Author Archives: Hilary Dyer

Paddling Against the Wind

Thursday, July 12th, 2007

With one regatta left before states, canoe teams battle for a trip to Kauai.

Redefining the Ranch’s Water Transfer Agreement

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

In the 1960’s the largest rubber-lined reservoir in the world was built on Molokai supplying Hawaiian Homestead farmers with irrigation water. The massive project tunneled through the island’s main mountain range to brining water from Molokai’s wet north side to the arid plains of Ho`olehua. The project is known as the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS).

In 1975 a water use agreement was formed between the State and developers of the Kaluakoi Hotel. The agreement, still in effect today, allows Molokai Ranch to transport well water from Central Molokai to West Molokai using the MIS.

The current agreement is under scrutiny as a new amendment has been proposed. An upcoming public meeting on Wednesday, July 18 will provide a forum for the details which allow Molokai Ranch the lease of MIS facilities.

Defeating Diabetes

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Molokai residents suffering from type two diabetes received hope and encouragement last Thursday evening. The staff at Queen’s Medical Center visited the island and hosted an informational session open to anyone interested in gastric bypass surgery.

Dr. Ramsdell and Dr. Murayama then talked the attendees through the entire process of gastric bypass surgery, from the initial requirements and insurance coverage to surgical options and what they could expect to experience during the healing process.

Randy Fujimori had gastric bypass surgery a year ago. Fujimori has since lost over 200 lbs and also stopped taking diabetic medication. It was Pidot who first encouraged Fujimori to look into the surgery. Now he too is encouraging others to consider it.

“I took a chance and that was the best thing that ever happened to me. This has given me the opportunity to live a healthier and a better life,” he said.

The CWMP staff also hosted a clinic for private consultations at Molokai General Hospital on Friday. They will continue to do so on a monthly basis, or those interested can also set up an appointment at Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu. For more information, please contact Valerie Kauhane at (808) 537-7802.

A Lesson in Good Taste

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

A crowd gathering in the high school cafeteria on Friday afternoon enjoyed a banquet comparable to that of a four star hotel. In chef’s hats and aprons, a kitchen staff of eight served family, friends and guests a delicious feast. The entire meal was prepared in the cafeteria of Molokai High School, where the chefs are also students.

The Exploration in Culinary Arts and Practical Skills Enhancement Program was sponsored by MRDP in partnership with the MCA of MCC.

Build-a-thon 2007

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

On Saturday Habitat for Humanity hosted its fourth annual Hawaii-wide Build-a-thon. Nearly 40 Molokai volunteers gathered at the site of the Haliniak-Lloyd’s property in Kalamaula to begin building the family’s new home.

“This is a great way to help someone out and it feels good to do it,” volunteer Steve Garnin said, “especially when you have the skills to share.” Garnin is also the Build-a-thon supervisor.

At noon the workers took a break to sit in the shade and enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by Collette Machado and others who brought potluck offerings. Jean Han, executive director of Molokai Habitat for Humanity, thanked everyone for coming and giving their time and energy to help a neighbor in need. General Growth Properties, the event’s main sponsor, donated a $25 mall gift certificate, which was drawn by volunteers. The winning volunteer generously handed his prize over to the new homeowners. With a lot of work ahead, volunteers returned to continue working on the project.

Garnin said he was very pleased with the amount of volunteers who turned out for the day. Many of them were experienced in carpentry and their competence allowed for the crew to move along at a swift pace. By the end of the afternoon the wall frames were finished with plywood mounted, leaving the Haliniak-Lloyd family several steps closer to living in their new home.

“This is not about titles and positions,” councilmember Danny Mateo said. “This is about helping your neighbors.” Mateo stopped by to show his support and took the chance to commend volunteers. “They could be relaxing or they could be at the beach, and instead they are here, helping their neighbor’s dream come true,” he said.

Gayla Haliniak-Lloyd, the new homeowner, also expressed her appreciation for all who have helped her through this process, saying that she has good neighbors here in Molokai. She said she plans to throw a big house warming party and invite everyone to come celebrate with her.

This is the eleventh house built by Molokai Habitat. Those interested in having a home built by Molokai Habitat are encouraged apply. MHH Board President Fely Borden said that if applicants meet the qualifications there are plenty of financial options available to fund the project. This allows the new homeowners to obtain an interest free mortgage that is usually paid off in just ten years.

Wind Companies Consider Molokai Ranch Land

Thursday, June 21st, 2007

Soaring fuel prices and steady tradewinds are making wind the new oil in Hawaii. As wind companies scramble to gain a foothold across the state, Molokai Ranch land is emerging as a sought after resource.

