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Author Archives: layout@themolokaidispatch.com

Highly Transmissible COVID Variant Found in HI

Friday, February 12th, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Molokai has done no new reported positive COVID-19 cases since the first week of January, and statewide, the average daily number of cases has dropped slightly to 85. However, the presence of new COVID-19 variants in Hawaii is causing officials concern.

One variant, L452R, has been confirmed in nine samples. Four samples have been found “that exhibit a molecular clue associated with the UK B1.1.7,” with two confirmed cases of the B.1.1.7 variant and the other three samples awaiting results, as of Saturday.

The B.1.1.7 variant, originally detected in the United Kingdom, is highly transmissible and leads to a more rapid spread than other common COVID-19 strains.…

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Lawrence “Dada” Reyes

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Lawrence “Dada” Reyes

Lawrence “Dada” Reyes, 79, of Kalae, Molokai, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Dada was born on Oct. 14, 1941 to Carlos and Christita Reyes. He grew up in Maunaloa, went to Maunaloa Elementary School and graduated in 1959 from Molokai High School. Dada attended trade school on Maui, then returned to Molokai and worked for Libby, McNeil and Libby in Maunaloa. When the plantation closed, he opened his own business “Dada’s Body and Fender Shop,” in business for over 40 years.

His fondest memories and fun times were going to Las Vegas, playing baseball, and getting together with family and friends.…

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Karleen U’ilani Van Winkle Meyers

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Karleen U’ilani Van Winkle Meyers

Karleen U’ilani Van Winkle Meyers was born on Oct. 16, 1953 (a twin) in Ho’olehua, Molokai. She passed away in her sleep on Jan. 13, 2021. She was predeceased by mother and father Elizabeth K. Wilson Van Winkle and Jarrett Van Winkle, and sister Kathleen U. Imamura. She is survived by sisters identical twin Karla U. Puerto, Kolleen Naipo, Kayla Teriipaia and Kollett Noga; brothers Bruce, Farrett and Darrett Van Winkle; and friends Lino Nolasco and Terry Salazar.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.…

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Bogus Veteran Board

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

For years we have dealt with a group of “us guys” who have confirmed our vote for removal, two years ago on June 15, 2019. Our incompetent board recently read our bylaws adopted by resolution of membership on May 25, 2013. They have found that there is no such section that allows “spouses and family members of deceased veterans” the privilege of voting in our organization.

Yet they found the time to revise our current bylaws, Sept. 10, 2020, where a gadoot “appointee” is now the commander.

For the last 15 months, we have patiently waited for the attorney general’s office to address our concerns.…

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Veterans Center Strategic Plan

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans Board of Directors is working on a strategic plan for the future of the center. We are asking for veterans’ input on what you would like the board to focus on for the next three years. What kind of short term goals would you like to see completed with-in the first year? What kind of long term goals would you like to see happen?

Any ideas or suggestions can be submitted to Lawrence K. Lasua at lawrencelas-ua0@gmail.com or in person at the MVCV Center Monday through Friday between 9a.m. and 12 p.m. Also, as a reminder, please stop by the center to check the board or call the office at 553-8387 if you have any questions or concerns regarding veterans programs.…

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Energy Relief Grants

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Hawaii Energy News Release

Hawaii Energy has awarded more than $1,000,000 in funding to 251 nonprofits and small businesses in Oahu, Maui and Hawaii counties, through its Energy Relief Grant program. Hawaii Energy launched the program in August 2020 to help fund energy efficiency improvements for nonprofits, small businesses and other qualifying organizations experiencing economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A handful of the awarded businesses are on Molokai.

“We recognize the hardships that many local businesses and nonprofits are facing during these unprecedented times,” said Brian Kealoha, executive director of Hawaii Energy. “With the funds provided through the Energy Relief Grant program, business owners will have the resources to reduce energy costs by $2,800 annually, on average, and pivot these savings to other business costs.…

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Baring Arms for the Cause

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Opinion by Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, is credited with many witty sayings, most of which I dare not quote here, but this one I can. It goes, “Man who wears short sleeved shirt supports right to bare arms.” He has also been quoted as saying, “He who sits on needle gets the point.” Now I believe that most people would agree that getting a needle in the seat would not be something to look forward to, unless absolutely necessary. However, there are millions of people on our earth today who are looking forward to baring their arms and inviting some lovely young nurse to give them a shot or needle in the arm containing the COVID vaccine.…

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Join Hoʻahu Energy Coop’s Next Workshop

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

HECM News Release

Hoʻahu Energy Cooperative Molokai, a new local entity formed to support community-owned energy projects, invites you to join us for our next virtual workshop on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At this workshop youʻll have a chance to hear about the Coop’s progress in designing a solar and battery storage project for Maui Electric’s upcoming Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) Request for Proposals (RFP). We need your input on important upcoming decisions about our project proposal including project financing and and our path to community ownership; and subscription model benefits — how to distribute the financial benefits of the project to Molokai residents.…

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Homestead Group Gets Grant to Continue COVID Relief

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

DHHL News Release

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has announced eight recipients of the Native Hawaiian Development Program Plan, who will each receive a portion of $1 million in grants. The Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance received $200,000 to support its existing COVID-19 relief program to distribute food, produce, hot meals, supplies (masks, sanitizers, etc.), and certificates for drugstore/prescription purchases. The goal is to serve 800 beneficiaries on the island of Molokai.

In October, the Hawaiian Homes Commission approved the Native Hawaiian Rehabilitation Fund (NHRF) grant funds for the current fiscal year. The allocation included $500,000 to support COVID-19 relief efforts within the native Hawaiian community and $500,000 toward Regional Plan Priority projects on the homelands.…

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No Passenger Weight Limit for Mokulele

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Mokulele Airlines, the only air carrier left serving Molokai, has removed their weight limit for passengers, when previously, those weighing more than 400 pounds were restricted from flying on their aircraft. For those interested in alternative travel experiences, you might also consider luxury overnight trains in Vietnam for a unique and comfortable way to explore the country.

“In response to the need to fly passengers-of-size, Mokulele has worked with engineers to provide a special double-seat, capable of carrying a passenger weighing over 400 pounds,” stated in the airline in a press release last week. “The seat is twice the size of normal seats and will be installed prior to each flight on an as-needed basis.”…

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