Author Archives: Jennifer Smith

MAUI CRIME STOPPERS

Monday, November 12th, 2007

CRIME OF THE WEEK 11/12/07

This week the Maui Police Department and Maui Crime Stoppers, asks for the public’s assistance in locating Benjamin ALBINO. ALBINO is wanted for Escape in the Second Degree and Probation Violation.  ALBINO was sentenced to five years probation in December 2006, but failed to comply with the terms and conditions of his probation.  

ALBINO may be on Molokai. ALBINO is described as a Hawaiian male, age 39, 5’7” tall, approximately 190 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. 

Molokai Hunters Association Sponsors Family Subsistence Day

Monday, November 12th, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting the practice of living off of the land, the Molokai Hunters Association sponsored a Subsistence Family Day last Saturday. Those who showed up to Ali`i Park enjoyed delicious food, a lucky number drawing, as well as having the opportunity to learn about and shoot a bow and arrow. The Molokai Hunters Association was formed roughly 16 years ago in response to the arrival of the Nature Conservancy on the island.

New Business Center Utilizes New Energy

Monday, November 12th, 2007

 

By Jennifer Smith

Molokai Furniture has much to celebrate these days. In addition, to hosting festivities in recognition of their four years of business, the local company will soon be enjoying a brand new facility to prosper in for years to come.

Denise and Afa Tauteetia began renting a single space from Jim and Carol Gartland in the Kualapuu Business Center in 2003, and have since made several expansions to their furniture business.

The Gartlands purchased the complex from Molokai Ranch in 2000, and have seen several changes throughout the years since the original tenants vacated after 9-11.

Seeing such success, as the Tauteetia’s through the years, and hoping to support even more businesses in the future, the Gartland’s currently have a new facility under construction on the same property as the original Kualapuu Business Center.

The new building will contain many progressive amenities, including being entirely solar powered. However, the grid is available, in case they are unable to utilize the solar power on certain days.

After their new building is complete, the Gartlands are planning to renovate the old one, which will require new wiring, as well as receiving a newly installed solar power system.

For now the businesses in the Kualapuu Business Center continue to thrive and grow, and celebrate momentous occasions such as last weekend’s anniversary which featured free food, T-shirts, and a special performance by Lono.

UPC pledges $50 million buy out Molokai Ranch

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Molokai Community Service Council views pledge as significant step in preservation.

By Jennifer Smith

UPC Wind, has recently pledged $50 million toward Ho`i I Ka Pono, a campaign led by the Molokai Community Service Council to purchase all of the lands now owned by Molokai Properties Limited, a.k.a. Molokai Ranch. The North American wind power company’s President and CEO, Paul Gaynor, announced his commitment to the community on Nov. 6.

Gaynor commented, “In addition to showing our support for the Ho‘i I Ka Pono campaign, our pledge underscores our commitment to the people of Molokai and their efforts to determine how their lands will be used in the future.”

Veterans Day March Through Kaunakakai

Monday, November 12th, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 50 Molokai veterans proudly marched through the streets of Kaunakakai, bearing our nation’s stars and stripes, last Saturday morning. The men and women of service wore yellow Molokai Veterans shirts as they arrived at the memorial in downtown to observe Veterans Day. A brief service was held to speak about the state of current veterans affairs, as well as remember those who have passed on. After a reading of the names of lost Molokai soldiers from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, brightly colored pigeons were released into the sky. A hearty breakfast was prepared by Earl Paleka and Jesse Dudoit was enjoyed by all. After the parade, a time to talk to story followed for all of those who attended.

 Commander of Molokai Veterans, Larry Helm, would like to extend a thank you to all who carried flags and participated in the march. Big Mahalos to Maui County--Mike Sabas and Steve Arce and their workers for the chairs and tent setup, drill sergeant Cappy Caparida for keeping a slow cadence for all us young guys, Chaplain Oliver Young for opening prayers, Capt. Jerry Ballard for his message, Nona Fukuoka for the beautiful wreath, and Connie Hao and Sylvia Pabalan for the laying of the wreath. Special thanks to Clarence Adachi for his red white and blue pigeons, David Nanod, Danny Iaea and Ray Sambueno for reading of the names, and Mel Spencer for ringing of the bell. Much appreciation to Elsa Borden for playing taps. Thanks to those who served the food - Ben Menesue, Al Marciel, Melvin Hanohano, and Connie Hao. Tony Diorec and Ken Gonzales for helping Clarence with the birds, Jeff Nartatez for taking pictures. And a big special mahalo for solid like a rock John Keohuloa for the calls and all that you do,

Mahalo to all.  If I missed anyone else—sorry—senior moments, Larry Helm.

