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Santa Visits Molokai Library

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

Santa Visits Molokai Library

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

The Molokai Public Library had quite a special guest last week, Santa Claus. He is also known as Matt Brown, District Administrator within the Hawaii State Public Library System overseeing operations at 24 branch libraries across Oahu and Hawaii Island. 

Santa read stories and sang songs with about 60 children and parents at the library Dec. 3. After his visit, we made ornaments, played on the lawn and enjoyed hot cocoa. 

In the last couple years, the Molokai Public Library, under the leadership of Mia Langer Ritte, along with the Friends of Molokai Public Library and other members of the community, has promoted programs that collectively have helped to bring more people to the library.…

Misaki’s Wins Bed Race in Kaunakakai

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

Misaki’s Wins Bed Race in Kaunakakai

By Léo Azambuja

If there is something better than having breakfast in bed, it must be winning a race in bed. Misaki’s Groceries and Dry Goods team beat the Grinch Gang in an exciting final heat of the fun Bed Race last weekend.

The first half of the Bed Race’s final heat was pretty even, but Misaki’s completed a task much quicker than the Grinch Gang at the race’s turning point, and got back on the course ahead of their rivals. 

With the win in the Bed Race’s final heat, the five-person Misaki’s team bested four other teams, including the Friendly Market in another exciting heat, to snatch the number one spot in the event along Ala Malama Avenue in Kaunakakai Saturday at 5 p.m. …

Planting the Seeds of Sustainability

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

Planting the Seeds of Sustainability

By Léo Azambuja

Four high-school students recently discussed challenges in Molokai’s food system at an informal meeting at Molokai Public Library. They stressed the importance of local food production, self-sufficiency and educational programs. 

Kilohana Meyer emphasized sustainable farming practices. Max Sakamoto highlighted entrepreneurial efforts using local produce. Mark Ragonton discussed culinary initiatives. Leila Pereira talked about farming entrepreneurship and waste diversion from the landfill.

They also noted the need for grants, mentorship and community support to foster young farmers and entrepreneurs at the forum hosted by the Molokai Baháʻí Community in collaboration with the library Nov. 19.

“I’d like to see Molokai completely independent (from off-island food suppliers),” Pereira said.…

‘All is Bright’ Christmas Light Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

‘All is Bright’  Christmas Light Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa

By Léo Azambuja

The Christmas spirit is officially far and wide on Molokai. Several hundred people crowded the sidewalks of Ala Malama Avenue in Kaunakakai to watch the traditional Christmas parade last Saturday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our fire department,” one of the emcees for the 2025 Molokai Christmas Light Parade said as Engine 4 and Tanker 4 opened the parade. “A big mahalo to them for all that they do for our community.”

This year’s parade organizers called for big and small floats to be decorated with lights to fit the “All Is Bright” theme of the event.…

Bennett Opens Pottery Studio for Annual Show

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Bennett Opens Pottery Studio for Annual Show

By Léo Azambuja

Ceramic artist Dan Bennett once again opened his house for his annual show and sale, something he has been doing since the mid-1970s. Emphasizing the functional aesthetic of Bennett’s art pieces, this year’s show features new sushi trays and a few other new pieces.

“This is how I regenerate. I sell off stuff and have room for new stuff,” said Bennett, whose show opened Nov. 24 and will last until Dec. 8 at his home in Kalaʻe during business hours.

Last spring, Bennett’s family visited Orcas Island. The sushi they ordered at a restaurant was served in ceramic trays, which inspired Bennett to create his own sushi trays. …

E Hoʻomanaʻo Celebrates 5 Leading Hawaiians

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

E Hoʻomanaʻo Celebrates 5 Leading Hawaiians

By Léo Azambuja

The Molokai Public Library celebrated the lives of five distinguished Hawaiians — two kings, a queen, a princess and a diplomat — during the E Hoʻomanaʻo series last month, with a presentation that included moʻolelo, mele and hula.

King Kamehameha II, King Kalākaua and Princess Victoria Kamāmalu were recognized for being born in November. Queen Kamāmalu, born around 1802, was Kamehameha II’s favorite wife.

Royal envoy Timoteo Haʻalilio was also celebrated for his role in Hawaii’s sovereignty formally recognized by some of the world’s greatest powers at the E Hoʻomanaʻo event at the library Nov. 25.

“Great Britain and France officially signed and recognized Hawaii as an independent nation on November 28, 1843,” Aiwaulu head researcher Kalei Roberts said.…

Sharing and Creating Abundance

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Sharing and Creating Abundance

By Léo Azambuja

In old Hawaii, sharing was a fundamental part of society. It embodied the aloha spirit with love and compassion, allowing for the community to thrive together and for their ‘ohana to grow.

A program at Molokai Public Library, Ko Koā Uka, Ko Koā Kai (Those of the uplands share their crops, those of the seaside share their catch), has been serving as a hub for trading and sharing produce for island residents for almost a year. 

“We are featuring some of our farmers and producers on Molokai, sharing what they they’re doing with either food that they’re growing or processing,” said Mercy Ritte, who started the program on last year’s Independence Day of Hawaiian Kingdom, or Lā Kūʻokoʻa, celebrated Nov.…

Holiday Cheer and Special Sale at Ark Ceramics

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Holiday Cheer and Special Sale at Ark Ceramics

Community Contributed

By Arabella Ark

At Arabella Ark’s ceramics studio, you can find unique pottery in shapes, sizes, colors from our changing natural world: vases glazed in pinks and corals like the setting sun; others in deep turquoises and greens like the sea. Many are highlighted with gold leaf like the reflection of sunlight on the rain-forested ravines at her former home in Hana.

Attracted to antiquity, she places elements of Asian temples and clothing on her large-scale teapots and lidded temples. Some of her large clay tablets for wall hanging, called Other Worlds, reflect views of galaxies seen by the Hubble Telescope.…

Pili Na Lio Equine Therapy Friday

Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Pili Na Lio Equine Therapy Friday

By Léo Azambuja

The nonprofit organization Ho‘akā Mana is offering free equine-assisted therapy sessions to families and individuals in Hoʻolehua this Friday, Dec. 5.

“We have noticed a huge benefit, we are watching folks progress throughout their time with us,” Ho‘akā Mana executive director Kanoe Davis said.

The Pili Na Lio equine therapy program started in February, in collaboration with Maui’s Spirit Horse Ranch.

Generally, equine therapy is when therapists treating mental health conditions or physical disabilities utilize horses to promote healing. The therapy can include grooming the horses, riding them or interacting with them through activities, always under the guidance of professionals.…

‘Maui Nui First’ Website to Feature Free Listings for Holidays

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

OED News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development invites Maui County businesses to be featured in its 2025 Maui Nui Holiday Deals campaign on https://www.MauiNuiFirst.com

This initiative offers an opportunity for businesses based on Molokai, Lānai and Maui to share their holiday offerings and engage with residents and visitors looking to shop local this season.

Beginning in late November and continuing through Dec. 31, MauiNuiFirst.com and its social media channels will spotlight holiday promotions from Maui County businesses. Participation is free and provides added exposure during the peak holiday shopping period. 

“This campaign is about uplifting the small businesses that strengthen our communities,” OED director Jade Rojas-Letisi said.…