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Kaunakakai, HI
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Sat, 2010-07-31 21:54
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This Week's Cover
Political
Molokai and Hawaii - Island Politics
Proposed Council Elections Change Delayed
Single-member district amendment misses November ballot.
Efforts to change how Maui County council members are elected – replacing at-large elections with single-member districts and redrawing district lines -- stalled this month as council members opted to delay a decision until next year.
Add your commentSurfin’ for the Vote
Lahaina local in the running for council.
She may be a political rookie, but Elle Cochran’s fiery ambition and enthusiastic personality prove she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to campaigning for a seat on the Maui County Council. Last week, the Dispatch caught up with Cochran, who made a short trip to Molokai while on her campaign trail.A lifelong Lahaina resident and self-described surfer girl, Cochran is looking to snag the Council’s West Maui residency seat, currently occupied by Jo Anne Johnson.
A Historic Opportunity for Lingle to Protect Ancient Fishponds
By Chris Cramer This week Governor Lingle has an opportunity to leave a historic legacy for Hawai’i. HB 1665 protects Hawaii’s history by prohibiting sale of government owned Hawaiian fishponds. Her signature on the bill is needed because of a State Department of Transportation proposal to auction Honolulu’s last fishponds. The sale of publicly owned fishponds would set a scary precedent for ancient fishponds statewide. This potential shift in State policy could also have many future implications for the numerous government owned fishponds on Molokai.
Eyes on Conservation
Meet the new Molokai Planning commissioner.
On Debbie Kelly’s first day on the Molokai Planning Commission (MoPC) two weeks ago, MoPC took on the Mokio Point debate at a meeting peppered with tearful testimonies and heckling from the public -- hardly an easy first day.Debbie Kelly“It was very educational,” Kelly said. The day gave her a taste of what’s to come as a planning commissioner. “It will be a learning experience for me.”Kelly only learned her nomination to MoPC was approved by the commission on the morning of the meeting, and a week later she is still learning the ropes. Kelly replaces Taryn Waros for a term ending March 2012.
Man with a Plan
A Hart in the race for mayor.
Mayoral Candidate Chris Hart is known as the “Man with a Plan” – a nickname justified by his extensive resume that includes serving under the Maui County Planning Department for two decades. Last week, Hart was on the Friendly Isle for a few days, and stopped by the Dispatch office to talk story about his campaign. It’s Hart’s first time entering the political arena as a contender for the Maui County mayor’s seat, but says his business and land planning experience set him apart from the rest.
Molokai Represented at Democratic Convention
Beverly Pauole-Moore Honored
Beverly Pauole-Moore and Lance HolterEvery two years, Hawaii Democrats converge in Honolulu where office hopefuls brush elbows with influential party members from around the state. Vying candidates lure the support of constituents through impassioned speeches, free stickers and knick-knacks, and hotel parties with really good food. On the business side of things, delegates from around the islands put their heads together to adopt specific resolutions that define the party movement. This year, civil unions, renewable energy expansion, death with dignity, and an aquaculture moratorium were just some of the resolutions which were adopted.
Meeting for Sol Kaho`ohalahala on Molokai
Sol Kaho`ohalahala News Release Friends of Sol will hold a meeting on Saturday, June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. to organize for Sol Kaho`ohalahala’s mayoral campaign. Those interested are invited to attend and talk story with Sol to discuss issues pertaining to Maui County. Dinner will be served. All are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai on Molokai. For more information, please visit SolForMayor.org or contact Greg Jenkins at 271-8722.
Veterans Continue the Fight
Water access halting new veteran’s center.
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Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans have been waiting years for a new center they can call their own. They thought they were on the home stretch, only to find out there are more bureaucratic hoops to jump through before construction can begin. Even though the Fire Department has signed off on the permit, the Maui County Department of Water Supply has informed the Vets there is not enough water pressure on the Wharf Road site in case of fire. “The issue is they were told that there was an eight inch water line in letter from the Water Department but that’s not true,” explained Mikal Torgerson, Molokai Staff Planner.
Budget Released to Disharmony
Maui County to introduce furloughs.
It’s the woman whose shoulders bear the weight of four children; the doctor whose success is measured by the well being of his patients; the humble teacher dedicated to higher learning; and the recovering drug addict who’s discovered resilience amid a tough battle. Every one of these individuals – and many more – was seen at last week’s public hearing for the County of Maui’s 2011 Fiscal Year (FY 2011) budget proposal. Some offered gratitude for the continued support of cardinal services, others pleaded for funding or to simply keep things as they are.
Welfare Office on Molokai May Close
Department of Human Services proposing cuts.
The organization tasked with supporting the unemployed may soon be adding to the unemployment, as more than 100 workers throughout the state would be laid off through a Department of Human Services (DHS) reorganization.Thousands of Molokai residents depend on the (DHS) for basic services such as food stamps and health care. A few weeks ago, DHS announced a proposal to reorganize by reducing its eligibility offices to two centralized locations, in Honolulu and Hilo, to save on time and money – potentially closing the Molokai branch.