New Chapter for Longtime Molokai Station

Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Aloha Petroleum News Release

After more than 60 years serving the Molokai community, Rawlins Service has entered a new chapter, with operations transitioning this week to Aloha Petroleum.

The change comes after careful consideration by the Rawlins ʻohana, who have operated the station for generations. While Aloha Petroleum will take over day-to-day operations, the Rawlins family will retain the land lease.

“This was not a quick decision,” said Shirley Rawlins. “We took our time to find the right partner, someone who understands the importance of this station to Molokai and will continue to serve the community the right way.”

Maintaining continuity was a priority for the family, who wanted to ensure the station would remain a reliable resource for residents while adapting to the challenges of operating a small business today.…

MEMA Highlights Tsunami Awareness Month

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Maui County News Release

Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reminding the community that April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, an opportunity for people to prepare, protect their property and safeguard loved ones by understanding tsunami risks and taking practical preparedness steps.

“As we saw with last year’s tsunami, even events that are not catastrophic can still impact our shores,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “That’s why we encourage residents and visitors to understand evacuation zones, stay informed and have an emergency plan.”

“April is Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, but there is no ‘tsunami season’ – tsunamis can occur at any time,” he added.…

Wiliwili Jewelry Workshop in Hoʻolehua

Friday, April 10th, 2026

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center’s Hawaiian Arts (HĀ) Program presents two separate jewelry making workshops at the Hoʻolehua Homestead Makeke at 2240 Lihi Pali Ave behind Molokai High School on Sunday, April 12 and 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Register at bit.ly/MACHA2026.

The MAC continues its popular HĀ workshops featuring the wiliwili tree. 

Kaulananapua Dudoit, Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner will teach participants to create jewelry using wiliwili seeds. Kaulana was raised on the east end of Molokai and is now a homesteader in Hoʻolehua. She currently sells her handcrafted jewelry and plants. Participants may also bring shells, beads, or wiliwili seeds.

The MAC HĀ 2025-26 Program is a bi-monthly series which promotes cultural arts through ʻāina (land) and mea kanu (that which is planted), utilizing our natural resources. …

Free Hauling, Disposal of Storm-Damaged Appliances

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Maui County News Release

In response to the March 2026 Kona storms, the County of Maui is providing free hauling and disposal of storm-damaged appliances for Molokai residents, according to the County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division.

DEM contracted A&S Services LLC and Island Refuse Inc. to haul and dispose of storm-damaged white goods at no cost to residents. Molokai residents may contact either vendor directly to arrange pickup or drop-off. Call A&S Services LLC at (808) 366-0747 and Island Refuse Inc. at (808) 877-2515 or (808) 357-0671.

White goods include the following household appliances:

In the aftermath of the recent Kona storms, County departments and agencies including DEM, Public Works, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Office of Recovery have been mobilizing resources to assist residents with residential property cleanup, including picking up debris for kūpuna or others physically unable to self-haul debris.…

Free Ocean Movie at Mango Theater

Friday, April 10th, 2026

By The Molokai Dispatch staff

There is a free community screening of Ocean with David Attenborough at The Mango Theater, sponsored by the Sacharuna Foundation on April 18 at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome. 

This special event invites the Molokai community to come together for an inspiring look at the world’s oceans through the lens of legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a talk-story and Q&A featuring Molokai’s own Mac Poepoe, alongside longtime collaborator Dr. Alan Friedlander and Dr. Randy Kosaki, recently retired NOAA marine biologist for Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. 

Dr.…

Exploring Gel Plate Printing Techniques

Friday, April 10th, 2026

MAC News Release

In the upcoming Gel Plate Printing class, students will explore gel plate printing techniques that include proper use of the gel plate, registration of an image, masking, the various ways in which stencils can be used, how to pull successful botanical prints, creating textures and mark making with various objects, overprinting techniques, along with many ways to build up and create layers to create an image. No experience is required.

The workshop will be held at 40 Ala Malama Ave. Unit A111 on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Instructor Paula Scott holds a B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University and a B.F.A.…