National Marine Sanctuary Proposal

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

NOAA News Release

Molokai residents can weigh in on a proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) to create a national marine sanctuary in Papahanaumokuakea at a public meeting April 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kulana ʻOʻiwi.

Following input from state and federal agencies, local communities and the public, NOAA has released for public comment its draft proposal to designate marine portions of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary. The proposal would supplement and complement existing authorities, including the area’s designation as a marine national monument, which will continue to be in effect.

A detailed description of the proposed sanctuary, as well as additional information about opportunities to provide public comment, can be found on the website for the proposed Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary.…

Addressing Sovereignty

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Addressing Sovereignty

Molokai Baha’i Community News Release

The third presentation in the Global Citizenship Speaker Series at the Molokai Public Library will occur Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. with special guest Dr. Keanu Sai of Hilo. Dr. Sai will speak on the theme “Sovereignty in a Globalized World.”

Keanu Sai is widely known for his research and publications centered on the continued
existence of the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent state. A founding member of
the Hawaiian Society of Law and Politics, he served as Lead Agent for the Council of Regency representing the Hawaiian Kingdom in arbitration proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague from 1999-2001.…

Future Fest 2024

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Future Fest 2024

Molokai High School recently hosted an inspiring event, Future Fest 2024, aimed at guiding students towards their collegiate and career aspirations. Taking place on Friday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event provided an immersive experience for students to explore various pathways to success.

This year’s Future Fest featured a diverse range of workshops, from Homeland Security and the Secret Service to Ho’ahu Energy and Puu O Hoku Ranch, with workshops alongside the traditional college and career fair. These workshops were carefully curated to offer students hands-on opportunities to delve into their areas of interest and craft actionable plans for their post-high school endeavors.…

Molokai Author Celebrates 5th Book

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Molokai Author Celebrates 5th Book

Leap Day, Feb. 29, featured a special event at Pacific Eatery in Kaunakakai. Molokai-based artist Arabella Arc held a book signing, celebrating her fifth completed novel, “The Life She Didn’t Live, and the One She Did.”

Arc started writing back in 1999, but didn’t finish her first book, “Pants on Fire,” until 2013. Now, she has finished three books in the last couple of years. The California native spent more than 30 years living in Waianae, before moving to Hana and then Molokai, to be near family. Arc explained the pace of life on Molokai has afforded her more time to write.…

Soup ‘R Bowl 2024

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Soup ‘R Bowl 2024

Molokai Arts Center News Release

The 14th Annual Soup ‘R Bowl will be held on Saturday, March 9, and brings us back to the Molokai Community Health Center, under the banyan tree with an oceanside backdrop. Doors will open at 6 p.m.This year also sees the return of the VIP Early Entry for our patrons to select bowls and/or find seats first. If you didn’t get your ticket in the mail, we’ll have your name at the VIP entry to the right of the main entrance.
Every year, Molokai waits for the opportunity to select a bowl handcrafted primarily at the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) by Molokai artisans.…

Wrestling Competes at State Championship

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Wrestling Competes at State Championship

In a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, the 2024 State Wrestling Championships unfolded with gripping matches and standout performances. Head Coach Randy Manley offered a comprehensive recap of the event, highlighting the triumphs and challenges faced by the team.

“We had a promising start at States, with four wrestlers reaching the consolation quarterfinals on day two, and two wrestlers advancing to the championship semifinals,” said Manely. “However, day two proved to be more challenging, resulting in the early elimination of four wrestlers. In the end, we celebrated two wrestlers making it to the podium: Jona Dudoit (4-2) securing fourth place and Ohia Borden-Phillips (4-2) earning fifth place.”…

Talk Story: The Mid Nite Inn

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Talk Story: The Mid Nite Inn

Opened in 1935, the Mid Nite Inn was synonymous with Molokai, akule and good times. Last Saturday, Feb. 24, John and Phillip Kikukawa sat down with a packed house at the Molokai History Project to reminisce on three generations of running the Mid Nite Inn. The following is an edited version of the two-hour-plus dialogue from Saturday’s event.

John Kikukawa (JK): “We were born into the restaurant business. We came from parents who were really different. Dad (Art) was a local boy. Mom (Cecily) was a new haole teacher…We lived half a mile away from the restaurant, next to the Seaside Inn…That area was all Molokai Ranch rentals.”…

Hana Keaka: Hawaiian Theater

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Hana Keaka: Hawaiian Theater

Three Molokai legends came to life last Wednesday, Feb. 28, performed by students from the Kualapuu School’s Hawaiian immersion program. The memorable performance of Hana Keaka theater was held at the Molokai Community Health Center.

The kindergarten through sixth graders tested their drama skills in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 300 Molokai community members. The keiki actors performed the stories of the giant Ha’eha’eku, the wise Kuapakaa, and the famous Kaohele.

Kalae Tangonan, a parent volunteer who created the costumes and set design for the performance, explained that Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapu`u has been performing Hana Keaka annually for more than 10 years.…

Future Fest 2024

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

Molokai High School News Release

Molokai High School is excited to present Future Fest 2024, an event for students to explore college and career opportunities. Future Fest will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. This year, Future Fest will include one and two hour workshops along with the college and career fair. The goals of each workshop are to provide students hands-on opportunities to further explore their career interest and assist students in making a plan to make their post-high school dreams and journeys a reality. Special thanks to Hawaii P20, Molokai High School Academies, and University of Hawaii Maui College for sponsoring this event.…

Mary Louise Charlotte Gorospe

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

Mary Louise “Marylou” Charlotte Gorospe, 86, of Kualapu’u passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. She was born on March 14, 1937 in Wailuku, Maui. She is preceded in death by her husband Jaime Tabelen Gorospe. Her children are Esabell (Herbert) Kamoku, Edwardo (Susan) Gorospe, Elpidio (Annette) Gorospe, Erlinda (Eugene) Santiago, and Estrellita (Cresente) Gumanas. She had 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at St. Damien of Molokai Catholic Church, with visitation at 8:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held for her on Maui at Hale Nanea in Kahului at 69 Amala Place, Kahului, HI 96732, on Saturday, April 13.…