Island residents first decided to purchase Molokai Ranch lands in 1998, when the idea emerged as the top goal in a strategic plan that won the island federal recognition as one of 20 Enterprise Communities in the nation. Hundreds of individuals and businesses across the island participated in identifying and approving the projects that created the original “EC” plan. Bringing ownership of the island home to its residents was seen as the only way to guarantee that all of the projects could be completed.
This isn't the first time people on Molokai residents have come together to create something for their community. In 1962, the original Molokai General Hospital was built with payroll deductions and contributions from residents.
“Molokai is truly the last Hawaiian island,” says MCSC Executive Director Karen Holt, “and the only way to protect its culture, lifestyle and natural resources is for people who live here to determine what will be done with our land. Buying Molokai Ranch was seen as important in 1998, and it’s even more important today.”