Kulaia Honors Community’s Doctor

Photo by Catherine Cluett Pactol

At this year’s fourth annual Kulaia festival in downtown Kaunakakai last Friday night, Molokai’s Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli was honored with the Ho`oilina Award for his work in the greater medical community and tireless efforts towards the health of Molokai residents, as well as an Aloha `Aina advocate. Kulaia celebrates a historic tradition of outrigger canoe racing with a modern twist: a block party in town to welcome paddlers from Na Wahine O Ke Kai and bring the community together for award-winning entertainment, food, vendors and cultural celebration. Each year, in addition to the festivities, the Molokai Canoe Festivals Committee selects a community member for the Ho`oilina Award to be publicly honored. See next week’s Molokai Dispatch for more coverage.