12th Annual Cursive Is Cool Contest Launches Nationwide for Students in Grades K-7

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

AHAF News Release

The American Handwriting Analysis Foundation (AHAF) announced today that its annual Cursive Is Cool(r) handwriting contest is now open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 7, encouraging young writers to express themselves creatively through cursive handwriting.

Now in its 12th year, the Cursive Is Cool(r) contest continues to grow in reach and enthusiasm, engaging students, teachers, and families worldwide. Children are invited to submit original cursive writing entries, which are judged on legibility, neatness, and creative content.

“Our judges are excited every year to see what children write,” said Lauren Mooney Bear, CG, Campaign for Cursive Chair and immediate past President of AHAF.…

AlohaCare Foundation Giving $75K in Scholarships

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

AlohaCare News Release

The AlohaCare Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications — from February 2 to March 16, 2026. Each scholarship recipient could get up to $10,000 while pursuing careers in healthcare or social services. AlohaCare members, or their family members, are eligible to apply. 

For more information or to apply for 2026–2027 scholarships, visit foundation.alohacare.org/scholarships.

In the 2025–2026 academic year, the Foundation awarded $75,000 in scholarships to 19 students across Molokai, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Oahu — all pursuing careers in healthcare or social services.

“Every scholarship recipient represents someone who can stay in Hawaiʻi and improve the lives of Hawaii families,” said AlohaCare CEO Francoise Culley-Trotman.…

Kenpo Karate Classes Opening at Home Pumehana

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola O Molokai News Release

Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola O Molokai is happy to announce we are reopening. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Fridays from 6-8 p.m. at Home Pumehana Community Hall.  

The club previously operated from 2003 until 2013, and is a branch of Leeward Kenpo Oahu. We teach Kenpo Karate and are part of the Kajukenbo self-defense system. 

The club’s head instructor is Sifu Lori Nartatez, with assistant instructors Elroy Mollena, Ryan Johnston and Kyle Macmillan. 

We would like to welcome back any former students, as well as anyone interested in becoming a new student. …

Federal Home Loan Reform Offers Critical Relief for Molokai Veterans

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

By Cristina Johnson, Asbestos Ships Organization

Like residents in other regions, veterans in Molokai, Hawaii, have been facing a scarcity of affordable housing and a cost of living that far outpaces local incomes. 

With just roughly 600 veterans and limited mortgage relief options, even short-term hardship can push homeowners toward foreclosure. The now-expired Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program temporarily helped about 20,000 struggling borrowers remain housed; however, the initiative offered no lasting protection. Fortunately, Congress has since authorized a permanent alternative through the new VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. But unless this is enforced without delay, veterans in Molokai and throughout the country risk losing homes in a market that is difficult to cope with.…

Hawaii Opens $2.2M Micro-Grant Program for Small Ag 

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

DAB News Release

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is now accepting applications for the popular Micro-Grant for Food Security Program. This is the fifth year of the grant program which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $2,235,220 was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this year’s program through funding authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. 

The program is open to: