Fishpond Restoration with Ka Honua Momona

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Fishpond Restoration with Ka Honua Momona

Every third Saturday of the month is a community workday at Ka Honua Momona (KHM), a local nonprofit that caretakes the Ali’i fishpond on Molokai’s south shore. This past Saturday, volunteers slipped on their tabis and patrolled the perimeter of the fishpond wall, or kuapa, to repair spots where rocks have fallen.

Home to an entire ecosystem of fish, eels, rays, turtles and more in and around the ponds, the fishpond walls are built without cement, so the ocean tides and waves naturally displace them over time, explained Tiani Kawaauhau-Cook, now in her third year as executive director of KHM.

The community workdays attract all different kinds of volunteers, from local families to scientific researchers to visitors hoping to have an authentic experience.…

James Kamakea Han Jr.

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

James Kamakea Han Jr.

James Kamakea Han Jr. of Molokai died peacefully at home in Ho’olehua on Aug. 28, 2024, at 77 years of age.
He was born at home on June 29, 1947, in Ho’olehua to James Kamakea Poksu Han, Sr, and Tilden Kalamaku (Makaiwi) Han. He attended Molokai High School and then graduated from Kaimuki High School, where he played football. After graduating, he was drafted into the army, served in Vietnam, and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

James was a marathon runner, canoe paddler, fisherman, taro farmer, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was married to Jean (Motas) Han.…

Punalau Pond Community Meeting

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Molokai Land Trust News Release

The Molokai Land Trust (MLT), along with Sust’ainable Molokai, will be hosting a community meeting on Sept. 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. to begin a community visioning process for restoration of Punalau Pond, a 45-acre wetland on the south shore of Molokai.
MLT is a member of the Molokai Wetland Partnership, which was formed in 2020 with the goal of creating an interconnected network of diverse and resilient wetlands that support thriving traditional community practices, native flora and fauna, and ecosystem services in the face of climate change and sea-level rise. With the support of the partnership, MLT was awarded funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Coastal Resilience Fund to begin the development of plans for the restoration and functionality of Punalau Pond, and one other wetland on Molokaiʻs south shore.…

Molokai Designer Featured at Hawaii Swim Show

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Molokai Designer Featured at Hawaii Swim Show

In her first year showcasing at the Hawaii Swim Show, Lesley Escobar’s Hoku ili Kinis from Molokai made a splash.

“[Escobar’s] prints were very unique,” said Kali’a Wasson, cofounder of Hawaii Swim Week. “She is very, very passionate about her representation of Hawaii and Molokai.”

Escobar showcased 15 different outfits at the runway event, which ran Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. Her collection drew inspiration from the colors, styles and images of May Day.

“This collection captures the essence of Hawaii’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes” explains a description of Escobar’s collection, “embodying the spirit of May Day…where fashion meets tradition.”…

Upcoming Out of Darkness Walk

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Upcoming Out of Darkness Walk

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention News Release

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. for the third annual Molokai Out of the Darkness Walk, at the Molokai Canoe Club. Our team of community volunteers, in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hawaii Chapter (AFSP) is organizing this suicide prevention and awareness event. Food and entertainment at the Veterans’ Center is to follow. Together, we can connect with the community to provide support, break the silence to talk about mental health, participate in purposeful activities, and offer other vital resources for our community.
September has been designated “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” in Hawaii.…

Hokule’a Headed For Molokai

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Hokule’a Headed For Molokai

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

After a week in Waiʻanae engaging with students and community, Hokuleʻa will depart Pokaʻi Bay and return to Sand Island. As the crew heads out of the bay, they will honor the late Twinkle Borge with an oli, pu and flower drop. The Hawaiian flag will be flown at half-staff along with a pink lei hulu on Hokuleʻa as the canoe sails along the Waiʻanae coast. The crew will also stop off-shore of Nanakuli to honor the community with pu and oli.

“Twinkle was the navigator who would find the smallest light in each person and help them find their way out of the darkness.…

Farmers Battle Baldwin

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Farmers Battle Baldwin

After more than 60 years, the Molokai High School (MHS) Farmers took the field in a home game for 11-man football. Under the mid-morning sky and supported by the MHS cheer team, parents and supporters, the Farmers competed against Baldwin High School in a much-anticipated home opener. Yielding 28 points in the first quarter, the Farmers never quite found their groove, finishing the game 63-0 in favor of Baldwin. Despite the loss, support continued to pour in for the Farmers. Having dominated the 8-man league since 2010, the Farmers have since stepped up to 11-man, competing against the best football schools in Maui County.…

Stories of Queen Lili’uokalani

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Stories of Queen Lili’uokalani

In honor of Queen Lili’uokalani’s birthday, Molokai residents were treated to a historical discussion on Hawaii’s last monarch on Saturday, Sept 7. The talk was held by the Molokai History Project and led by Gaellen Quinn, author and researcher of “The Last Aloha,” which tells the story of the last days of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

For her research, Quinn leaned on her archival work studying the queen’s diaries as well as stories from Molokai families. She related one specific story about Queen Lili’uokalani’s visit to Puko’o, where she stayed at an inn run by the Duvauchelle family.

Throughout the talk, which featured songs authored by Queen Lili’uokalani, Quinn focused primarily on the resounding character of the queen.…

Kalaupapa Tree Preservation Project

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Kalaupapa Tree Preservation Project

Over the summer, arborists from Windward Community College made the trip to Kalaupapa in the hopes of preserving elements of the unique community on Molokai’s northern coast. Funded by a grant from the National Park Service, The Arboriculture Workforce Training and Development Program is a five-year program looking to ensure that the trees and cultural landscape of the peninsula continue to thrive. It’s focused on training park workers in tree care techniques, natural mulching, proper staking and planting methods, grafting, air layering and more. If you need help maintaining your landscaping trees, you may consider seeking Lynchburg tree services.

“The goal is to provide the workers with the skills and knowledge they need to maintain the park,” explained Maria-Elena Diaz, director of career and community education at Windward Community College.…

Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

Kalaupapa Barge Day

By Jack Kiyonaga | Editor 

Each year, Christmas comes early for the residents of Kalaupapa. In unique tradition, members of the smallest county in the U.S. patiently await the annual arrival of new kitchen appliances, recliner chairs, gasoline, gravel for road repairs, trucks, non-perishable foods, and everything in-between via the Young Brothers barge. 

“It’s a big day,” explained National Park Service Community Engagement Specialist Mikiala Pescaia. 

Taking place on Saturday, Aug. 31, this year’s barge was loaded with “anything that doesn’t fit on a Kamaka airplane,” explained Pescaia. The barge also allows for Kalauapapa residents to ship out larger items, including remnants from former patients’ estates, as well as pump out their septic tanks. …