Lantern Ceremony Honors Victims of Suicide

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Under phosphorescent pink skies, community members waded into the waters outside the Molokai Community Health Center, participating in what has become a memorable annual tradition for many. A collaboration between Hospice Maui and the Guzeiji Soto Mission, the lantern ceremony is a way to honor and celebrate those who have passed away.

“My hope is that it helps to bring peace and comfort for those that are mourning,” explained Barbara Helm, a bereavement coordinator for Hospice Maui and one of the founders of the event.

“It’s an opportunity to put some action to some of those feelings we have,” she said.…

Molokai Goes to the Movies

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Without a movie theater since 2008, Molokai residents rarely get to see films on the big screen. Last week, thanks to efforts by the Hawaii International Film Fest (HIFF) and the Guzeiji Soto Mission, Molokai community members had plenty of opportunities to kick back, relax and enjoy the show.

Back on Molokai for the first time in over a decade, HIFF debuted some of its award-winning films, several of which involved Molokai, for audiences at the Kaunakakai Elementary School cafeteria.

The showcase included the feature length film “Molokai Bound,” as well as short films like “Kala” by Matt Yamashita, and “The Last Cool Thing I’ve Ever Done” by Kevin D’Angelo and starring the Molokai Hunting Club.…

Kualapu’u School ‘Ohana Fun Fair: A Fun-Filled Success 

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Community Contributed

By Kui Adolpho 

On Oct. 19, the Kualapu’u School ‘Ohana Fun Fair brought the Molokai community together for a day filled with laughter, fun, and family-friendly activities. The annual event, which serves as a major fundraiser for the school, attracted hundreds of families eager to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses and organizations.

One of the most anticipated attractions of the day was the pumpkin patch, a delightful seasonal highlight sponsored by Senator Lynn DeCoite and her partnership sponsors. Families were able to choose their perfect pumpkins, free of charge, as part of the fun! The pumpkin patch was a hit among children and parents alike, offering a perfect backdrop for fall photos and adding a festive touch to the fair.…

Whiteflies Active This Month

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Community Contributed
By Jennifer Hawkins, UH CTAHR Molokai Extension Agent

Whiteflies have been active so far this month both in the field and in the greenhouse. Whiteflies are tiny, small enough to get through the average shade house cloth. The adults resemble white moths, while the immature stages look like scale insects. Because the wings of the adult whitefly are covered with a white, waxy powder, they are difficult to wet. Some are vectors of plant viruses. One disorder, which is caused by whiteflies and you may have seen is known as silver-leaf. It is common in pumpkins and squash which have been infested with whiteflies.…

Celebrating Filipino American History Month

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

“It brings back good memories,” said Alice Kaahanui, scanning the photos for familiar faces. Across tables at the Molokai Public Library, shots from Filipino civic groups, citizenship ceremonies and passport photos were displayed.

Molokai nonprofit Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center had invited Molokai residents to this special event in honor of October being Filipino American History Month. Many Filipino workers, called Sakatas, came to Hawaii in the early to mid-20th century to work on the pineapple and sugarcane plantations. Now representing the second largest ethnicity statewide, Filipino American History Month has been celebrated since the early 1990s.

“It was a truly inspiring evening as stories were shared and the rich Filipino heritage of the island was celebrated,” shared Ka Ipu Makani on Facebook after the event.…

Continued Investigation into Yamashita Bay Fire

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Late in the afternoon on Friday, Oct. 4, crews from the Puko’o fire station responded to a structural fire at Yamashita Bay in Honoulimalo’o on Molokai’s east end. The 850 square foot cabin was “fully involved” according to reports from the Maui Fire Dept, and not extinguished until 9 p.m.

The house at the well-known spot was almost totally destroyed, with just the foundation, porch and a couple of garage walls still standing. While the cause of the blaze is still officially under investigation, Capt. Jamie Winfrey of the Maui Police Dept. on Molokai explained that arson has not been ruled out, and that the police are still conducting interviews with possible witnesses.…