News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

MEO Rides for Maunaloa Post Office Customers

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

MEO News Release

The temporary closure of the Maunaloa Post Office prompted Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) to establish bus runs to help Molokai West End residents collect their mail from the Ho’olehua Post Office.

The U.S. Postal Service announced the temporary closure of the post office at 2 Maunaloa Road, Building 2, due to structural and vector control issues on Feb. 24. The leased structure, which had been open weekdays, houses post office boxes for about 240 customers; the post office does not offer street mail delivery, USPS said in a news release.

Maunaloa Post Office mail can be picked up at the back door of the Ho’olehua Post Office, 69-2 Puupeelua Ave.…

Give Input as Energy Coop Proposal Takes Shape

Wednesday, March 17th, 2021

Hoʻahu Energy Coop News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai, a new local entity formed to support community-owned energy projects, invites you to join us for our next virtual workshop on Saturday, March 20, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At this workshop, weʻll discuss the coop’s potential microgrid project and our progress in designing a solar and battery storage project for Hawaiian Electric’s upcoming Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) Request for Proposals (RFP). We need your input on important upcoming decisions about our project proposal including designing a workforce development and training program for Molokai residents in solar development, installation and maintenance; subscription model benefits for the CBRE project; and land use decisions.…

Outstanding Older Americans Nominations

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

Maui County News Release

The Maui County Office on Aging is seeking nominations for Maui County’s 52nd annual Outstanding Older American Male and Female of Maui County. The recognition program is held each May in conjunction with Older Americans Month to recognize elders across the nation for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to society.

Nominees for the awards must be 65 years of age or older and a resident of Maui, Molokai or Lanai. Any individual, club or organization may nominate candidates for the award. Previous winners are not eligible for nomination.

Nomination forms are available by calling 270-7755, visiting mauicountyadrc.org

Microloans for Food Producers and Small Businesses

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

The Kohala Center News Release

Food producers and small businesses in Hawaii seeking financial support now have a local ally to help them secure no-interest microloans through one of the world’s leading crowdfunding platforms.

The Kohala Center, an independent nonprofit organization based on Hawaii Island, was recently designated by Kiva as the regional Kiva Hub for the Hawaiian Islands.

From helping Mother Nature’s Miracle on Hawaii Island acquire a greenhouse to enabling Molokai Livestock Cooperative to invest in marketing, more than 60 food producers and small businesses on six islands, including Molokai, have partnered with Kiva and The Kohala Center to secure more than $510,000 in no-interest loans to grow and expand their operations.…

Hawaiian Electric President Retires

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawaii Island utilities, retired from Hawaiian Electric effective March 1.

Retiring after 28 years with Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric, Suzuki served as president of Maui Electric from 2012 to 2019, when she was named to the new position of president of Maui County and Hawaii Island utilities for Hawaiian Electric.

“Thank you for the honor of being able to serve our unique communities on Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island,” Suzuki said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside our company’s dedicated employees and I am grateful for the years of collaboration with all of our customers, community organizations, renewable energy partners, and business and government leaders.”…

Energy Coop Microgrid Project

Saturday, March 6th, 2021

Ho’ahu Energy Coop News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai, a new local entity formed to support community-owned energy projects, invites you to join us for our next virtual workshop on Saturday, March 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At this workshop, weʻll discuss the coop’s exciting new potential microgrid project, as well as our progress in designing a solar and battery storage project for Maui Electric’s upcoming Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) Request for Proposals (RFP). We need your input on important upcoming decisions about our project proposal including designing a workforce development and training program for Molokai residents in solar development, installation and maintenance, and subscription model benefits for the CBRE project.…

DHHL Beneficiary Input on General Plan

Saturday, March 6th, 2021

DHHL News Release

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is seeking beneficiary input as part of its 2022 General Plan update Beneficiary Consultation process.

The General Plan, which is updated every 20 years, establishes statewide policies that guide land management and DHHL programs over the consequent two decades. As one piece of the planning framework, the General Plan provides a comprehensive policy that ensures coordinated, integrated and orderly social, physical and economic development of Hawaiian Home Lands through the establishment of goals, objectives and implementing actions. DHHL’s General Plan is followed by detailed island and regional plans that are updated on a rotating basis and on their own timetable.…

A Different Kind of Soup ‘R Bowl

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

A Different Kind of Soup ‘R Bowl

MAC News Release

Yes, the Molokai Arts Center is still having its 11th annual Soup ‘R Bowl, but the event has been reimagined! It will be held on Saturday, March 6, at the Lanikeha Community Center in Ho’olehua (2200 Farrington Ave). Tickets will only be sold online this year. Visit molokaiartscenter.org today to order.

Last year, COVID regulations were thrust upon us right after the Soup ‘R Bowl. This year, instead of imagining a year without Soup ‘R Bowl, the MAC created a COVID-compliant walk-through, take-out experience. If you’ve been collecting ceramic soup bowls every year you don’t have to miss one.…

New Library App

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

Molokai Public Library News Release

Molokai Public Library and Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) patrons can now download HSPLS’s free, new patron-friendly app compatible with iOS and Android devices. This updated app offers patrons the ability to:

• manage loans and holds on materials
• find the nearest library
• manage family library cards in one place
• place holds on physical and digital books
• self-check-out inside a library and more.

Library patrons can download the app from their device’s app store or call or stop by their nearest library for assistance and more information.

“We are excited to launch the new LibrariesHI App.…

Soil Investigation at Gas Storage Site

Thursday, February 18th, 2021

Arcadis News Release

Arcadis U.S., Inc (Arcadis) will be completing a site investigation project on behalf of Chevron Environmental Management Company at the Kaunakakai Terminal, scheduled tentatively for Feb. 22 to April 9, 2021. A non-invasive investigation of PAR Hawaii’s Kaunakakai Bulk Storage Facility was requested by the Hawaii State Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response division to understand the impact of petroleum in the soil.

The site falls within a special management area (Permit #SM6 2020/0002) and includes potential cultural and archaeological assets present in the subsurface, prompting the desire for a non-intrusive investigation. The project will be performed at the empty lots on 125 Kaunakakai Place and 28 Beach Place (privately owned), along the Kaunakakai Place right-of-way (owned by the Hawaii State Department of Transportation), and in the northeastern portion of Malama Cultural Park (owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands).…