Sustainable Molokai presents final project plan following COVID-19 delays

The Maui County meeting held on August 21, 2025, focused on the K?mike Aloha ??ina initiative, with significant discussions surrounding the Sustainable Molokai project. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to committee member Yukile Sugimura, followed by procedural acknowledgments and the introduction of key resource persons involved in the project.

Council member Rollins Fernandez highlighted the project's inception in 2020, which faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyronee Williams, the former executive director of Sustainable Molokai, provided insights into the project's evolution, noting that the start date was pushed to July 2021 to accommodate community input while adhering to safety protocols. Williams expressed gratitude towards her team members, including Katie Mokual and Heather Place, for their leadership in coordinating community outreach efforts.

The project, which aimed to gather community feedback and develop a comprehensive plan, ultimately submitted its final report in April 2024. Williams emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement throughout the process, acknowledging the contributions of various team members and advisors.

The meeting also featured a video presentation summarizing the project's highlights, followed by an open floor for questions. Vice Chair Tamara Poulton joined the meeting remotely, despite feeling unwell, and expressed her commitment to the proceedings.

Overall, the meeting underscored the resilience and adaptability of the Sustainable Molokai project team in navigating challenges while striving to fulfill their objectives. The council members expressed appreciation for the efforts made and looked forward to further discussions on the initiative's impact on the community.