During a Hawaii State Office of Planning meeting on Molokai in late May, it was revealed that there are two wind companies competing for the build-out of wind farms on Molokai Ranch land.

One of the companies, UPC Wind, is an industry leader in alternative clean energy, and currently operates the largest wind farm in Hawaii located in Kaheawa, Maui.

“We didn’t think we could get the project done without including the community,” Kalipi said, adding that UPC usually does not purchase land, but prefers to lease it. “We want to be long term partners with the community,” she said.

Kalipi said the UPC business model focuses on developing, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the wind turbines and other necessary equipment. This allows the community to own and care for the land themselves.

But UPC’s negotiations with Molokai Ranch are currently at a standstill, according to Kalipi. Despite that, UPC is still investigating the feasibility of wind farming on Molokai.

According to Kalipi, if UPC is able to resume talks with the Ranch, the next step will be to find out if a wind farm would have the community’s approval.

A SENSE OF URGENCY

As part of Gov. Linda Lingle’s “Energy for Tomorrow” vision, Hawaii is required to obtain 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2010, and 20 percent by 2020. According to its Web site, the Hawaiian Energy Company (HECO) already receives seven percent of its energy from renewable sources.

In 2005, HECO subsidiary Renewable Hawaii put a call out for energy proposals that would reduce Hawaii’s dependency on oil. The project request set the arena for energy companies to compete for HECO contracts.

Earlier this month, Castle & Cooke, a real estate development company, announced that it is in the exploratory stages of building a 10,000 acre wind farm on Lanai, according to the company newsletter. The company has started conducting feasibility studies and will be erecting temporary testing towers in the near future.

According to Kalipi, UPC will be in direct competition with Castle & Cooke’s project on Lanai, as both companies desire to become an energy supplier for Oahu through contracts with HECO.

UPC is not the only company eyeing Molokai to provide wind energy for Oahu’s electricity needs. According to environmental activist Steve Morgan, there is another company interested in developing a wind farm on the island. Although the company is not ready to identify itself, representatives have approached Morgan and other island residents to determine how a wind farm might be received by the community.

WHY WIND ENERGY?

“One thing we know is that wind energy is very profitable,” Morgan said. “It’s like wind is the new oil.”

Local resident Matt Yamashita has also met with UPC and the unnamed company. According to Yamashita, both companies have the finances, strategy and interest to develop wind energy on Molokai’s west end.

In Hawaii, there are currently six wind farms either in existence or in planning phases, according to the Hawaiian Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

UPC owns Kaheawa Wind Power on Maui, which is currently supplying nearly 10 percent of the island’s electricity needs. Shell, the international gas and oil company, is also planning on building a large wind farm at Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui.

UPC recently signed a contract with the Kauai Electric Utility Cooperative with plans to develop another small wind energy project there.

The Big Island is currently home to three wind energy farms: the Pakini Nui Farm owned by Tawhiri Power, the Lalamilo Wind Farm owned by HECO, and another small farm on Upolu Point owned by Hawaii Renewable Development.

ARE WIND FARMS FEASIBLE ON MOLOKAI?

According to the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the USA, coastal locations with exposure to tradewinds are ideal for generating clean wind energy. The highest classification of wind power is seven. Molokai’s northeasterly tradewinds and open mountain ranges make it a prime location for wind farming. North, west and central regions of the island have a wind power classification of six. `Ilio point on the northwest corner of the island scores seven.

University of Colorado’s Keith Stockton conducted a feasibility study on Molokai’s west end in 2003. According to the study, a 180 megawatt wind farm could supply 10 percent of Oahu’s energy needs via an undersea cable. A wind farm of this scale could produce energy at the cost of 3.22 cents per kilowatt, a tenth of what HECO currently charges Molokai residents.

THE FUTURE OF WIND ENERGY ON MOLOKAI

Wind is quickly becoming a desired form of alternative energy within the Hawaiian Islands. Competing companies illustrate that Molokai Ranch lands would be a valuable source of wind energy.

But whether wind companies will get a chance to tap Molokai’s offerings largely depend on Molokai Ranch’s willingness and ability to negotiate a deal.

Molokai Ranch, also known as Molokai Properties Limited, currently has its hands full with plans to develop a 200 lot subdivision along in the southwest corner of Molokai. The plan includes redeveloping the Kaluakoi Hotel and gifting over 25,000 acres of Ranch land to a private land trust. The state is expected to hold hearings in the fall deciding if it will grant the Ranch a land designation change from agricultural to rural in the La`au area.

John Sabas, general manager of community affairs for Molokai Ranch, declined to comment on activities between the wind companies and the Ranch.