Author Archives: Megan Stephenson

Is Obama’s Mama Being Trumped?

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

After two and a half years of Obama’s presidency, why would TV networks like CNN and FOX give Donald Trump media time to question President Obama’s birthplace?  One of the qualifications to be a candidate for the Presidency is the person must be a natural born citizen of the United States. Is Donald Trump disputing the credibility of the CIA, FBI, and the Secret Service?

Help Needed for Fishpond Restoration

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Help Needed for Fishpond Restoration

The March 11 tsunami brought down the walls of the Keawanui Fishpond (12 mile marker east), and the entire wall needs to be put back, approx. 2,000 feet.

Daily work, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the wall has started, those interested in helping and learning the “dry stacking” method of fishpond wall building, please call 553-3244 or 558-0111 and leave your name and contact information.

Please be advised that this is hard work and we have no funding for this disaster, so you will have to provide your own food, (lunch), tabis (or old shoes), gloves and transportation. This is serious work of our kupuna, don’t come if you only want to mahaoe and ask a thousand questions. In the doing comes the learning.

Walter Ritte

Rachel Talon

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Rachel Talon

Rachel Lahela Waialeale Talon, of Maunaloa, (recently resided in Waipio, Oahu) was surrounded by love as she peacefully went with the Lord on March 26, 2011 at the Pali Momi Medical Center in Honolulu, at age 90.  Born February 17, 1921 in Kapa`a, Kauai, she was a pineapple field worker for Libby’s, McNeil and Dole.  She also worked as a senior companion on Molokai.  Known to many for her gift of lomilomi and her hands of healing, she is a blessing to all those who knew her.

She is survived by son Joseph (Betsy) Talon of Lahaina; daughters Earlene (Henry, Sr.) Lindo of Waiehu, Maui, Talia (Milo) Cenal of Waipio, Oahu and Mich`lae Waialeale of Waipio, Oahu; 22 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Aduca Talon; daughters Janette Low and Clara (Low) Kaahanui; son James Low and great grand-daughter Kehaukauiwehiwehionalani Mawae Low.

Celebration of our tutu’s life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Family viewing 7 – 8 a.m., public viewing 8 – 10:45 a.m., service starts at 11 a.m.; casual attire.  Burial to follow at Maunaloa Cemetery. 

Veterans’ Corner

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Veterans’ Corner

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events. Just a reminder that Joe Thompson from the VA will be at the veterans’ center in Kaunakakai on April 29 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. he will be able to answer your questions and help file claims, and give advice on all VA issues. Supplies of the yellow Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) shirts are running low, so get yours at the veterans’ center before their gone. The annual MVCV Cribbage Tournament will be on May 7, so get your registration form filled out.

The U.S. Mint has begun selling the 2011 U.S. Army commemorative coins – 50-cent, silver dollar and five dollar gold coins. The coins are in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Army in 1775 and to honor the American soldier of yesterday and today. The Mint is also taking orders for the 2011 Medal of Honor commemorative coins – silver and five dollar gold coins. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be given to a person serving in the U.S. armed forces. The medal was authorized by Congress in 1861 as the Navy’s highest personal decoration, with the Army Medal of Honor authorized in 1862 and the Air Force in 1956. The medals are presented by the president in the name of Congress, and less than 3,500 have been authorized in 150 years. Call 1-800-872-6468 for more information, pricing and to order any of these coins.


Seven veterans from MVCV went to Honolulu on April 4 for the federal court hearing. Our attorney Suki Halevi argued in defense of nine complains filed by MVCV, and Maui County attorney Jane Lowell argued and filed a motion to dismiss our complaint. The judge said he would announce his decision at the end of the month, if any of the veterans’ claims have legal merit. Should the case move on, the trial is set for Oct. 25.

If anyone has any news, stores or experiences while serving this great country they would like to share, give old Jesse a call at 553-3323. A big mahalo to all our veterans, and the people of Molokai, I love you all.

Aia i Lahaina: Remembering Legacy

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Community Contributed

By Wilson “Manuwai” Peters

Runner Another Step Closer to States

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

The Molokai High School Farmers track and field team may have another state qualifier on their hands. Sophomore Akona Adolpho dropped time in his 800-meter race at last weekend’s Victorino Ohana Invitational at War Memorial stadium – and is 4.5 seconds away from the state qualifying time.

“With a little bit more focus in practice, and a little more push, I’m sure I’ll be able to get the techniques I need,” to qualify, Adolpho said.

“I’m really proud of the way he ran with such courage,” said coach Jessie Ford. Akona finaled in sixth place in the 800 at 2:11.43. He qualified with his personal best, 2:09.58.

Senior Kalei Adolpho qualified for states in the high jump at the last Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) meet.

Molokai Loses a Voice

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Molokai Loses a Voice

There has been an unseen hand behind many successful Molokai projects: Irene Lam, former area specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. It was her job to bring money into Molokai for businesses, construction and development – and according to many that have worked with her, she succeeded tenfold. After 19 years of serving Molokai, Lam left to work and care for her mother and work in Los Angeles.

Through USDA Rural Development grants that she researched and wrote, Lam has provided a 90-year-old woman her own home, built the Lanikeha Community Center, restored Kalanianaole Hall, and brought in millions of dollars over the past 19 years for a multitude of other projects.

happen, and continue to make it happen.”

Habitat For Humanity Begins Anew

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Molokai Habitat for Humanity is moving in a new direction – new executive director, new board members, and new way of looking at affordable living on Molokai.

Zhantell Dudoit, executive director (ED) as of mid-March, said once the three current builds are completed, the organization will be working to rehabilitate houses on Molokai – “we have to take care of what we have first before adding.”

“Having affordable, safe homes is a direct benefit to the [island’s] economy,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity, on-island since 1991 according to founding member and current employee Priscilla Maliu, has built 21 homes and rehabbed countless more.

Homes for All

`Aha Ki`ole Survey Says No Windmills

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Community Contributed

Submitted by Karen Poepoe

The existing `Aha Moku/`Aha Ki`ole bill which calls for an `Aha Ki`ole presence in an advisory capacity within the DLNR continues to struggle to stay alive in legislation, and we support it wholeheartedly. However, we see no reason why we cannot move forward with our own island issues as a whole community and people powered rather than money powered. Our community demographic and conservative lifestyles allow the possibility of an effective `Aha Ki`ole management community collaboration effort.

Pattern Energy Moves on Molokai

Monday, April 11th, 2011

The winds are changing. First Wind is out, Pattern Energy is in.

Over the past few weeks, officials at wind companies First Wind and Pattern Energy, Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) and Molokai Properties Ltd. (MPL) have been scrambling to keep the Molokai portion of the interisland wind project afloat.

The state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) gave HECO a deadline to complete a preliminary agreement with its two wind developers: First Wind for Molokai, and Castle & Cooke on Lanai. Castle & Cooke held up its end of the deal by March 18; First Wind, due to lack of a land agreement on the island, has announced it will not be pursuing a wind project on Molokai.