Author Archives: Jessica Ahles

Panel Speaks on GMOs and Biotech

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Panel Speaks on GMOs and Biotech

Agriculture and food sustainability is a growing interest in the community and as technologies change, varied practices lead to clashing opinions on the best agriculture methods and safety. To address some of the latest controversial topics in the industry, the Molokai Farm Bureau hosted a presentation last Tuesday, led by three independent experts in ag technology. They answered questions and provided educational outreach to the community advocating scientific advances in biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

“A lot of what’s going on in agriculture right now is because somehow the technology and communication have not synced,” said Mae Nakahata, an agronomist at Hawaii Commercial and Sugar Company on Maui, secretary of the Hawaii Farm Bureau and vice president of the Hawaii Agriculture Foundation.…

Changes for Parks and Rec

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

In an effort to streamline the permitting process, create more consistency and improve preventative maintenance for facilities, the county Department of Parks and Recreation will be revamping its procedures in the coming months. From parks and public facilities to leagues and community sports, Parks and Rec is instrumental in running many activities, services and events on Molokai. If you’re in the market to book an event or organize a league, you may notice some changes in the process — all with the goal of making it simpler, quicker and more consistent.

Brianne Savage, deputy director of the department, explained the changes to Molokai residents last week.…

Welcoming FoodCorps Hawaii

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Welcoming FoodCorps Hawaii

Sust`ainable Molokai News Release

This past Friday, March 14, Sust`ainable Molokai welcomed the FoodCorps Hawaii state team to Molokai. The team consists of eight service members, with five from Hawaii Island: Jane Lee serving at Kohala Elementary, Julia Nemoto at Mala`ai Garden, Jessica Sobocinski at Honaunau Elementary, Kalu Oyama at Na`alehu Elementary and Leina`ala Kealoha at Kua O Ka La Public Charter Schools. Additionally, Tasia Yamamura is serving at Ma`o farms on Oahu and here on Molokai, Lacey Phifer and Simon Mendes are our service members. The state fellow is Amelia Pedini, and our host site leader from the Kohala Center is Nancy Redfeather.…

Entrepreneurial Empowerment Workshops

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

ONABEN News Release

A free, two-day workshop will teach business concepts for anyone starting up or running a small business. Held by RedWind and ONABEN hosted by Kuha`o Business Center, this small business development workshop will be provided in Kaunakakai at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) on Monday, April 7 and the Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center (QLCC) at Kulana Oiwi on Tuesday, April 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This workshop, one of 15 RedWind will hold this year, will cover business concepts indispensable for anyone starting up or running a small business. Instructors will also identify and help participants avoid common pitfalls.…

MHS Headed to State History Competition

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Kainoa Pali

The Molokai High Social Studies Department hosted its fifth National History Day Fair. School-wide judging took place on February 26, along with the Molokai Middle School. The judging panel comprised of professors and experts within their respective fields who were chosen based on students’  topics . Students were interviewed for their understanding of historical content, project criteria, as well as relevance to this year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibility in History.” All students showcased their research analysis through various project formats such as paper, website, performance, documentary, and exhibit.

This is the first year where Molokai High will be represented in all five categories at the State National History Day competition on April 12 on Oahu.…

Community Health Center Gets $500,000

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Governor’s News Release

Molokai Community Health Center will receive $500,000 in capital improvement grant funds, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week.

Identified by the state Legislature, this grant will complete phase II of the Center’s capital improvement project that includes renovation of structures, an addition of a central deck, repaving the parking lot, installing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant walkways, as well as irrigation and landscaping at its Oceanside Center in Kaunakakai.

“The Molokai Community Health Center serves approximately 3,000 of the island’s 7,200 total residents, which is more than 40 percent of its population.” Abercrombie said. “This project will expand and improve access to quality health care on the Friendly Isle.”…

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomed Back

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomed Back

As Hawaiian Airlines officially launched its new service, `Ohana by Hawaiian, to Molokai last week, hundreds of residents and officials celebrated an occasion that for many, felt like a homecoming for the company.

“Molokai has been part of our ohana for the last 85 years,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines (HA) president and CEO. “For the last 10 years, we have not been able to operate here, but every single one of those days in between we’ve been working on plans to bring this wonderful day to fruition. It’s great to be back and have had such tremendous support from this community.”…

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha Earns National Accreditation

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha News Release

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha, a small preschool for children ages 3 and 4, is located in Kalamaula at Kalaiakamanu Hou Church.  In September, 2013, Na Kamali`i Hoaloha earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Kathy Bennett, director of Na Kamali`i Hoaloha.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.…

Donate Items Toward Pono Points

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

By Erin Raguindin, Kaunakakai School Counselor

Kaunakakai Elementary School has had a Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions (PBIS) program since 2002.  This program promotes positive behavior by teaching school-wide expectations and rewarding students for following those expectations.  At Kaunakakai School, students are expected to show Kuleana (Responsibility), Laulima (Working Together), and Ho`ihi (Respect) in all settings and are given a pono point if they are “caught being good.”

Once a month, students can redeem their pono points for items that are bought or donated.  If you are looking to clean out your house and want to donate new or used items, you may bring them to the Kaunakakai School Office. …

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Keiki had a whale of a time learning about humpback whales and their place in the environment Friday. But while most have only seen the great creatures from a distance, students at Kilohana School got up close and personal, climbing into the belly of a 36-foot inflatable humpback, softly rocking to soothing whale sounds and taking an imaginative ride around island’s waters.

“My name is Captain Mark and I’ll be your tour guide today,” Storybook Theater Executive Director Mark Jeffers said as he saluted to Kilohana School’s second grade class. “Today we are going to learn how whales are like people.”…