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2nd Annual Malama Your Mama at Akaʻula Is a Success

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

2nd Annual Malama Your Mama at Akaʻula Is a Success

By Dayanti Karunaratne

Mamas are the best, and as such, they deserve a lavish brunch and all the spa treatments they can get on Mother’s Day. But despite all the pampering the mothers got at Akaʻula School’s 2nd Annual Malama Your Mama, who really benefitted were the students because the event was a fundraiser for the school.

“We depend on parent commitment and the generosity of private donors, and this fundraising event is an important part of that,” Akaʻula Principal and co-founder Vicki Newberry said. “The most exciting thing for me was watching the ownership the students took.”

The 2nd Annual Malama Your Mama at Molokai Community Health Center on Mother’s Day May 10 included a brunch buffet, a silent auction, mini spa treatments, a lei stand and live entertainment by local musicians. …

Students Dream Big with Scholarships

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Students Dream Big with Scholarships

By Dayanti Karunaratne

A scholarship can make college more affordable, and in many cases possible, by helping to cover tuition and other expenses. It also reduces students’ stress and helps them to focus on their studies rather than financial worries. Some scholarships target minorities and underrepresented groups as a way of leveling social justice.

The Molokai High School Library was transformed for the school’s annual Scholarship Award Ceremony May 15, when several graduating seniors accepted an array of different scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars in front of about 50 family and friends. 

“If you are diligent, you will be rewarded, you will be supported, and you will endure to the end, until your goal is achieved,” said Mikiʻala Pescaia, one of the presenters for the scholarships. …

Latest News

Pūlama Ka Heke Expands ERMAT to Improve Access to Care

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Pūlama Ka Heke News Release

Pūlama Ka Heke (PKH) is pleased to announce an enhancement to its Kaulele a Ola (Essential Rural Medical Air Transport – ERMAT) program, further improving access to off-island medical care for residents of Molokai and Lānaʻi.

To reduce delays in care, PKH has updated its referral process. While the patient’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) remains the primary source for all referrals, treating specialists can now submit referrals directly when a PCP is unable to do so.

Updated Referral Process:

Primary Pathway: The patient’s PCP continues to be the required starting point for submitting referrals. This ensures proper coordination of your overall healthcare.…

State Officials to Residents: Review Insurance Policies Ahead of Hurricane Season

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Hawaiʻi DCCA News Release

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division reminds consumers to evaluate their insurance policies before hurricane season, which begins June 1. Forecasters are indicating that El Niño conditions may develop heading into summer, which can increase hurricane activity in the Central Pacific Basin and heighten the potential for impacts to Hawaiʻi. 

“El Niño may cause more hurricane activity in the Pacific, so don’t wait to think about coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki. “Once a hurricane or tropical storm is on the horizon, insurers may pause issuing new or expanded policies. Reviewing your coverage now helps ensure you’re protected when it matters most.”…

‘Not Pau Yet,’ Bissen Files for Re-election

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Bissen Campaign News Release

Surrounded by community supporters, labor leaders and his grandsons, Mayor Richard Bissen officially filed nomination papers to seek re-election as mayor of Maui County.

The moment was both personal and symbolic: Standing beside the next generation of his family, Bissen reflected on the long-term responsibility behind his decision to continue serving Maui Nui.

“When I look at my grandsons, I think about the future every ‘ohana in Maui County deserves — a future where our keiki can stay rooted here, where local families can still afford to live here, and where we protect not only our community, but the values that hold our community together,” Bissen said.…

Bobby Pahia Files for Maui County Council

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Bobby Pahia Files for Maui County Council

Bobby Pahia Campaign News Release

Family business owner and agriculture leader Bobby Pahia officially filed his nomination papers for the Maui County Council, marking the occasion with a powerful show of family unity spanning four generations.

Sharing this moment with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, Pahia emphasized the importance of ‘ohana, community, and kuleana in his decision to run for office. The presence of four generations underscored his commitment to ensuring the county remains a place where local families can raise their keiki, run a family business, and build a future.

If elected, Pahia would bring his decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance to the Maui County Council.…

Scholarship Available for Students in Marine and Ocean STEM

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Scholarship Available for Students in Marine and Ocean STEM

MKF News Release

The Malama Kai Foundation is proud to announce that applications are open for the 2nd annual George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program, providing critical financial support to high school graduates from Hawaiʻi who are pursuing degrees in marine conservation and ocean-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The scholarship honors the legacy of George A. Wilkins, a pioneering Navy scientist and marine conservationist whose lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship helped shape Hawaiʻi’s marine research, technology, and policy. Six scholarships were awarded in 2025 to Hawai‘i students.

Scholarships ranging from $2,000-$3,000 each will be awarded in 2026 to students demonstrating passion, purpose and potential in fields that protect and restore our ocean ecosystems.…

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