News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Health Centers Statewide Get $1.3M for Telehealth

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

HCF News Release

Fourteen Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state, including Molokai Community Health Center, received $1.3 million in grant awards, the Freeman Foundation and Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) announced. With guidance from Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), the grants aim to increase access to and delivery of telehealth services at a time when such services are in greater demand due in part to stay-at-home orders and limited in-person appointments, and more people are relying on these centers overall for their medical needs.

“Throughout our work in the U.S. and Asia, we’ve seen how basic technology can facilitate connections and improve daily lives,” said Graeme Freeman, president of The Freeman Foundation.…

Keiki Artist Winners

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Keiki Artist Winners

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) Member Art Show 2020 showcased Molokai’s keiki artists. Two keiki classes are held every Saturday: Session 1 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and Session 2 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The MAC also hosts classes for Molokai Middle School (HLIP and Dolphins), Kualapu’u School 21st Century Program, Aka’ula Summer Session and other workshops as requested by agencies and schools. Congratulations to our young artists who submitted and won awards!

Most Innovative – Taua Lima-English “Tik Tak Toe Animal Set”
Most Whimsical – Laule’a Ledesma “Kookie”
Most Expressive – Keawe Koko Chong-Kalima “Kia’i”
Best in Self Expression – Odinn Moore “Fish Kitty Football”
Most Enchanting – Patience Purdy “Peach Blossom Elephant”
Most Delightful – Kolbie Kalima Ledesma “Turtle Turtle”
Best Island Aesthetic – Kaedyn Chong “Blue”
Emerging Artist – Kaizyn Chong “Stego”

Photos are posted on the MAC’s Facebook page.…

Molokai Youth Conservation Positions Available

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Kupu Hawaii News Release

Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization, announced that applications are now open for this summer’s Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC). This seven-week opportunity runs from June 7 – July 23 providing young adults typically between the ages of 17-22 with meaningful field service experience into the world of conservation while giving back to the community. Positions are available on Molokai.

Participants will be paid for their service as Team Members or Team Leaders, and also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, CPR/First Aid Certification, and priceless on-the-job training. No prior environmental experience is necessary. The ideal applicant is someone with a positive attitude, curious about nature, and has a desire to learn through hands-on service.…

MHS Teachers Awarded Education Grants

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

HI State FCU News Release

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union (Hawaii State FCU) has awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to Hawaii public school teachers through its 2020 Investing in Education grant program. A total of 84 grants were distributed to public school teachers across Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Molokai to help purchase classroom supplies and enhance student curriculums.

Two teachers at Molokai High, Grace Chen-Ellis and Tilana Roberts, were among the recipients.

“Since 2009, Hawaii State FCU’s Investing in Education grant program has supported teachers by providing grants to purchase needed supplies, technology and tools to enhance classroom learning,” said Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State FCU.…

Transforming Trash to Art

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Malama Maui Nui News Release

The Art of Trash is an annual juried exhibition that includes an art gallery and a Trashion Show, which inspires people to reimagine our resources, such as previously used materials, as elements for creative inspiration. Hosted by Malama Maui Nui and sponsored by the County of Maui’s Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division, the Art of Trash 2021 Virtual Exhibition will be live in April at MalamaMauiNui.org/ArtOfTrash.

Submissions from Molokai, Maui and Lanai will be accepted virtually from Feb. 1 to March 1. To submit an art piece for the Art Gallery and/or a fashion piece for the Trashion Show, visit MalamaMauiNui.org/ArtOfTrash

Sust‘aina ble Molokai Launches Clean Energy Hui

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

Sust’aina ble Molokai News Release

The newly formed Molokai Clean Energy Hui (MCEH) is an independent community-led group committed to help Molokai become the resilient, clean energy community we all want to live in. Launched and facilitated by Sust‘aina ble Molokai, which also runs the popular Hui Up appliance exchange program, MCEH wants to help our community understand and engage effectively with the often complicated processes and project proposals surrounding renewable energy. The group also offers early vetting and input to potential energy developers and other organizations to help them understand Molokai’s priorities, questions and concerns regarding the impacts and benefits to our island.…

Rotary Scholarships Open

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

HRYF News Release

Scholarships through the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) are now open for applications. HRYF is a nonprofit charitable corporation founded in 1976. Its main objective is to provide scholarships for Hawaii youth to further their education after high school. The 10 Rotary Clubs in Maui County are now accepting applications for this scholarship award. Each Maui County Rotary club will select a deserving high school student to receive the $5000 scholarship award.

This award is non-transferable and can only be used for the first year of school. Funds are mailed directly to the school of choice and cannot be deterred for future use.…

Molokai’s Energy Coop Selects Developer

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

Ho‘ahu Energy Coop News Release

Ho‘ahu Energy Cooperative Molokai invites you to join us for our first virtual workshop of 2021 on Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At this workshop you’ll have a chance to hear about the coop’s two important milestones over the last month: applying for incorporation for the cooperative and selecting an additional energy development partner. We also need your input on important upcoming decisions about our project proposal including:

Subscription model: setting goals and guidelines for who can sign up to save money on their energy bills from the project and

Physical project design: deciding where the project will go and what it will look like.…

Participate in Affordable Housing Plan

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

HCA News Release

Maui nonprofit Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) will partner with Akaku: Maui Community Media to launch a months-long series of community meetings that will inform the County of Maui’s Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan.

Community meetings will be held for residents in the County’s eight community plan areas with follow-up meetings in plan areas determined most suitable for the building of 5,000 units of affordable housing over the next five years. Meetings will be limited to 100 attendees and held via Zoom to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Community area residents will be able to participate through online and phone call-in options with feedback managed through chat functions and facilitated discussion.…

4 Molokai Residents Join Fire Dept.

Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

4 Molokai Residents Join Fire Dept.

MFD News Release

Last month, the Department of Fire and Public Safety celebrated the graduation of its 36th Firefighter Recruit Class in Wailuku. The 19 firefighter recruits graduated from the Maui Fire Department’s 25 week Recruit Training Program, and four of them are from Molokai. The program is designed to train and evaluate fire recruits on the many skills and disciplines necessary to serve the public as a firefighter.

Fifteen firefighters will be joining the ranks with the Maui Fire Department and will be assigned to Maui County fire stations on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. They are: Mahonri Aiwohi, Kaikane Beam, Ross Bisera, Michael Carter, Joshua Galvan, Aaron Griffith, Cameron Layer, Ikaika Neizman, Daniel Place (of Molokai), Kenneth Puaa, Charles Puaa-Spencer (of Molokai), James Puaa Spencer (of Molokai), Daniel Silvestre, Matthew Wilburn, and Jacob Wolfson.…