News Releases

Hokule’a Events Schedule for Molokai

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

Hokuleʻa, Hawaii’s iconic double-hulled voyaging canoe, embarked on the next leg of its statewide Pae ʻAina, arriving in Kaunakakai this past Sunday. During the week-long stop at Kaunakakai Harbor, the crew will welcome school groups and the general public to share about traditional voyaging, the rich cultural history that the canoe represents and plans for future legs of the Moananuiakea Voyage.

Dockside canoe tours will be held at the Kaunakakai Pier from Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, with school tours scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and public tours from 3 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct.…

RFP for 15 Off-Grid Nanogrid Projects

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai is excited to announce the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its upcoming 15 Off-Grid Nanogrid ʻOhana Projects — a local initiative aimed at empowering Molokai ʻohana with sustainable, locally controlled energy solutions.
These nanogrid projects will serve Molokai’s off-grid residents, especially those living in areas where access to reliable energy is limited or unavailable. By utilizing one kilowatt of solar photovoltaic and three kilowatt-hours of battery storage, these off-grid systems are designed to enhance energy independence, reduce electricity costs, and ensure a resilient, sustainable future for our community.…

Tancayo Named MEO Employee of the Month

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

MEO News Release

Zantha-Angelica “Mela” Tancayo, who helped set up and develop the Youth Services’ Kaohi prevention program on Molokai, was recently named Maui Economic Opportunity Employee of the Month.
“Mela is a hard worker and goes above and beyond for the kids involved in the Kaohi program and is a great co-worker,” said Sydney Yap-Kalipi, a former colleague who nominated her for the honor.
MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. In 2022 with a grant from the nonprofit Nuestro Futuro Foundation, MEO brought its Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai.…

Nuestro Futuro Supports Kaohi Program

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Nuestro Futuro Foundation News Release

The Hawaii-based Nuestro Futuro Foundation has provided two grants this year to support the Maui Economic Opportunity Kaohi program that works to prevent substance abuse, bullying and suicide among middle and high school youth on Molokai.
The Nuestro Futuro Foundation’s initial grant in 2022 helped start the program on Molokai that year. MEO had identified substance abuse and suicide among youth on the island as issues needing to be addressed. Bringing MEO Youth Services’ tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug, bullying, and suicide prevention programs to Molokai was a perfect fit.
Under the direction of coordinator Mela Tancayo and her staff, Kaohi offers programs in school, after school and during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks.…

Community Budget Meetings for Fiscal Year 2026

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings throughout Maui County starting next week for residents to share their priorities and provide input on the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

“Many of our county services, programs and projects touch the everyday lives of our residents; therefore, getting input from our community is vital. As each of our departments begin to shape next fiscal year’s budget that begins in July 2025, hearing from our residents on their priorities and needs is both helpful and valuable,” said Mayor Bissen. “I encourage residents to attend a budget community meeting or utilize online options to send their input.…

MHS Robotics Fundraising for Speedway Event

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

MHS Robotics Team News Release

The Molokai High School Robotics Team has been invited to compete at the 2024 VEX Robotics Speedway Event, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, taking place on Nov. 22 and 23. This event is a world championship-qualifying tournament, with over 100 teams nationally and internationally attending. Our students will not only have the opportunity to compete with their robots, but also work hands-on with real Indy 500 cars, operate race car driving simulators, and tour the Indianapolis Speedway Museum!
We plan on traveling from Nov. 19-24, 2024, with a fundraising goal of $25,000 to cover our inter-island airfare, continental airfare, transportation, room and board, meals, registration fees, and incidentals.…

OED Accepting New Grant Applications

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Maui County News Release

The Office of Economic Development (OED) will accept new grant applications for programs, projects and events that promote and nurture economic development in Maui County. Approximately $868,000 in funding is available. The application process opens Sept. 16 and runs until Nov. 1, 2024. The county is seeking proposals that are consistent with community needs and priorities, while supporting local businesses and nonprofits.

Funding is available for initiatives in Cultural and Arts Programs, $48,000, for cultural and art events, workshops, festivals and other opportunities in Maui County; Small Business Promotion, $30,000, for promotion of Maui’s small towns and businesses and support of small business events, trade shows, workshops and other economic development activities that support small businesses county-wide; Business Technology, $555,000, for new technology-based economic development for Maui County; Workforce Development, $180,000, for locally and nationally recognized education-to-workforce initiatives; Molokai and Lanai youth, $35,000, for student travel.…

Molokai Artists Selected for State Exhibition

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen is thrilled to announce that eight exceptional artists from Molokai have been selected to have their artwork juried into the prestigious Hawaii Craftsmen 2024 Annual State Exhibition. This esteemed showcase is one of Hawaii’s premier juried exhibitions. Held annually since 1967, it highlights both traditional and contemporary craft from across the state.
From a staggering 522 entries submitted by 277 artists statewide, only 101 pieces were chosen by this year’s juror, Suzanne Isken. We are incredibly proud that eight artists from Molokai are among the 85 artists represented in this highly competitive show.

Congratulations to the following Molokai artists for their outstanding contributions: Arabella Ark for “Temple,” Daniel Bennett for “I Grew Up in an Orange Grove,” Jason Elder for “Na ho’omaka hou,” Patricia Golebieski for “Sacred Moloka’i,” Koko Johnson for “Golden Pot,” Kim Markham for “Marielito,” Mathayus Scherling for “Water Reflections,” and Paula Scott for “Geisha” and “The Natives.”…

Celebrating One Year

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

One short year ago, a group of Molokai folks came together to help celebrate the opening day of the Molokai History Project. With the help of Jimmy Duvauchelle and Donna Paoa, we opened our doors on Oct. 6, a wonderful day for Molokai. Very quickly many volunteered to be greeters and help keep the doors open six days a week. Folks came in, loved the exhibits, found their photo on our 1976 calendar, learned facts they might have forgotten, and quickly began to bring in their own memorabilia to share with their fellow classmates, friends, family and visitors alike.…