Headline News

Channel Race Discussions

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Channel Race Discussions

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Molokai has long been home to some of the most challenging and exciting channel crossing races in the world. From the Molokai Hoe to Na Wahine O Ke Kai to the Pailolo Challenge and Molokai 2 Oahu, athletes from around the globe come to Molokai to compete in these storied contests. And while the races bring excitement to much of Molokai, there are also concerns over the number of competitors and escort boats coming to Molokai, as well as impacts on flight availability.

For the first time, representatives from all of the channel races that start or end on Molokai came together to field questions, concerns and ideas from the Molokai community.…

Naval Band Visits Molokai

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Naval Band Visits Molokai

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Last week, Molokai residents were treated to a series of performances by the U.S. Navy’s woodwind quintet. The group of musicians was on a mission to celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday and spread awareness of the whole host of careers and experiences that the Navy offers, explained Lieutenant Matt Tremel, assistant band master for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

“We’re highlighting how the Navy is present across the world keeping Americans safe,” said Tremel. “The state of Hawaii is obviously very important to the Navy, and we’re here to connect with residents who don’t see sailors in uniform very often.”…

Latest News

Call for Art Entries

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Hawaii Craftsmen News Release

Hawaii Craftsmen is pleased to announce the open call to artists for our 59th consecutive Annual Statewide Exhibition. This exhibition will be juried by Sarah Darro, Curator and Exhibitions Director of Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and is open to residents of Hawaii for artworks in the categories of clay, fiber, glass, wood, metal, stone, and mixed media. Online registration will be open Aug. 1-31.

Hawaii’s premier statewide juried exhibition – held annually since 1967 – features traditional and contemporary craft from across the state of Hawaii. Juror Sarah Darro will visit each island to make public presentations and select work to be included in the exhibition.…

Mele Kanealii Named to Hamilton College Dean’s List

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Hamilton College News Release
Mele Kanealii, of Kaunakakai, has been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the fall 2024 semester.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be a member of the Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027 and have carried a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester and earned an average GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Kanealii, a sophomore, is a graduate of Molokai High School.
Hamilton College, a leading liberal arts institution located in Clinton, New York, is where exceptional students explore passions through an open curriculum and robust research, internship, and off-campus study opportunities.…

MHS Receives Grant for Literacy Program

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Hawaii State Teachers Association Molokai Chapter News Release
The National Educational Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Events Grants Program is thrilled to announce a partial award of $5,000 to the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) Molokai Chapter, Molokai High School for their exceptional literacy initiative. The committee was particularly impressed with HSTA’s innovative approach, which focuses on fostering a love of reading and writing through intergenerational engagement and cultural connection.
The grant will support a dynamic program centered on Molokai, Lanai and Hana high school student reading buddies and a collaborative effort with University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) staff to provide valuable career and college opportunities.…

MHS Basketball Falls Just Short

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

MHS Basketball Falls Just Short

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff
Boys basketball was also in action last week. After a second place finish in the MILs, the Farmers had a chance to compete in a play-in game to qualify for the state tournament. With their season on the line, the Farmers took on Le Jardin high school at the Barn on Feb. 15. Down 53-46 at the end of the third quarter, the Farmers rallied strongly in the fourth, outscoring their opponent 15-10. Ultimately, the Farmers fell just short, losing 63-61. Braylen Colon had an excellent offensive outing, dropping five three pointers for a total of 20 points.…

Native Trees Vandalized in Kamakou Preserve

Thursday, February 27th, 2025

Native Trees Vandalized in Kamakou Preserve

By Russell Kallstrom, Molokai Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii and Palmyra

Did you know Kamakou Preserve helps provide seven million gallons of water every day for Molokai residents? Yes, and it’s only able to do this because of the healthy native forest found there.

During a recent routine work trip in Kamakou, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff were disappointed and saddened to discover several ‘ohiʻa trees in the preserve had been cut down and left in place, in an apparent act of senseless vandalism. ʻOhiʻa (Metrosideros spp) is the dominant native tree in our Hawaiian forest. It serves as home to native birds and tree snails, provides material for lei, hula and other cultural practices, and helps to collect much of the water we drink.…

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