News Releases

Traps Help to Prevent Invasive Beetle Spread

Friday, July 19th, 2024

MoMISC News Release

If you see large black rocket-looking objects hanging from tree branches across the island, these are coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) traps.
Molokai/Maui Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC) is currently surveying palm plants for 45-degree, V-shaped cuts on palm fronds with scalloped leaf edges and 2-inch bore holes on palm stems. We are using the black, 3.5-foot plastic panel trap with pheromones to attract and detect adult CRB. MoMISC has deployed 40 of these traps across Molokai including Kalaupapa. MoMISC is working closely with the Maui County Department of Agriculture and the statewide CRB Response team on this project.
CRB was first detected on O‘ahu in late 2013.…

Disaster Preparedness Workshops and Resources

Friday, July 12th, 2024

UH CTAHR News Release

In response to recent challenges posed by COVID-19 and wildfires, Maui County residents are invited to participate in a series of comprehensive workshops aimed at enhancing community resilience and preparedness. Organized by UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Maui County Cooperative Extension Services on Maui and Molokai, these workshops will equip attendees with essential skills such as CPR, first aid, and fire suppression techniques. Participants will also learn how to assemble emergency kits and adopt firewise landscaping practices to mitigate the risk of fires.

Registration is now open to adults, families up to four members, and youth who are year-round residents of Maui County.…

Free Concert

Friday, July 12th, 2024

Hawaii Youth Symphony News Release

The public is invited to a free afternoon of music in Kaunakakai at the Molokai Public Library from 3:30 to 4 p.m. on July 12, featuring the talents of renowned cellist Daniel Scoggins in a concert presented by Hawaii Youth Symphony and its Pacific Music Institute (PMI). Through Hawaii Youth Symphony’s partnership with the National Orchestral Institute and Festival, Scoggins will return to Hawaii as a teaching fellow for this year’s PMI: an annual summer music camp connecting students with celebrated soloists, players from major symphony orchestras, and educators from leading music institutions. In addition to the public performance, Scoggins will teach a private workshop for the string students of the Molokai Instrumental Music Education Program, led by Lauren Fischer.…

Preserving the Stories of Molokai

Friday, June 28th, 2024

Hokulani CTOM News Release

The Hokulani Children’s Theater of Molokai (CTOM) invites kupuna to share their stories in the ‘Preserving the Stories of Molokai’ children’s book project.
This unique initiative seeks to bring together the wisdom of Molokai’s kupuna, or elders, with the creativity of our keiki, or children, to create a timeless collection of stories that celebrate our rich heritage and impart valuable life lessons.
We are calling upon our beloved kupuna to participate in this special project by sharing stories from their childhood that taught them important life lessons. These stories will be retold by our keiki, who, working with kupuna, will also illustrate them — capturing the essence and spirit of Molokai’s traditions for future generations.…

2025 County Budget Includes Funds for Puko’o Fire Station

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Maui County News Release

Alongside Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Mayor Richard Bissen signed into law an approximately $1.263 billion fiscal year 2025 budget that boosts housing for residents, especially those who were displaced after the 2023 August wildfires, supports wildfire recovery and resiliency, bolsters social service programs and delivers core County of Maui services.
For Molokai specifically, the budget included $2.25 million in funding for the Puko’o fire station.
The budget was signed into law a week after it was unanimously passed by the Maui County Council on June 5.…

Kamaka Air Resumes Flights

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Kamaka Air News Release

Kamaka Air, Hawaii’s premier inter-island air cargo company, is proud to announce it has resumed full flight operations servicing all islands in the state once again. Due to recent personnel transitions, Kamaka temporarily halted its flights on June 5 but ensured continued deliveries through a partnership with a third-party airline.
“At Kamaka Air, we understand the essential role our services play in delivering products, medications, and mail to residents across every Hawaiian island. We deeply regret any disruption caused by the events of last week,” said David Hinderland, CEO of Kamaka Air. “Today, our planes are flying again, our teams are excited to be in the air, servicing our great Kamaka Air customers who depend on our deliveries for their everyday needs.…

Public Safety Power Shutoff Program

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Hawaiian Electric News Release

With the dry summer months ahead, Hawaiian Electric is expanding its wildfire safety strategy by launching a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric may preemptively shut off power in areas that appear at high risk of wildfire during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions to help reduce the risk of wildfires.
For Molokai, approximately 1,300 residents in Kaunakakai and Kualapuu would be potentially impacted by the PSPS.
This program is our last line of defense to keep communities safe and may result in extended power outages. The program will start in areas that Hawaiian Electric has determined present higher wildfire risk factors.…

An Invitation to all Students

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Molokai History Project News Release

Summer is here. School is out. Looking for something interesting? The Molokai History Project welcomes students to come to the museum, take on the responsibility of looking after it for a two hour shift one day a week. You can meet new people and learn a lot of facts about our Molokai history that you might not know. It’s a rewarding task, and one we think you would enjoy. We just honored all those who do this job, called a docent, with a delicious luncheon. There could be another one at the end of the summer if you come and help us plan it.…