Kawaikapu Bridge Finally Opens on East End

Monday, November 12th, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After almost four years of work, Kawaikapu Bridge on the East End is finally wrapping up construction. The project began in April 2004 and was scheduled to be finished in August of 2005. Due to several set backs including poor planning, lack of materials, and undependable weather, construction of the approximately 30 ft bridge took nearly as long as contractors spent building San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Nov. 2 marked the official opening date of the new bridge.

Bioprospecting: What You Don’t Know Might Hurt You

Saturday, November 10th, 2007

Lawrence Aki spoke out about the importance of community members becoming involved in such matters as, “the State has never been responsible for us Hawaiians.”

After taking a consensus of the room, it was found that 2 people felt as though they didn’t have enough information about bioprospecting to make an informed decision, 6 felt as though bioprospecting should be banned completely, 6 felt as though it should be heavily regulated (even if this meant discouraging it), and 2 felt that it should be regulated, but not discouraged.

The commission openly admitted that most questions would be left unanswered for now, but rather that the purpose of these meetings is to hear the perspectives of the people and to gather information. They also commented on the contents of the HCR being a reflection of the thoughts of the legislature, as opposed to that of native Hawaiians.

For more information on bioprospecting, visit www.oha.org, and look under Programs for Bioprospecting Advisory Commission.

Monsanto Molokai

Friday, November 9th, 2007

Part I: Getting to Know Your Neighbor

Foster says he is sensitive to the island’s water needs and that Monsanto has developed a water conservation program to be implemented in times of drought. He says that new and existing fields are being retrofitted with drip-irrigation, versus overhead systems which waste a significant amount of water. The overhead systems will continue to be used on freshly tilled fields to help regenerate them for new plantings.

Foster says that in comparison to the pineapple plantations of old, the corn operation will require far less water. He estimated that an acre of corn requires about 400,000 gallons of water to cultivate. Of their 1, 650 acres, Monsanto is looking to cultivate 400 acres this upcoming season.   

Efforts to deal with erosion and dust control issues have already begun in many of the newly tilled fields. These include terracing, the planting of grass on cross-slopes, grassed waterways, and the tilling residual crops to hold soil in place. They have also begun planting panex windbreaks to replace wiliwili which has been devastated by an invasive wasp.

Afraid of GMOs? Have questions about Monsanto’s relationship with the Ranch? Wondering if Monsanto’s lands will be affected by the Land Use Plan? For answers to these questions and more, stay tuned for Part II of Monsanto Molokai.

State to Hear Public Testimony on La`au Development Plan

Friday, November 9th, 2007

 Public comment sought on the acceptability of MPL's EIS.

By Jennifer Smith

It’s your turn to let the Hawaii State Government know your thoughts about Molokai Property Limited’s (MPL) plan to develop La`au Point. On November 15 and 16, Representatives from the State Land Use Commission (LUC) will be taking public testimony at the Lanikeha Community Center, as well as listening to a presentation by MPL, in order to decide whether or not MPL has in fact done its homework in preparing the final version of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

LUC Guide

Friday, November 9th, 2007

Preparing for the La`au Point Hearing

Your opinion matters! The impacts of the proposed development will affect the entire community. Everyone has a right to voice their concerns. Whether you are a part of the silent majority or vocal minority, this is everyone’s chance to be heard. Although the following serves as a guide for commenting specifically on the EIS, it is your right to discuss any aspect of the Master Plan or Molokai Ranch at the November 15 and 16 meeting.

 The Line Up

The hearing will begin on Thursday, Nov. 15. Initial signup from 8:00-8:30 a.m., testimony from 8:30 a.m. to noon, break for lunch, testimony from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., break for dinner, testimony from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.