News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Intern with Sen. Schatz

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Intern with Sen. Schatz

Sen. Brian Schatz News Release

Applications for U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s 2021–22 High School Internship Program are now being accepted. The statewide program provides a hands-on learning opportunity about the U.S. Senate and encourages students to be leaders and advocates in their schools and communities. Molokai High School’s Ashawna-Leigh Bicoy is among the outgoing interns from the 2020-2021 program.

“This year’s interns were obviously very impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of being discouraged, they used this moment to advocate for better communication with their communities, increased physical and mental health resources, and expanded educational opportunities for students. I thank them for all of the great work they did this year,” said Sen.…

PALS Keiki Kare Summer Program

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

County of Maui News Release

Online registration for the 2021 PALS Keiki Kare Summer Program on Molokai, Maui and Lanai will be open from May 16 to May 22, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced.

The program will provide working families with essential summertime child care and help strengthen family and community connections.

The program is open to children 5 to 12 years old. Program registration must be completed online only between Sunday, May 16 and Saturday, May 22. This will be the only registration period for PALS Summer Keiki Kare sessions on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

The PALS Keiki Kare Program will begin Monday, June 14, and continue through Friday, July 23.…

Internet Assistance and Device Discounts

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Sen. Schatz News Release

A new federal program is available to help Molokai residents pay for internet service and provide discounts on devices. The Federal Communications Commission announced that applications are now being accepted for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a program which provides up to $50 a month on internet service and discounts on computers and tablets which may utilized the best device for drawing, for eligible participants. The new $3.2 billion federal program, established by the COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress and signed into law in December, provides support for broadband services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Rent and Electric Bill Assistance

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Hawaiian Electric News Release

With the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment set to end May 31 for Hawaiian Electric customers, Molokai renters behind on utility bills are urged to seek financial help through new county program. Millions of dollars in federal assistance to households behind on rent and electric bills are now available through the County of Maui.

Disconnections for nonpayment and collections activities have been suspended for more than a year as part of Hawaiian Electric’s effort to help households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium, set by the Public Utilities Commission, is scheduled to end on May 31.…

Molokai Artists Encouraged to Enter Statewide Exhibition

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Held annually since 1967, the Hawaii Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition of traditional and contemporary crafts brings a juror of international reputation to the state of Hawaii to jury entries and give public presentations on each island. Accepted artwork will be exhibited at the Downtown Art Center in Honolulu, and will be featured in an exhibition catalog.

Emerging and established artists from across the state of Hawaii are encouraged to submit up to six completed artworks to be juried by Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy, a Los Angeles and New York-based curator, writer, and arts administrator of contemporary art and craft, and an assistant curator at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), New York.…

‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

‘Aina Momona Gets $300K

DDCF News Release

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) announced that Molokai organization ‘Aina Momona is among five organizations selected nationwide that will receive general operating grants totaling $1.5 million through the foundation’s new Building an Inclusive Conservation Movement Program. These five Black, Indigenous and people of color-led conservation organizations will each receive $300,000 in funding over three years in recognition of and contribution to the pivotal leadership roles they play in developing culturally driven and community-centered conservation work that builds more positive outcomes for biodiversity, nature and people.

“We are excited to support these bold and impactful organizations with flexible funding to help advance their goals,” said Sacha Spector, program director for the environment at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.…

MHS Graduation Ceremony

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

MHS News Release

The Molokai High School Class of 2021 will be honored through a closed graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 22 at 4 pm. Commencement will be a hybrid of traditional ceremony on the Molokai High Football Field with in-person commencement for graduates and only two guests/family. The commencement program will also be live-streamed for family/community. The inclement weather alternative will be a drive-thru ceremony with graduates only on campus and guests/family will be in the car.

Unfortunately, the proceedings will only be open to graduates and their families. The community is invited to join our virtual commencement online on Akaku Molokaiʻs Facebook Page.…

Energy Coop Seeks Local Contractors

Thursday, April 29th, 2021

Ho’ahu Energy News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai, a new local entity formed to support community-owned energy projects, seeks interest from individuals and companies based on Molokai with qualifications relevant to energy development.

As a locally-led cooperative of Molokai residents, we are committed to supporting local people and economic development on Molokai. Our energy development partners, Shake Energy Collaborative and Mana Pacific, are equally committed to hiring locally and we collectively put out this call for interest.

We are looking for Molokai people interested in participating in the design, construction and operation of energy projects at this time for several upcoming projects.…

Two Molokai Educators Get Board Certified

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

HIDOE News Release
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) last week celebrated 40 educators statewide who have earned or renewed their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification — a recognition for meeting the highest standards for teaching. Two of those educators are from Molokai High – Diane Mokuau and Laura Peterson.

This year’s newly certified National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) class ranks 19th-largest in the nation. Hawaii’s growing network of NBCTs now consists of 744 members.

“Data shows that students learn more from National Board Certified Teachers. This impact is even greater for our higher-needs students,” Gov. David Ige said during a virtual ceremony Monday.…

Free Ho’olehua WiFi

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

Grace Episcopal Church News Release

Grace Episcopal Church offered their church in Ho’olehua as a site to house the equipment for a public internet WiFi connection. The congregation encourages residents of all ages to sit under the expansive shade trees, park in the quiet, sheltered parking lot, or under the blue tarp with a picnic table and access the Internet day or night. The WiFi address is Molokai Wifi on Wheels and Molokai Wifi on Wheels_EXT.

“I was saddened when my college and early college students could not complete their homework at home,” said Cheryl Corbiell, UH Maui College, Molokai instructor.…