About Us
Molokai History Project is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the island. We are passionate about telling the stories of Molokai and its people, ensuring that their history is celebrated and shared with future generations. Through our immersive exhibits and engaging educational programs, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique island heritage.
At Molokai History Project, we believe that history should not be confined to the pages of books, but rather brought to life through interactive experiences and meaningful connections. Our History Project offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the fascinating stories and traditions of Molokai. Whether you are a local resident or a curious traveler, we invite you to explore the island’s vibrant past and discover the untold tales that shaped its present.
Founding Members
Our Team
Elected officers are supported by eight board members.
Nora Espaniola
President
Nora was born and raised on Molokai, is married and the mother of eight children and thirty-five grandchildren.
I graduated from Molokai High School in 1976 and my academic achievements include an Associates degree in Business Administration from Phoenix University Axia College.
I have been a board member for various organizations including Maui Economic Opportunity, Molokai Community Health Center, formerly a Molokai Planning commissioner and currently a member of the Committee of the Status of Women and Board President for the Molokai History Project. As founder and CEO of Ohana Ministry Inc, church, family and community are people groups at the heart of the ministry.
I am a business owner, and an LLC business partner for a Grab & Go Deli, Mini Mart and a quaint Boutique Store. My past roles encompass case managementIts obvious I am active in my role as a family member, in the religious and secular community. Just as meaningful of me being a Molokai islander, appreciating the people, its beauty and heritage that I sorely value. My motivation and purpose for being a part of the Molokai History Project.
Victoria ‘Cricket’ Chung
Secretary
Victoria (Cricket) Chung was born on Molokai, attended Kaunakakai Elementary School, Holomua School, and Molokai High School. Cricket pursued her passion for nurturing young minds and received her degree in education after attending college. She taught at Maunaloa Elementary School for many years. Retired, Cricket lives in Kaunakakai. She continues her
lifelong commitment to empowering the next generation with her volunteer work and support of the Molokai History Project.
Nancy Poland
Treasurer
Retiring after 23 years of working for a large defense contractor, she brings over 15 years of expertise in non-profit accounting, bookkeeping, and treasurer work to her role at the Molokai History Project. She holds a BS in Information Systems and an MBA. Her extensive background includes significant contributions to various Hawaiian non-profits such as Ka Hale Pomaika’i, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and ‘Aha Kukui O Moloka’i, emphasizing her deep connection to the community. She previously was the Molokai Girl Scout Leader for over 12 years and paddled canoe for many years. Additionally, Nancy’s entrepreneurial spirit is showcased through her operation of Molokai Ocean Tours, enriching the local culture and tourism landscape. Her commitment to Molokai’s heritage and her family’s roots on the island highlight her dedication to fostering community growth and sustainability.
Judy Mertens
Executive Director
Judy first arrived on Molokai in 1964 with her husband, Bill, who joined Libby’s pineapple plantation in Maunaloa. Their son , Zach, was born at Molokai General Hospital. Soon after life took the Mertens to Asia. Blair joined the family and returning to Molokai, both boys attended Kaunakakai Elementary School. We all loved that school.!! After traveling through Asia and running farms on Maui , in 2019 we returned to retire in our home at One Alii on Molokai. With a deep family history and love of Molokai and its people, it seemed time to record the wonderful stories of all the families born and raised on Molokai. That is what the Molokai History Project is doing, and I’m proud to be a part of this project. It is all, for and by the people of Molokai.
How We Came to Be
Following the passing of Dr. Aluli in late 2022, there was a groundswell of support to establish a place on Molokai to share our collective histories and cultural objects..
Over several months in 2023, a group of 15 plus individuals met to brainstorm ways to make this possible. In July, our group met with Pulama Lima, the executive director of Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, a local non-profit already doing heritage preservation work on Molokai, Together, we recognize the importance of preserving history on our island; thus, the Molokai History Project opened its doors to the community on October 6, 2023
COME JOIN US…….we are waiting for your creative spirit.
Get Involved as a greeter for two hours a week or a volunteer, sharing your mana’o (ideas), mo’olelo’ (stories), energy and time, to help Molokai History Project grow. This time is filled with fun, laughter, discovery and learning, as well as reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. It’s looking after our treasured memories and artifacts making sure they are shared, understood, and safe for our next generation. Please share two hours a week with your fellow Molokai Ohana.
Contact: [email protected] or call 808.283.0792. Mahalo
145 Ala Malama Street, Unit 103, Post Office Box 1691, Kaunakakai, HI. 96748 [email protected]