News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

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.”…

Mayor Signs Emergency Proclamation, Urges Preparedness

Saturday, August 29th, 2015

Mayor Signs Emergency Proclamation, Urges Preparedness

County of Maui News Release

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa signed an emergency proclamation effective 11:00 a.m. Saturday, in anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Ignacio. The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that although Ignacio’s track is still uncertain, the system has the potential to cause widespread damage throughout Maui County.

The proclamation recognizes the need for government agencies and representatives from the private sector to mobilize and provide immediate services to our island residents and to mitigate hazardous situations in advance of the weather effects from Tropical Cyclone Ignacio such as sustained tropical storm force winds and the potential for hurricane force winds, heavy rains, potential lightning, flooding, and extremely high surf and storm surge.…

Kualapu`u School Gets $15K

Friday, August 28th, 2015

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u School has received a $15,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to support teacher training and STEM curriculum development for the charter elementary school’s fourth grade students.

Project Kuka`ike (“knowledge bursting forth”) is Kualapu`u School’s STEM education program that serves students in grades K-6. Project Kuka`ike is designed to provide a robust, hands-on STEM education, with a focus on the environment and agriculture. It allows students to connect real-life observations and experiences to content and learning that significantly improves their achievement in science and math.

“Kualapu`u School has a four-year plan to strengthen and expand STEM teaching and learning for all students, and we are developing new standards-based, hands-on STEM curricula for each grade level, as well as professional development for our teachers,” said Lydia Trinidad, principal.…

Solve a Mars Mystery

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015

Molokai Public Library News Release

Come and solve a mystery about a strange object found on Mars at a program at the Molokai Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. We will use real data collected by Mars Rovers, amazing robots that send photographs to Earth. Using the practices of planetary scientists, we will investigate to find out if the object is a rock, a tool or a jelly donut?

You can also design a prototype for a new Mars Rover and decide what information it will gather about the Red Planet.

The program is provided by Alestra Menendez, a curriculum developer at the UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science.…

Give Your Two Cents on County Budget

Friday, August 21st, 2015

County of Maui News Release

In September and October, residents of Maui County will have the opportunity to give their input on the county’s budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Mayor Alan Arakawa and his administration will host a series of community meetings to receive comments and suggestions from the public regarding the proposed budget. The opportunity to give feedback on Molokai will be on Monday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

Citizens with an interest in the county budget are encouraged to attend and offer input, either as individuals or on behalf of an organization. Both written and verbal comments will be accepted.…

Funding Nonprofit Community Projects

Friday, August 21st, 2015

YB News Release

Young Brothers, Limited (YB) is now accepting online grant applications from nonprofit community organizations in Maui County for its Community Gift Giving Program. The program will award grants of up to $2,500 per organization. According to Young Brothers, the new online tool streamlines the application process for community nonprofit groups. Applicants should go to GIVINGtrax.com to register their organization, create a profile, and submit an application.

Community organizations that meet the criteria are invited to submit applications to Young Brothers’ Community Advisory Board, via GivingTrax.com, for grant consideration. Those criteria are IRS approved under Section 501 (c) 3, and the purpose of the organization is related to health, education, civic and community service, youth activities, cultural enrichment, environment or special community projects.…

Bible Prophecy Seminar Kicks Off

Thursday, August 20th, 2015

Revelation of Hope Ministries News Release

This week, the Molokai Seventh-day Adventist Church will be hosting a two-week seminar to explore and study the Bible prophecies found in the book of Revelation.

Local boy Keoki Gandeza, associate speaker from Revelation of Hope Ministries, will guide the community through a study of the book’s symbols and the messages they hold for today’s world.

“We’re inviting the community to come together, no matter what their background, those who go to church or don’t go to church, to learn and reaffirm, why we can have hope and peace in a time when the world seems to offer us none,” said Gandeza.…