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Combating Substance Abuse on Molokai

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Combating Substance Abuse on Molokai

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

“We’re all addicted,” said Carla Ritte-Hanchett, whether it be sugar, our phones, or substances. 

“I used to be known as the Kamoi Queen,” she joked. 

Now Ritte-Hanchett is working with other Molokai residents to educate the community on making healthy lifestyle decisions. Whether those decisions center around food or opioids, for Ritte-Hanchett it all starts with finding a natural path towards wellness. Learn more about Alex Shohet and Red Door Life on this page, where they offer insights and strategies to support individuals and communities in substance abuse prevention and recovery efforts. You may get more info about Red Door Life here.…

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Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Fire Destroys Kaunakakai House

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Just before noon last Monday, one of the homes at the teachers’ cottages in Kaunakakai erupted in fire. By the time that fire crews were able to put it out, the single-dwelling residence was destroyed and two neighboring homes were also damaged. The teachers living in the homes were not there at the time of the fire. 

Sara Jane Larkin, a teacher at Kilohana Elementary School and the occupant of the house that was fully destroyed by the fire, shared on Facebook that she and her dog were safe. 

“Lola and I are okay,” wrote Larkin. “No clue how it happened but it did.”  …

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MHS Fall Sports Outlook

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

The school year has begun and sports are back at Molokai High School, with football and volleyball already practicing at full speed this summer. This year will be filled with excitement, as fall sports will be offering sideline cheer, eight-man football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, and boys and girls air riflery this season. 

Kaimana Kahale, a coach from the football team, said he is looking forward to an exciting season even though they have graduated many seniors.

“Though we have lost 18 senior players, we are still thrilled about this team which has brought out new additional athletes,” he said. …

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Artist in Residence

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Artist in Residence

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) welcomes Artist in Residence Noelani M. Piters to our community. Noelani Piters is a Chinese, Kanaka Maoli and Jewish writer living in San Francisco, CA. She is a 2022 Kearny Street Workshop Interdisciplinary Writers Lab Fellow. Her poetry has been published in Reed Magazine and Pleiades, and she has contributed to The Rumpus and SOMA Magazine.

Noelani will be working on a short story collection centered around Hawaii, the Native Hawaiian diaspora, mixedness and what it means to belong. These stories will explore how immigration, colonization, family myth, mixed experience, the relationship to the land, inheritance and kuleana complicate and create identity.…

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Molokai Irrigation System Rate Increase

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Molokai Farm Bureau News Release 

The Molokai Farm Bureau would like to remind those who receive water via the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is holding a public hearing for their proposed 122 percent rate increase for water delivery services. An increase of 122 percent would increase an average monthly bill of $500 to $1,110 a month, or $1,000 to $2,220 a month. 

The public hearing will be on Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. by Zoom, at us02web.zoom.us/j/81478479811. 

Molokai residents can submit written testimony three different ways: via email at HDOA.ARMD@hawaii.gov; via fax at (808) 973-9467; or postal mail to Agricultural Resource Management Division c/o Department of Agriculture, 1428 S.…

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Memorial Scholarship Honors Firefighter

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Live Like Tre Foundation News Release 

Molokai students can now apply for scholarships through the Live Like Tre Foundation. The application deadline for the scholarships is Sept. 15. Recipients of the awards will be announced on Oct. 15.

The Live Like Tre’ Foundation’s scholarship program is in memory of Tre’ Evans-Dumaran, a remarkable young man who lived his life with tenacity, kindness, and a passion for making a positive impact in his community. Tre’ was known as a scholar athlete who embraced learning in all aspects of life. Tragically, he lost his life while answering a call for help from the Maui County to serve and protect his community.…

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August Ace Winner

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

August Ace Winner

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely

Dr. Dana Takashima, retired dentist and Molokai professional golfer, is the August Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Takashima, the better half of the Susumo Brothers, with Jeff Egusa, shot 42-38 for a gross score of 80. With his 13 handicap, his net 67 secured his victory. Takashima now qualifies for the Ace of Aces Club Championship in December. 

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai. …

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Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St Francis Church, Kalaupapa

It was Saturday morning and I was enjoying my extra hour of rest since Saturday Mass is celebrated at 7 a.m. rather than at the usual weekday hour of 6 a.m. Suddenly, I was awakened by a couple of really loud and enthusiastic “meows” and when this did not receive the intended response from me, Titus The Tiger, the number two of my seven cats, launched his plump body onto my bed. Titus had never done this previously, even though I often permit him and Bailey, my number one cat, to stay in the house overnight.…

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Mental Health Resources

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Anisa Wiseman 

Molokai, a close-knit community nestled amidst natural beauty, faces its share of mental health challenges. Many residents may be unaware of the valuable resource available to them: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Hawaii). As an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions, NAMI Hawaii offers a range of online programs tailored to meet the unique needs of Molokai residents. 

NAMI Hawaii offers online programs designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to navigate the challenges associated with mental health conditions.…

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Reflections of a Dispatch Board Member

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

To call them eras may sound a little pretentious, but in our history of The Molokai Dispatch, that is what they are.  The Jerry and Edie Anderson era, the Todd Yamashita era, and the Catherine Cluett Pactol era.  These individuals have been responsible for the stewardship of The Molokai Dispatch for most of our now nearly 40 years of existence.  They are the reason that we have survived momentous changes in the newspaper industry and continued to serve the Molokai community.  We stand on the foundation that they have built.

The latest layer in that foundation has been laid down by Catherine Cluett Pactol over the past 15 years. …

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