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COVID Mandates, Cases Drop

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

As COVID cases have sharply declined in recent weeks, so have Maui County’s mandates surrounding the virus. The state has yet to drop indoor masking and Safe Travels requirements but Maui County lifted its requirement to show proof of vaccination or testing for indoor service at restaurants, bars and gyms as of Feb. 21. Additionally, the county reopened two of its camping sites on Molokai as well as community centers for public events as of March 1. 

Dept. of Health data reports Molokai had five positive COVID cases between Friday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 25. The previous week logged 14 new cases. …

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Na Wahine Race Canceled

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Following the cancelation of the men’s Molokai Hoe canoe race in the fall because of COVID uncertainties, announced on Feb. 9, organizers of the women’s Na Wahine O Ke Kai race just announced this year’s wahine event will also be canceled. 

“With the dropping COVID numbers, we were optimistic that the event this year could be conducted for the women who participated in this world championship canoe race,” the race’s board wrote in a Feb. 22 letter. “However, the gracious Molokai community that plays such an important role in this race is still being impacted by numerous issues related to COVID, and our kuleana to them outweighed the decision to move forward with race plans.”…

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MIL Titles for Wrestlers

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

MIL Titles for Wrestlers

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai wrestlers came out on top in the Maui Interscholastic League Championships last weekend, with two Farmers bringing home championship medals and others taking high honors on the mat. 

“We had two champs — Barbara Simon at 112 pounds and Leo Kalipi at 220,” said Head Coach Randy Manley. “We had four runners up: Hezekiah Horner 152, Clarence Horner at 160, Stephanie Gadeza at 155, and Masina Phillips at 168.”

The team had 11 athletes qualify for the upcoming state tournament, with both boys and girls teams taking third place overall at MILs. 

Along with Simon and Kalipi, Austin Kaalekahi at 106 pounds, Mana Kanuha at 138, Kuulei Simon at 127, Elisha Horner at 182 and Heno Kalama at 195 will also be competing at the state level. …

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Boys Soccer Digs In With Scrimmage

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Boys Soccer Digs In With Scrimmage

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

The Molokai High Boys Soccer team played its first and only game of the season last Friday, a scrimmage against Seabury. 

“Our boys did good but Seabury showed us why they go to states every year!” said Molokai’s Head Coach Greg Lourio. “I’m very proud of them for their first year at a high school level playing against kids that played their whole lives! Most of my boys never been on a whole field before that was professionally lined and with big goals so they did great.”

The scrimmage was an informal way for the team to test their skills and get a taste of real competition on the field for the newly-formed team. …

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Swimmers Headed to States

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Swimmers Headed to States

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Two Molokai swimmers will be making a splash at the state competition this weekend after standout performances at the Maui Interscholastic League Championships last weekend. Kama Ward won both the 50 and 100 freestyle events, and along with teammate Mauli Pupuhi, will be representing Molokai at the state pool. 

“Everyone swam really well today,” said Head Coach Amanda Labriola after the championships. “A lot of best times and one new school record!”

“Kama broke his 100 free record. Mauli Pupuhi took 5th in the 100 free and 50 free and swam his best time in the 100 free,” she continued.…

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Boys Basketball Ends Season in 4th

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai High Boys Basketball team closed their season with a fourth place finish in the Maui Interscholastic League Championships. 

“Our boys made so much improvement through the season despite all the challenges,” said Head Coach Kalei Adolpho. 

In the semifinals, Molokai fell to Maui Prep 61-22, followed a quarterfinal win over Haleakala Waldorf 50-40. In the battle for third place, Lanai beat Molokai 76-53. 

“Seniors Namaka, Owen and Elijah represented Molokai with pride through their high school careers as athletes and have set a great example for the younger boys. They will be missed,” said Adolpho.…

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Understanding Molokai’s Electric Grid

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Community Contributed

By Kahenawai Hirata, Sust’ainable Molokai Intern 

According to Hawaiian Electric this month, 86 percent of Molokai homes and businesses are powered by the diesel powered generators at Palaʻau, and the other 14 percent of our energy needs are met by the 500 rooftop solar systems on the island.

This and other information was discussed on Feb. 16 at the first energy briefing held via Zoom by the Molokai Clean Energy Hui (MCEH), in partnership with the Molokai community, Sust’ainable Molokai and Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). This briefing is part of the community education and input phase of the Molokai Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (Molokai CERAP).…

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Spring Break Coastal Camp

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Spring Break Coastal Camp

Learning Endeavors News Release

Learning Endeavors is offering a free Coastal Camp for grades four to six during spring break. Campers will visit two coastal areas and engage in science experiments, art projects, and stewardship activities!

The two-day Molokai Coastal Camp is part of the Champions of Coastal Resilience (CCR) program, which seeks to develop climate stewards that care for our coastal communities. This camp is open to all Molokai elementary school students from grades four to six.  It will take place on March 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each day will start and end at Kaunakakai School.…

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Meet the Artists: Carol Rocha

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Meet the Artists: Carol Rocha

Community Contributed

By Na Heona Molokai

Na Heona Molokai (Artists of Molokai) is a group creating an exhibition titled “No Stop Light: Molokai” for the 3,600 square foot Downtown Art Center in Honolulu, in May 2022. In the coming months, we will introduce each artist.

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Carol Rocha.  I grew up in Northern California.  My family is from the Azores, Portugal.  

What is your art form?

I am a sculptor.  I owned a wood shop for years in California that produced one of a kind reclaimed wood furniture.  Using wood for sculpting and creating art has been most of my professional art experience. …

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Strategy for Economic Prosperity

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Community Contributed

By Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Maui County Council, Molokai

The county is in the midst of updating its fourth Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), “an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies,” for publication later this year.  

This update occurs every five years, as a result of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization Act of 2004. Maui County has completed three CEDS, in 2004, 2010 and 2016. 

The CEDS is intended to create a local-based strategy for economic development and an environment for economic prosperity and resilience for people and businesses, and there are also great options like financial advisors which can be used as well.…

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