‘Hot Rod’ is June’s Ace Winner

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

‘Hot Rod’ is June’s Ace Winner

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely

Rodney Reyes is the June Ace Winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Reyes, affectionately known as Hot Rod, is one of Molokai‘s professional golfers who also gives back to his golf course. Reyes shot 43-42 for a gross total of 85 and with his 17 handicap his net 68 got him the victory. Congratulations Rodney!

 

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills Golf Course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai. …

Filomena “Lumeng” Duarosan Sayaboc 

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Filomena “Lumeng” Duarosan Sayaboc 

Filomena “Lumeng” Duarosan Sayaboc departed this life peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends on June 4, 2026, in Kualapuu, Molokai. 

Filomena was born in Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines, on May 18, 1948, to Cristobal and Feliza Duarosan. She is predeceased by her husband Bonifacio “Pacio” Sayaboc.  

She moved to Molokai in 1977.  She commuted on the ferry and worked at The Westin Maui Kaanapali Beach Hotel as a housekeeper for 28 years before retiring and continuing to work at the Molokai Shores.

She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, grandmother, loving sister, cherished aunt and steadfast friend to those fortunate enough to know her.…

MHS State Winners Head to National Educators Rising Conference

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

MHS Educators Rising News Release

Four talented Molokai High School (MHS) Educators Rising (EdRising) state winners departed Molokai on June 1, to showcase their skills on the national stage. Kealaula Pali, Kruz Lani, Leila Pereira and Mark Ragonton are traveling to Portland, Oregon, to compete in the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, running from June 20–23.

The students earned their spots after a stellar performance at Hawaii’s first in-person Educators Rising State Conference and Competition, held on February 5 – 6, 2026, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education.

Educators Rising is a vital national program active in 42 states.…

Bissen Bringing Holomua Kakou back to Molokai

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Maui County News Release

Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokai on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 as part of his ongoing effort to take county government directly to Maui County’s rural communities.

“Holomua Kākou is about ensuring every community — no matter how rural or remote — has meaningful access to county services, information and the people responsible for serving them,” Bissen said. “This effort reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they are and listening to what matters most to them.”

Bissen will host a community talk story from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Kaunakakai Elementary School Cafeteria, 30 Ailoa St.,…

Common Cause Hawaii Hosts Town Hall

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Common Cause Hawaii News Release

Common Cause Hawaiʻi will host a town hall on Tuesday, June 30th from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Molokai Public Library (15 Ala Malama Ave.). This gathering is an opportunity to come together, stay informed and share your voice. State Director for Common Cause Hawaiʻi, Camron Hurt, will discuss highlights from the recent legislative session, provide updates on flood impacts and relief efforts and open the floor for community questions, concerns and ideas.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy.  The organization works at every level of government on priorities that impact each of our lives.…

Kalaupapa National Historical Park to Offer Public Tours 

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

National Parks Service News Release

For the first time, Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer public tours starting July 9, 2026. The tours will be provided twice a week, and reservations can be made beginning June 26.

The all-day hiking tours will be ranger-led and provide information about Kalaupapa history. The tours will be offered on Thursdays and Saturdays. These tours are currently the only way visitors can access the park. The number of visitors to the park remains capped at 100 per day. 

“We are excited to offer visitors an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by Kalaupapa, said Superintendent Nancy Holman.…

Eight Athletes Compete in Special Olympics Summer Games

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Eight Athletes Compete in Special Olympics Summer Games

Special Olympics Molokai News Release

Earlier this month, eight athletes, including five in track and field categories and and three swimmers,  along with their coaches and chaperone waited patiently to board their flight and head to Honolulu for the Special Olympics 2026 Summer Games. 

Out of the eight athletes, Blake Eddy and Donovan-Wyatt Bicoy are new to the program. Eddy joined the track and field team and Bicoy chose to swim. 

“These eight athletes worked hard practicing for ten weeks, and with such amazing support from the coaches, they were able to hold area meets for both sports so that the athletes qualified,” said Rita Kalahiki with Special Olympics Molokai.…

Poi Poundahs Win Big

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Poi Poundahs Win Big

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

 

As sports fans all over tuned into the World Cup, one group of Molokai athletes took their own soccer trip. In early June, the Molokai Poi Poundahs traveled to Huntington Beach, California to compete in the annual Sun and Surf tournament — and they took home first place in their age bracket.

“The girls really worked together, and played as a unit, and it made a huge difference,” Coach Kathy Puhi said. She noted their first loss was to the team they beat in the championship game. She chalked it up to the girlsʻ determination and ability to come together as a team. …

National Parks Service Launches Kalaupapa Hiking Tour

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

National Parks Service Launches Kalaupapa Hiking Tour

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

 

This Friday marks an important date in the history of Kalaupapa: it’s the opening day for tour bookings operated by the National Parks Service. Online bookings for a guided hiking tour open at recreation.gov on June 26, with the first tour heading out, weather permitting, from the Kala’e trailhead around 7 a.m. on Thursday, July 9. 

Kalaupapapa National Historic Park Superintendent Nancy Holman said she wants to keep Molokai at the center of changes at the former leper colony. She says that’s why they are also bringing back a volunteer program. 

“When I listen at public meetings … people here on Molokai feel very strongly that they have been separated for too long from Kalaupapa,” Holman said.…

Set ‘em up: Regatta Season Opens

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Set ‘em up: Regatta Season Opens

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

The Molokai Canoe Racing Association regatta season officially began on June 20, when 15 races took place at the Kaunakakai wharf. Under scattered clouds and light winds, the wharf filled with athletes and onlookers. Nervous energy mixed with excitement as people set up their spot on the shore to take in the action.

It was an excellent day for Molokai Canoe Club President Makena Makena Fernandez, whose club hosted the regatta. 

“It was a great turn out for maninis — usually we just have one manini race,” Fernandez said. “And Kukui O Molokai is now active, with four crews, and with their koa boat!…