member of the Maui Fire Department was among those to receive promotions recently announced by Fire Chief Bradford Ventura. 

Henry “Hanale” Lindo of Molokai has been promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations. Other promotions are Jeffrey Giesea has been promoted to Assistant Chief of Support Services; Lee Theros, Shawn Rogers and Alexander Parker have been promoted to Battalion Chief; Darrin Almeida, Garren Oura, Beau Gaddis, Kanoa Shannon, Anthony Twarowski, Matthew Akiona, Joseph “Ikaika” Blackburn, and John Devlin have been promoted to Fire Captain; Daniel Laferriere and Steven Graver have been promoted to Fire Fighter III. …

Understanding Molokai’s Electric Grid

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Community Contributed

By Kahenawai Hirata, Sust’ainable Molokai Intern 

According to Hawaiian Electric this month, 86 percent of Molokai homes and businesses are powered by the diesel powered generators at Palaʻau, and the other 14 percent of our energy needs are met by the 500 rooftop solar systems on the island.

This and other information was discussed on Feb. 16 at the first energy briefing held via Zoom by the Molokai Clean Energy Hui (MCEH), in partnership with the Molokai community, Sust’ainable Molokai and Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). This briefing is part of the community education and input phase of the Molokai Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (Molokai CERAP).…

Spring Break Coastal Camp

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Spring Break Coastal Camp

Learning Endeavors News Release

Learning Endeavors is offering a free Coastal Camp for grades four to six during spring break. Campers will visit two coastal areas and engage in science experiments, art projects, and stewardship activities!

The two-day Molokai Coastal Camp is part of the Champions of Coastal Resilience (CCR) program, which seeks to develop climate stewards that care for our coastal communities. This camp is open to all Molokai elementary school students from grades four to six.  It will take place on March 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each day will start and end at Kaunakakai School.…

New Mobile Provider

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

New Mobile Provider

Cricket Wireless Molokai News Release 

What’s all the buzz about Cricket Wireless? It’s a new business on Molokai that opened its door on Jan. 7.  We offer cellular services utilizing the AT&T network with affordable monthly plans. There are no contracts or credit checks. The best part about Cricket Wireless is that you don’t have to wait for shipping of any cell phone or accessories because we have lots in stock.  

Here are some of this month’s specials when porting in from your current carrier: $50 instant credit added to your account; 10 different free phones to choose from; get an iPhone 11 for $99; get an iPhone SE for $49. …

Grant for Local Food Distribution

Friday, February 25th, 2022

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

Sustʻainable Molokai recently received a $34,375 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of Project Hoʻokuʻikahi Aloha Molokai, which distributes locally produced food to Molokai residents through our island’s 22 food pantries.

This project began as a hui of community organizations that rallied together to provide food for our Molokai residents during the outbreak of the pandemic. The name Hoʻokuʻikahi Aloha Molokai means “uniting in love for our people of Molokai.” These and other efforts are covered in this short video, Island in the Pandemic, created by Quazifilms’ Matt Yamashita, which premiered on Oct 16, 2020.…

Discuss Molokai Water Use and Demand

Thursday, February 24th, 2022

Townscape News Release

Learn about Preliminary Water Use and Demand for Molokai’s water systems. At two meetings open to Molokai residents, we will be presenting water use information for public and private water systems on the island, our methodology for projecting future water demand, and sharing our preliminary water demand projections. The Molokai Water Use and Development Plan is being updated by a collaboration between Townscape, Inc., an environmental and community planning company, and the County of Maui Department of Water Supply, Water Resources and Planning Division.

We will offer this presentation at two different meeting times. Our presentation will be the same at each meeting, and open discussion time will follow the presentation.…

Molokai Artist Receives National Cultural Fellowship

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

Molokai Artist Receives National Cultural Fellowship

First Peoples Fund News Release

First Peoples Fund, the oldest national Native-led organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous artists, has selected 12 individuals from across the country as recipients of the 2022 Cultural Capital Fellowship.

Local artist Kanaka Maoli Hawaii, Kanoelani Davis of Molokai, was named as one of the fellows. An artist whose artforms include regalia, jewelry and weaving, Davis will receive a $7,500 project grant, technical support and professional training over the course of the year.

An internship at a renowned jewelry company like Julius Klein Diamonds could further enhance her skills, offering access to a global platform and expertise in diamond sourcing, design, and business strategies.…

Keeping It Spotless: The Essential Guide to Commercial Cleaning Services

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining a clean and organized workspace is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. From office buildings to retail stores and large industrial spaces, the demand for professional cleaning services has skyrocketed. This is especially true for tasks requiring trusted service such as deep corner cleaning, which ensures every nook and cranny is spotless and hygienic.

Among the essential services that help businesses maintain a pristine environment is Perth carpet cleaning, which ensures that carpets are not only spotless but also free from allergens, enhancing both cleanliness and air quality. This guide explores everything you need to know about keeping your commercial space spotless and productive.…