Catherine Cluett Pactol
Maui Nui 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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More than a year and a half of contentious discussion over short-term rentals in Maui County is nearing a final decision. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol has more.
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Lahaina recovery marks a milestone as the town’s burned harbor reopens with limited use. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol has more.
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The Lahaina debris call center has officially closed, reaching a milestone more than two years after the blaze.
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Maui’s go-kart club is reviving the thrill of racing, while one young driver shoots for the big leagues of the sport. As engines roar, HPR talks with club members about speed, family fun, and chasing dreams.
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A new report detailing water consumption in Lahaina brings insights into who has been using water resources — and how much. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol has a breakdown of the report.
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The organization reports an increase in need over the past three months and prepares for continued growing demands as government shutdown continues and holidays approach.
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There’s something new coming to Maui. The island’s first rock climbing gym is just weeks from opening and HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol got an early peek to show us the ropes.
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Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation is celebrating the launch of a digital resource called a "story map" that highlights Makawao's history, heritage and stories with an in-person event next Saturday.
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The Maui Hub connects residents with farmers to directly distribute produce through an online marketplace. A lot of their Maui customers use SNAP benefits, and they’re already reporting a drop in sales.
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A documentary called "Lāhainā Rising" just had its world premiere at this week’s Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, where it also won the Made in Hawaiʻi award. HPR caught up with the filmmakers.