Catherine Cluett Pactol
General Assignment ReporterCatherine Cluett Pactol is Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s Maui Nui reporter. She lives on Molokaʻi and is HPR’s first full-time employee based on a neighbor island. Having served as a contributing HPR reporter on and off since 2008, she officially joined the HPR newsroom in summer 2023.
Previously, she worked at The Molokai Dispatch, Molokaʻi’s only newspaper, for 15 years and served as its editor for more than a decade. During that time, she led the paper’s small team to win more than 30 Excellence in Journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaiʻi chapter, while also freelancing for magazines and publications across the state. She has a degree in creative writing from Bates College, and her work has been led by a passion for storytelling through community journalism.
Contact her at cpactol@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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Molokaʻi educator Gandharva Mahina Hou Ross has been selected from applicants worldwide for a month-long deep sea exploration this summer. He'll help translate the scientific discoveries of E/V Nautilus into educational opportunities. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol has more about his voyage.
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The owner of the property selected for Lahaina's fire debris disposal site has filed a lawsuit against Maui County and its eminent domain actions to acquire the 20 acres. As HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports, the property owner tried to donate 5 acres, but the county said it needs all 20 acres.
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The Maui Fire Department released a separate report this week about its response to the deadly August wildfires. Chief Brad Ventura said staffing was not an issue as firefighters from across the state flew in to help — but the limited amount of vehicles and equipment available on Maui posed challenges. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports.
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There’s good news for the health of coastal waters off Lahaina. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports on reassuring results from water quality testing after the fires.
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A private $1 million donation will help build a third fire station in West Maui. The effort to develop a station in Olowalu is being spearheaded by the West Maui Improvement Foundation.
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Lāna'i will be getting federally subsidized air service for the first time. Mokulele Airlines and Pacific Air Charters have submitted competitive bids. Both are proposing 42 weekly round trips between Lānaʻi and Honolulu, and 21 weekly round trips to Maui. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the selection process is currently underway.
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A private landowner has offered to donate 5 acres of its 20-acre parcel to Maui County for fire debris disposal. However, the county said it will require more land to safely handle ash disposal and will move forward with eminent domain proceedings. The two parties recently could not come to an agreement on the 20-acre parcel. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol has more.
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The Kani Kūola Music Festival this Saturday on Maui offers mentorship and hands-on learning for those interested in taking their music to the next level.
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Since the Aug. 8 wildfires, Lahaina Strong has been fighting for dignified housing for survivors. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports they’ve turned to legislative advocacy to continue the battle.
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For nearly 70 years, the Lahaina Library stood on Wharf Street until the Aug. 8 fires burned it down. Now, a FEMA grant will help rebuild it for the future. Library staff are working to find a temporary location in the meantime. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol shares the building's history and importance.
