One Year Later, Molokai Remembers the Maui Fires

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Aug. 8 marked one year since the devastating Maui wildfires which destroyed Lahaina, killing 102 people and displacing over 12,000. Molokai was one of the first communities to respond to the disaster, which was the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over 100 years, immediately sending boats laden with supplies. Lahaina and Molokai have been linked communities for generations, with many Molokai community members having families, jobs or even having attended high school in Lahaina. Now, a year later, Molokai residents continue to support the Lahaina community.

The Molokai-based nonprofit Ho’aka Mana has been providing crisis counselors through the Malu I Ka Ulu program to those affected by the fires.…

MAC Hosts Filmmaker

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Last week, the Molokai Arts Center (MAC) held a private screening for a new short film set in Rapa Nui. Created by Sofia Rodrigues, the film “Marahoro” tells the story of a conflict between father and son, tradition and modernity.

Told through the simple beauty of old surfboards, laconic fishermen, Marlboro Reds and clock radios, the film connected with the substantial crowd gathered at the MAC on July 27.

“I thought it was beautifully done,” said audience member and longtime professional photographer Dewitt Jones.

Rodrigues used amateur actors from Rapa Nui, and a combination of Spanish and Rapa Nui to tell the story.…

Inaugural Dr. Aluli Scholarship at JABSOM

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

As the newest class of aspiring doctors kick off the beginning of medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii, one student in particular will carry with him the legacy of Molokai’s Dr. Emmet Aluli. Jordan Vedelli is the inaugural recipient of the full tuition scholarship in honor of Aluli.

Vedelli grew up in Waimea on Hawaii Island, before boarding at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and then heading to Stanford for undergrad. Now, he’s poised to study his community’s health needs, and contribute to the future of medicine in Hawaii.

“Dr. Aluli was a graduate of our medical school’s very first class,” explained Matthew Campbell, director of communications at JABSOM.…