Press Releases

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Moloka‘i Properties Limited has confirmed it will continue to provide water service beyond August 31.   

In a letter to Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chairman Carl Caliboso, Moloka‘i Properties Limited Director Peter Nicholas said the recent approval by the PUC to temporarily increase water rates for West Moloka‘i will enable the company to continue to provide service.  The company previously said it lacked the financial resources to continue to operate beyond August 31.

“Now this issue appears to have been temporarily resolved, I confirm the utilities will continue to operate and provide services to their customers past August 31,” Nicholas stated in the letter.   “How long the temporary rate increase will be sufficient for the utilities to be able to continue to operate depends on future fuel, power and labor cost increases,” Nicholas continued.

Education grants support science, technology, engineering, and math skills in Molokai schools.

Lynn DeCoite, Senator Daniel Inouye, Irene Inouye and Barbara Haliniak at the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund event on Aug. 21 at the Wailea Marriot on Maui. DeCoite and Halianiak are on the Molokai Chamber Foundation board with MEDB as partners.

Meeting our workforce needs – particularly in technology-related fields – will determine the success of our economic goals. The Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) has worked vigorously throughout its history to enhance education and training in Maui County communities.

To support the growing need for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills in the future, our board of directors created the MEDB Ke Alahele Fund in 2006 as a grant-making vehicle. The fund invests in broadening career pathways for Maui County residents.

This year, MEDB Ke Alahele Fund has awarded grants to Kaunakakai School for $9,996.02, Molokai Middle School for $5,578.80, and Kilohana School for $1,462.26. The grants are year-round and interested parties can get additional information by visiting www.medb.org.

Groundbreaking legislation passed to boost environmental protection efforts.

The Maui County Council voted unanimously last week to pass critical legislation in the second and final reading of the "Plastic Bag Reduction Bill," which prohibits the distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bags at the point of sale beginning January 11, 2011.

For Council Member Michael Molina, who introduced the measure in July 2007, the passage of this bill means better days ahead for the environment, wildlife, and public health and safety.

"Cities and countries throughout the world are experiencing the destructive impacts plastic bags are having on their environment," said Molina. "It's time that we in Maui County and the State of Hawaii join the worldwide effort to eliminate the distribution of plastic bags."

Program provides learning opportunities for pre-kindergarteners.

Families with young children are encouraged to check out the new R.E.A.L. (Resources and Early Access to Learning) program at Kaunakakai School.

The program that began last January targets children 0-5 years old, with two short classes each day. Each day groups of children in the same age participate in enrichment activities.

The different learning opportunities provide a guided activity that enhances different developmental domains. Keiki then come together in a group time to sing, read books, and explore various concepts.

The parents have a group discussion time during each session to learn about child development, different stages, how to enhance learning at home, and to bring up any issues they would like to know more about. Topics include issues such as discipline, promoting fitness, supporting reading and writing, nutrition, and dealing with siblings.

Ever increasing gas prices are about to affect ferry passengers in a big way. Effective Aug. 15, all tickets will be subject to a fuel surcharge.

The fuel surcharge is currently $26 each way but will be raised or lowered monthly according to the price of diesel fuel. The base ticket price will remain the same at $40 for adults and $20 for children (one way before taxes and fees).

Ferry times will also be changing starting on Aug. 25. The ferry from Kaunakakai Harbor will depart at 5:15 a.m., which is 15 minutes earlier than the former 5:30 a.m. departure. This means that all passengers should be onboard no later than 5 a.m. Passengers trying to board after 5:10 will not be accommodated. All other departures times remain the same.

Molokai recognizes National Community Health Center Week.

Press Release

Molokai Community Health Center would like to extend a big mahalo to our community and patients for their continued support and aloha. Together we can create a healthier place to live and raise our children. It all starts with improving our own health!
 
The Molokai Community Health Center opened its doors four years ago. We are happy to be celebrating– along with its 13 affiliates on 5 islands (14 total) around the state – National Community Health Center Week from August 10 to 16.
 
Since its opening on March 2004, the Center has recently expanded its services to include the Ikaika Program, an Early Intervention service that assists children with developmental delays ages 0-3 years old.

All are invited for one-on-one talks July 31.

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa hosted a booth at the 2007 Conference for Native Hawaiian Advancement in Honolulu. ‘Ohana supporters include (from left): Piolani Motta of Honolulu, Boogie Kahilihiwa of Kalaupapa, Ivy Kahilihiwa of Kalaupapa and Pauline Puahala Hess of Honolulu.

By Valerie Monson 

Those who may have had relatives who were sent away to live in Kalaupapa will get an opportunity research their lineage on July 31at Home Pumehana.

A list of 200 people from topside Molokai who were sent to Kalaupapa will be available. If you think you might have an ancestor on the list, you are invited to check it out and learn how to find out more information about your family member.

Kualapu’u School will now offer free and reduced-price meals for those children who qualify.

Kualapu`u School has announced free and reduced-price meals for children of families unable to pay the full price of food served under the National School Lunch Breakfast programs.

Households that will be eligible for free meals must report an income of at most $15,548 for a one-child family, and $53,222 for an eight-child family. Eligibility for reduced-price meals is $22,126 for a one-child family and $75,739 for an eight-child family.

Qualified households should fill out an application and return it to the school. For school officials to determine eligibility, households receiving food stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) must list the child's name, their food stamp or TANF case number and the signature and name of an adult household member. 

A reduction in prices and a big community Mahalo from Paddlers gang.

Paddlers `ohana shared a celebration of life last month for late Paddlers owner Kamuela Kamakana.

Molokai’s favorite congregating site for outrigger paddlers, concert goers, and `ohana wants the community to know that Paddlers Inn Restaurant won’t be closing its doors if its employees have anything to say about it.

Partners in health, Carol Kanemitsu and friend Pastor Kurt Unglaub have worked together getting Carol 70 pounds lighter through healthier diet.

Carol Kanemitsu, well-known co-owner of Takes Variety Store, is no stranger to Molokai residents. When customers enter their new store on Mohala Street, one of the first things they notice is the “new” smaller version of Carol walking the isles or sitting behind the counter. Used to answering questions like, “Do you have any barbeque fluid?” she is now peppered with inquiries such as: “What’s your secret?”

Last fall Carol was hospitalized with a serious illness. During her treatment and recovery she learned she had high blood pressure, diabetes, and a heart problem. After recovering from this shocking news, she responded with her usual fiery determination, only now tempered by grace, “I aim to beat this thing with God’s help.” Carol admitted, “I’m a compulsive eater. I’d eat all day, down 6-7 cans of soda, and then come home and eat a big dinner.” But, that lifestyle is a thing of the past.