Author Archives: Hilary Dyer

Habitat for Humanity House Blessing

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007

Habitat for Humanity has once again helped a Molokai family to achieve its dreams. On Friday, August 17, Brent and Amber Nakihei, along with there three daughters, Crystal, 6, Christina, 7, and Patience 11, moved into their new home on Likelike Ave. Family and friends from the family’s church, along with members of the Habitat crew joined the Nakihei’s for the blessing of the house and a potluck dinner.

The Nakihei’s first applied for the Habitat housing loan in 2005. After they were selected they helped to build three other Habitat homes on the island before they started work on their own house. The family is now looking forward to turning their house into a home that will be “devoted to God for generations to come.”

To find out more about Habitat for Humanity on Molokai, please contact Jean Han at 560-5444 or email her at ohana@aloha.net.

Molokai Girl Ballin’ in Beijin

Tuesday, August 21st, 2007

Kealani Kimball represents USA in a Beijing volleyball tournament at the site of the 2008 Olympics.

By Hilary Dyer

When Kealani Kimball played volleyball as a young girl on Molokai, she probably never dreamed the game would take her around the world – but it has. Kimball was recently chosen to represent USA volleyball in the 2007 FIVB China Challenger at the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Kimball is the daughter of Ron and Camron “Camie” Kimball and grew up on Molokai. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 2000, and went

Even after the retirement of her LMU jersey, Kimball continued to play volleyball at various events, such as this year’s Beijing Challenger.

“Basically it is a rehearsal for 2008 games. The format of the tournament and facilities are all exactly what it will be like at the Olympics, even the dancers,” said Kimball in a blog she is keeping on her alma mater’s Web site. “It is unbelievable to think that in exactly one year there will be Olympians competing for gold in this exact venue.”

Beach volleyball seems like a very American sport – so what is it like playing in the sand in the Far East?

“The people in China love their volleyball!” said Kimball. “Adrenalin immediately kicked in when we walked into the brightly lit, roaring Chaoyang Stadium. There were upward of 3,000 people cheering and it was televised on the local station in Beijing. I was so energized and pumped.”

In the end, the USA team that Kimball was a part of lost to a team from China, ending their time in the tournament. Of the eight teams that advanced to the last round, five were from China.

“China has definitely set the tone and is proving to the world that they are serious about their beach volleyball and are more than ready to compete for gold. The time and effort these Chinese athletes put into beach volleyball is really evident and is paying off,” Kimball wrote to her readers on the LMU Web site.

Though she was disappointed by the loss, Kimball was hoping to cheer up by touring the Great Wall. During her time off the court, she was also able to do some sight seeing, visiting Lama Temple and the Imperial Palace.

“China has been wonderful. Being from Hawaii, I am biased to think that Hawaiians are very hospitable. However, I do think the Chinese give us run for our money,” said Kimball

Molokai Oceanside Retreat

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

The simple beauty found on Molokai is the inspiration behind the transformation of the Molokai Oceanside Retreat.

“We want to transform this place physically, as well as spiritually and we have done that by transforming its purpose,” said Kyle Lum, director of the retreat center. Molokai Oceanside Retreat desires to provide a haven of simplicity, excellence and a culture of serving to both visitors and residents of Molokai.

The retreat center’s Web site states that the experience visitors have during their time here is completely dependent on their attitude and intention before their arrival. “If you expect pampering, satin sheets and four star cuisine, you’d probably be better off at a hotel, or even on another island.”

`Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society Molokai Chapter Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

“The women of `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu are part of a benevolent society honoring Queen Ka`ahumanu, but we are also a society that loves and cares for other women,” said Ulalia Ka`ai Berman of a member of the society’s chapter five from Kona.

`Ahahui Ka`ahumanu members spent Saturday evening out of their traditional black dress and orange feather leis. Instead, the women wore brightly colored aloha print muu-muu’s and sweet smelling floral leis. Enjoying a traditional Hawaiian meal, the women spent the evening talking with one another, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves crashing and the Hawaiian mele playing in the background.

Auntie Vanda Hanakahi gave an olelo, and welcomed the other chapters to Molokai, explaining the island’s importance to the history of Hawaii by telling stories of the ancestors.

“I think of their commitment and kuleana, their love of family and community,” she said, and encouraged the `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society members to also leave a legacy of aloha.

The society was formed as a tribute to Queen Ka`ahumanu, the wife of Kamehameha I. While ruling over the Hawaiian Islands, Ka`ahumanu used her power to establish rights for all Hawaiians, especially women. During her reign she abolished the Kapu system. She was a strong Christian woman and an advocate of the Protestant faith. The `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society, calls her “a unique and fearless leader among men and women,” and remember “her intelligence, beauty and strength.”

Today much of their work is devoted to the well being of the Hawaiian community, said Sammy Young. The group does not take sides in political matters but strives to care for the general interest of Hawaiians.

Young views her membership with the society as part of being a strong Hawaiian woman and someone who stands up for what is right. A native of Kona, young said she has enjoyed her time on Molokai and admires how the island has maintained its cultural heritage.

“Here on Molokai it’s what is passed on from your kupuna,” said Young. “It’s like ‘you want to know how fishpond work? Okay, come with me and work in fishpond.’ It’s better here.”

Carolyn Takeuchi, the president of the Molokai chapter, is a second generation member. Her mother, Hannah Tavares is currently serving as the chapter’s chaplain. Takeuchi’s sister, Marie Reyes is also a member of the Molokai chapter, although she now resides in Pearl City. All of the members from the `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society’s have a Hawaiian lineage and were joined the society by invitation.

“My prayer for them is that more young women from Molokai would join in order to perpetuate the cultural values and also the spiritual values, like serving,” said Kyle Lum, director of the Molokai Oceanside Retreat center which hosted the Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society.

The weekend long event came to a close on Sunday morning with the traditional `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu church service.

Molokai’s Obon More than Dancing and Drums

Thursday, July 19th, 2007

Community drawn to experience Japanese Culture.

As families and friends sat around tables talking and eating traditional Japanese fare, the drumming began. Suddenly every one’s attention was turned to the lantern lit stage to watch as members of the Hawaii Matsuri Taiko Somei beat out beautiful sounds on Japanese percussions.

Local Artist Paints Father Damien

Thursday, July 19th, 2007

Geng’s work is on display at the Molokai Artist and Crafters Guild. Originals, giclees and prints are for sale. He also does commission work from time to time, but prefers the freedom painting what he feels like.

“You want to do something you have passion for,” he said. “If it’s your passion, you just have to do it. Every day I try to sneak some time in to paint.”