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“Cherish Your Island”

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

“Cherish Your Island”

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor


“I had to catch the tank. The thing went down, down, down…. I could hardly see the tank, I could only see the bubbles.” 

This harrowing tale about losing an air tank while fishing in the waters off Molokai was told by Uncle Walter Rawlins in a documentary film focused on his life stories. Part of a series that records local kupuna talking about their experiences, the documentary features Kekama Helm interviewing Rawlins, as well as photographs of fishing and paddling events that were mentioned.

On the first Wednesday of every month, the Molokai Public Library hosts public screenings to premiere the films, which are produced through a partnership between Akakū Media, Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) and the library.…

Mayor Bissen Visits Molokai

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Mayor Bissen Visits Molokai

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

As the August state election approaches, candidate signs and meetings are popping up around the island. Last week, it was incumbent Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, who is running for re-election, visiting departments and speaking to residents.

“Having just been on [Molokai], having our community meeting on Monday night, there are definitely issues that people feel strongly about: health care, air travel, the ferry coming back, jobs. There are so many issues that affect individuals and families,” Bissen said in an interview with The Dispatch after his visit on June 29 and 30. This is his second time running for mayor.…

Latest News

Flagbook Classes with Tamara Moan

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Paʻa Printmakers News Release

Paʻa Printmaking Studio is offering workshops on July 18 and 19 to teach Flagbook making using Turkish folding techniques.
Participants will learn stencil-making and pop-up techniques from Oahu artist Tamara Moan. The class, held at the Paʻa Printmakers studio at 201 Ala Malama Avenue, will offer step-by-step instructions on how to create a book full of imagery with space to add poetry, a story or a letter to a friend.
Pa’a Printmakers: a hui for Molokai makers, is a creative space for local artists to learn and hone printmaking skills. Community programs at the studio include open studio time and printmaking workshops by local and visiting artists.…

Election Announced for Vacant Senate Seat

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Office of Elections News Release 

Following the retirement of Senator Michelle Kidani on June 30, the Office of Elections has issued a proclamation announcing the vacancy election for Senate District 18. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 17-3(b)(3), the vacancy will be filled at the 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026.

All qualified political parties have till 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, to submit their nominee. For nonpartisan candidates, applicants also must submit their Nomination Paper by September 4 at the Office of Elections. In the event there is more than one nonpartisan candidate, a drawing to determine the candidate that will appear on the 2026 General Election ballot will be held at 5:00 PM on September 4.…

UH Launches New Funding for Ecological, Cultural Stewardship

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

UH Launches New Funding for Ecological, Cultural Stewardship

UH News Release

The University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is launching a historic $7 million community funding opportunity through the Pili Nā Moku project to support community-led efforts that care for ʻāina, strengthen cultural and ecological stewardship, and build resilient communities across Hawaiʻi.
This funding initiative will invest in projects focused on five moku (district) and hui (group of) moku: Kona Kauaʻi, Waiʻanae (Oʻahu), Molokaʻi, Central Maui and Kohala (Hawaiʻi Island). Up to $1.4 million is available within each moku/hui to support projects that reflect community-identified priorities and advance long-term resilience.
Pili Nā Moku is a project dedicated to reinvigorating the moku system (a framework for traditional Hawaiian land tenure and biocultural stewardship) by investing in ʻāina restoration and governance practices that balance local knowledge and stewardship with centralized decision-making.…

Molokai Student Awarded Nursing Scholarship

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Molokai Student Awarded Nursing Scholarship

AlohaCare News Release

The AlohaCare Foundation awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 12 students across six islands pursuing careers in health or social services. The funds may be used for tuition, books, supplies, and fees including certification, testing and course costs. 

“What you see in this year’s recipients is a genuine commitment to uplifting the health of Hawaii,” said Francoise Culley-Trotman, President of the AlohaCare Foundation Board of Directors. “They are training to become the nurses, therapists and advocates for their communities. Their dedication to serve the islands they call home is what drives our Foundation’s work and we’re proud to support them.” …

Community Feedback Needed to Shape Aging Services

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Office on Aging News Release

The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns Office on Aging is inviting community members to share their input on aging services, which will help shape future services and resources for older adults, caregivers and their families across Maui Nui. 

“The voices of our community are essential to shaping a stronger, more age-friendly Maui County,” County Executive on Aging Rowena Dagdag-Andaya said. “Every perspective shared helps us better understand the needs of our kūpuna, caregivers and families. By listening and learning from those we serve, we can direct resources where they will have the greatest impact and create a community where everyone can age with dignity, connection and support.” …

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