News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Molokai Resident Among Pacific Century Fellows

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Pacific Century Fellows News Release

Thirty-six men and women from around Hawaii have been selected for the 15th class of the Pacific Century Fellows program, including Molokai resident Noelani Yamashita. The program identifies, encourages and helps to develop and strengthen island leaders.

Modeled after the White House Fellows Program and founded in 1996 by former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the Pacific Century Fellows are chosen on the basis of written applications and personal interviews conducted by a blue-ribbon panel of judges. In evaluating the candidates, the committee considers educational background; current career responsibilities, noting any special achievements as well as the comments of superiors; involvement in community activities; communication skills; and strength of character.…

Students Awarded $16K for Science and Education

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Students Awarded $16K for Science and Education

MEDB News Release

Molokai students took top honors at the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction last month. The event raised $309,000 to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects in Maui County and throughout the state, and recognized students for their accomplishments in the field with the presentation of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award.

The MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund earmarked $10,000 for this year’s winners, and the Daniel K. Inouye Institute matched the award with an additional $10,000. The first place winner received $10,000, second place $6,000, and third place $4,000.…

Walk for Sight

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Lions Club News Release

The Molokai Lions Club will hold its annual Walk for Sight on Sept. 26 from 7:30 to 10 a.m.  Registration for the walk will take place in front of the Kalele Bookstore.  All participants donating $10 or more will qualify for a Lions Walk for Sight T-shirt.

The walk takes place in a circle round town and participants will record the number of times they make the loop.  Community members are urged to sponsor a participant and donate an agreed upon amount according to the number of loops the participant walks!  Monsanto is the largest business sponsor and the Lions Club encourages other businesses to donate to this fund.…

Hawaii-Made Film Showcases Anti-Bullying

Friday, September 18th, 2015

HI State Public Library News Release

The Hawaii State Public Library System will present “A Place in the Middle,” a Hawaii-made anti-bullying film at the heart of a new culturally-centered campaign for safe and inclusive schools, in a series of free community screenings at eight selected public libraries statewide, and on Molokai on Oct. 28.

Created by Kumu Hina Wong-Kalu and directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, “A Place in the Middle” tells the true-life story of a young Hawaiian girl who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her Honolulu school, and an inspiring teacher who uses traditional culture to empower her.…

Lomilomi Healing

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Molokai Canoe Festivals Committee News Release

Lomilomi is the manipulation and reconstruction of one’s physical being. Together, the patient and practitioner work together guided by the spirit seeking to restore mental and emotional balance. For true healing to exist the focus is not the patient but rather the entire family unit. We do not treat sickness, we treat the patient, and the patient can only be fully restored when they are in a state of pono, or balance, which thrives within their surroundings.

Ka Pa o Lonopuha is a group of practitioners dedicated to restoring the health and well-being back into our homes once again.…

County to Complete Utility Study

Friday, September 18th, 2015

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui is moving forward with plans to a study on the electric utility options for the community, and results will be complete by mid-October. The study will examine alternate businesses models and whether the proposed NextEra merger is in the best interest of residents. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development has selected an Oklahoma based firm to complete the study.

Guernsey, which had an Oahu office from 1999 to 2007, is an engineering, architectural and consulting firm which once worked with Hawaiian Electric and the U.S. Army when the military wanted to privatize its electrical systems on Oahu and Hawaii Island.…

Taro Field Day to Host Queen’s Challenge Taro Competition

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

Sust`aina ble Molokai and UH Cooperative Extension Service News Release

The Molokai Taro Variety Field Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The annual event has been organized by the UH Cooperative Extension Service since 1985, and is something that many residents look forward to. This year promises to be another outstanding event.

An important highlight of this year’s Taro Day is The Queen’s Challenge Taro Competition. This year, Molokai has been selected to host the competition, which is held annually at selected sites around the Pae `Aina in honor of Queen Emma Kalanikaumakaamano Kaleleonalani Na`ea Rooke, who recognized the value of the Hawaiian taro varieties and has written in detail on methods she used to produce large kalo (taro).…

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove Access

Friday, September 11th, 2015

DHHL News Release

The kupuna of Kalamaula made it clear to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) that Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove is sacred and not a place for recreation.  Following community meetings, it was decided that this significant wahipana (historic site) needed to be better cared for and protected.

DHHL consulted the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources because the agency has jurisdiction over historic sites and obtained authorization to clean and fence Kapuaiwa.  DHHL requests beneficiaries and members of the general public to respect the sacredness of Kapuaiwa while efforts are ongoing to work with the Department of Agriculture to continue diagnose/monitor the health of the trees so future decisions may be made about their well-being.…

Recalling Kulaia History

Friday, September 4th, 2015

Molokai Canoe Festivals Committee News Release

Historical records dating back to 1865 note Hawaiian outrigger canoe race competitions as one of the many events our kupuna took part in during annual la kulaia, days of festivities honoring the Kingdom of Hawaii and especially honoring our beloved monarchy.  During that era, kulaia generally occurred once a year during a national holiday or birthday celebration of a mo`i (monarch).

After the overthrow of our beloved Hawaiian Kingdom, kulaia festivities changed focus and no longer celebrated the Kingdom and monarchy.  In historical records, we see the shift from national celebration to simply canoe race competitions. …

Shop Offers Design-Your-Own Apparel

Thursday, September 3rd, 2015

Shop Offers Design-Your-Own Apparel

Something for Everybody News Release

Something for Everybody celebrated its third year in business anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 8. There were #goodwaibes all around, food and music to be found and of course, something new going on.

“This yearʻs huliau (change in time) has lead us to grow and meet our customers’ needs by allowing them to be a part of their wear,” said owner Wailani Tanaka, referring to their addition of a custom designs and creations corner in the shop such as the lululemon scuba dupes that are popular all the time. “Here at SFE we’re big on products that are relevant to our customers and their lives, and what better way to find that than by allowing them to be a part of that design process of their apparel and accessories.”…