County Restricts Public Access at Kapaʻakea Cemetery

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Maui County News Release

The County of Maui Department of Public Works is restricting general public access to Kapaʻakea Cemetery in Kaunakakai following significant impacts from the March 2026 Kona low storms.

“Kapaʻakea Cemetery is an important place for Molokai families,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We are focused on addressing the damage and supporting families as work moves forward. Mahalo to our Molokai community for its patience and understanding during this time.”

Recent heavy rains caused substantial ground settlement across many burial plots at Kapaʻakea Cemetery. While some settling can occur during periods of rainfall, the severity of these impacts is greater than previously experienced.…

County Office of Recovery Leading Storm Recovery 

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Maui County News Release

The County of Maui Office of Recovery, established by Mayor Richard Bissen in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, is taking on long-term recovery efforts from subsequent emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent Kona storms.

“Expanding the County of Maui Office of Recovery’s focus to oversee long-term recovery for all disasters ensures that our community isn’t just reacting in the moment, but staying committed to rebuilding for the future,” Bissen said. “It creates the focus and continuity needed for the county to truly see recovery efforts through.”

The website www.mauirecovers.org, focused on resources and planning efforts relating to recovery and wildfire rebuilding information, will launch a new Kona storm recovery section this weekend including information from Kona low events and any other disaster that will require long-term recovery.…

Call for Artists: Fiber Hawaii

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Call for Artists: Fiber Hawaii

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release 

“Fiber Hawaiʻi” began as a biennial event in 1982. The Fiber Hawaii exhibit challenges artists to create works “In, Of or About Fiber.” Artists who work in any craft media are invited to consider making artwork with a fiber sensibility. 

Fiber and textile techniques may be thought of as an idea as well as a media. Past exhibits have included woven glass or clay, wood and metal as well as works in more traditional fiber media such as weavings, handmade paper, basketry, stitchery, quilts, batik, textile design, kapa. mixed media, wearable art and installation pieces are also eligible for entry.…

Molokai Robotics Launches Fundraiser for Worlds

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Molokai Robotics Launches Fundraiser for Worlds

Molokai Robotics News Release

Molokai Robotics is proud to announce that two of its teams — one middle school and one high school division — have officially qualified for the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship, set to take place in St Louis, Missouri from April 21 to 27. This marks the third consecutive year and fourth total time that the program has qualified for a robotics world championship.

However, attending the world championship presents a significant financial challenge. Travel costs — including airfare, lodging, registration, and equipment transport — are substantial. The program is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of $40,000 to ensure both qualified teams can attend and compete.…

We All Live in a Yellow Airplane

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

We All Live in a Yellow Airplane

By Léo Azambuja

In the town where you were born, visited a woman who flew the skies. And she told you of her life in the land of airplanes. So they flew on to the sun ‘til they found the sky of blue. And they lived above the clouds in their yellow airplane.

“What this event is really about is the Young Eagles program. We were hoping to get flights up today. The weather did not agree with us, but we introduced kids to flight,” Little Yellow Plane owner Tessa Coulter said of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Molokai Fly-In 2026 at Hoʻolehua Airport March 28. …

ʻNo Dictators’ Stand Up for Democracy

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

ʻNo Dictators’ Stand Up for Democracy

By Léo Azambuja

About three dozen Molokai residents protested simultaneously with millions of protesters in thousands of No Kings protests across the nation last weekend criticizing President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. 

“I’m a Veteran. I’m the son of a veteran, brother of a veteran, grandson of a veteran, great-grandson of a veteran, going all the way back to the Revolutionary War,” protester Greg O’Shea said. “What we fought for was for the rights, that I understand, freedom of speech, freedom to practice religion, all of these things that I think we should be able to stand up for each other, and not have one person dictate to us what we’ve got to do and how we’ve got to do it.”…

Easter Egg Hunt in Kaunakakai

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Easter Egg Hunt in Kaunakakai

By Léo Azambuja

The Easter bunny almost stole the scene, even if unintentionally, by bringing thousands of Easter eggs filled with candy to town. After all, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? But it was Jesus’ day. So, just like in the last 20 centuries, the day was all about Jesus’ sacrifices and all-welcoming love. 

 “The whole reason to celebrate Easter is Jesus,” King’s Chapel Molokai pastor Robert Sahagun told a crowd of about 500 people, among keiki and their families, at the 2026 Community Easter Egg Hunt at Kaunakakai Elementary School field March 28. 

“We do celebrate with eggs,” he said.…

Native Plant Spotlight from Kamalō: ʻAʻaliʻi

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Native Plant Spotlight from Kamalō: ʻAʻaliʻi

By Ka Ipu Makani

Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center is excited to begin sharing a new series highlighting the native plants being grown and prepared for planting at ʻAikoʻolua in Kamalō as part of the Kīpuka Kamalō Restoration Project. The work on the ground is led by ʻAnakala Bobby Alcain, who has spent many years working with native plants and sharing knowledge about their propagation and care in dryland environments.

Over the coming months, this series will introduce some of the native species being propagated for the project and share a bit about their ecological roles, cultural uses, and significance in Hawaiian traditions.…

MEO Seeking 2026 Client Survey Responses 

Friday, March 27th, 2026

MEO News Release

Maui Economic Opportunity is seeking responses from clients across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai for its 2026 client survey.

Input from the community helps MEO to better understand the experiences of those it assists throughout Maui County and plays an important role in evaluating and improving its programs and services.

“Providing excellent service that meets the needs of our community is our top priority,” MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe said. “Feedback from our annual survey helps us to ensure we are providing services in ways that best support our clients and the community.”

The survey closes on Friday, April 3.…

Iwi Nails Selected for Disney’s Project Elevate

Friday, March 27th, 2026

Iwi Nails Selected for Disney’s Project Elevate

Iwi Nails News Release
Iwi Nails, a Hawai‘i-founded gel nail strip brand inspired by storytelling and cultural identity, has been selected for Project Elevate, a Disney Advertising initiative supporting emerging, purpose-driven businesses.
Through the program, Iwi Nails receives strategic mentorship and creative development support, culminating in the launch of its :30 second national campaign, “Let Your Nails Do The Talking,” now streaming across Disney+ and Hulu.
Founded by Līhau Willing, Iwi Nails creates easy-to-use, long-lasting gel nail strips featuring designs inspired by Hawaiian culture and individuality. The campaign highlights self-expression and the belief that beauty can tell a story.
“At Iwi Nails, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen in the products they use,” said Willing.…