Vandalism at the Library

Our historic Molokai Public Library, built in 1937, is a wahi pana and pu’uhonua for our island. It is truly a hale, hosting guests and making people feel at home. We have all come to enjoy the cool comfort of its interior, an escape from the fierce Kaunakakai heat, the free WiFi provided both inside and out, the helpful staff who go above and beyond for our community members, and the plethora of information, community programming and valuable resources housed within. 

The Library’s lawn has hosted many special events and is home to the distinct “Pule Oʻo” copper sculpture by Bumpei Akaji, Nisei Veteran, installed in 1973. The Mala Pulelehua, “Butterfly Garden,” installed on the Makai side of the lawn in 2014, provides a safe habitat for the 1850’s introduced Monarch Butterfly, which enjoys the Pua Kalaunu, Crown Flower, our Queen Lili’uokalani’s favorite. It was created by Chevy Levasa and more than 30 organizations and people, including our Molokai Boy Scouts, and Friends of the Library, who help maintain it today. 

Sadly, on Feb. 22, someone vandalized our library grounds, tearing down our third grade reading program banner, toppling the plants on and around the porch, disturbing the edging rocks, knocking down the garden’s sign, and uprooting and bending the benches which have had to be removed. These benches were donated by a local family to honor their grandmother, and all grandmothers, providing a place for our kupuna and community to sit and enjoy the garden and watch the butterflies at play.

Aunty Wanda, our hardworking and dedicated groundskeeper, has been hard at work cleaning up the mess and the many other unpleasant things left around the grounds. Please kokua and makaʻala, help and keep watch, by reporting any disturbances you may see when no one is home at our Hale Waihona Puke, library. We want to continue to keep our puʻuhonua safe and clean for everyone to enjoy and will need your help to malama. Mahalo to the many hearts and hands that continue to malama our library.

In light of the recent vandalism that has marred our beloved library grounds, it has become even more crucial for us to maintain the beauty and sanctity of our space. A clean and inviting environment not only honors the contributions of our community members, like the family who donated benches in memory of their grandmother, but also fosters a sense of belonging and tranquility for everyone who visits.

To ensure our library remains a safe haven for all, professional cleaning services can play a vital role in restoring and preserving its beauty. Shine On Cleaning Services offers the expertise and dedication needed to thoroughly clean our library grounds, making sure that every corner is tended to and that the area reflects the love and care we wish to cultivate. As Aunty Wanda tirelessly cleans up after the damage, we are reminded of the importance of coming together as a community to malama our spaces.

With vigilance and support from both our community members and professional services, we can ensure our puʻuhonua continues to be a welcoming place for all, where families can sit, enjoy nature, and watch the butterflies at play. Mahalo to everyone who helps us keep our library a cherished space for learning and connection.

A hui hou,

Anne Steinke
BSW Practicum Student