Author Archives: Megan Stephenson

Locally Made Film Gets Exposure

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Locally Made Film Gets Exposure

Blending ancient Hawaiian practices – malama ka `aina – with modern methods of sustainability – solar panels and food forests – is the topic of one of Matt Yamashita’s latest films, showing now on `Oiwi TV.

Yamashita is a local filmmaker who has shot a wide range of documentaries. “Sustainable Living on the Island of Molokai” was recently picked up by Oahu-based, video-on-demand station `Oiwi TV. The station began three years ago with a focus on Native Hawaiian programming, even featuring a news program delivered in Hawaiian.

“I first saw the trailer for this when he released it, [and] I knew instantly that I wanted it on `Oiwi TV,” said `Oiwi Chief Financial Officer Keoni Lee. “It is pieces like this, ones that tell the stories no one else is telling but should be. It was kind of like "This American Life" on NPR but Molokai style.”

The video brings attention to the efforts of people on Molokai, who are not just trying to live lightly upon the earth, but in some cases replicating ancient Hawaiian practices.

, ones that are out in the many pockets around the island where lots of good (and unfortunately bad) things are happening,” Lee said. “We want to create a network of producers around the state to contribute to the conversation and venue that we have built.”

Yamashita’s documentary will be highlighted on `Oiwi TV starting Sept. 6 through the 19th. It can be viewed on digital cable channel 326 or on their website http://www.oiwi.tv/.
Yamashita’s videos can be previewed on YouTube via his channel ‘molokaimatt,’ or on his website http://www.islandlifevideos.com/index.html

Fifth Place for Team, Runner

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

The Molokai High School boys’ cross country team placed fifth out of eight teams at the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL)’s first meet two weekends ago. Top runner at the meet held in Hana was Akona Adolpho, who placed fifth with a time of 18:40.07.

“Akona…faded toward the end but ran really well,” said Coach Mahina Hou. “Hopefully [we] get higher up in the next team standings.”

The Farmers were represented by five runners at the Aug. 28 meet: Paka Adolpho placed 20th, Kailen Inoye placed 36th, Michael Kikukawa placed 38th and Hunter Pawn-Kalilikane placed 41st.

“[The meet] was actually a good chance to see where we started [this season],” Hou said, adding their workouts will become more intense with hill and interval work leading up to their next meet.

Local Lessons for Hirono

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Local Lessons for Hirono

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement.

At Keawanui Fishpond, students from Ho`omanaHou School (pictured below) are helping restore the fishpond and make artificial reef bits to protect the real reef.

“They used to rip out the reef to sell [for aquariums],” said teacher and supervisor Ua Ritte. “This is a better alternative,” he said, adding that extra cement reef pieces are used as “fish houses.”

Hirono’s vote for the Federal Recovery Act helped fund the Hawaiian Learning Center, the organization that runs Keawanui Fishpond.

“This is real life – people can have a job, do something they believe in, help their families and get paid,” she said.

Hirono also visited with seniors at Home Pumehana to discuss protecting Social Security and with farmers and staff from the Molokai Community Service Council about agriculture on Molokai, who shared their thoughts on Molokai as Hawaii’s “bread basket.” She also met with Molokai Habitat for Humanity officials and recipients.

Need a State ID?

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Need a State ID?

Residents needing a state identification card have their once-a-year opportunity next Saturday, Sept. 18, to apply on-island. Officials will be on Molokai at the Mitchell Pauole Center to process applications from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Interested parties must fill out the application, found at http://hawaii.gov/ag/hcjdc/main/hawaii_id_cards/, and provide the following documents:

- Proof of Hawaii address: tax form, rental or time-share agreement for six months or more, current utility bill, vehicle registration or driver’s license.
- Original Social Security card and certified birth certificate OR certificate of citizenship or naturalization OR valid U.S. passport.

Persons under 14 must have parent or guardian signature. The fee is $10 for citizens 65 years or older; $15 all others.

More information can be found at http://hawaii.gov/ag/hcjdc/main/hawaii_id_cards/ or call 1-800-468-4644 x.73111.

Mau’s Dream Lives On

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Mau’s Dream Lives On

Community Contributed

By Paanaakala Baybayan

At around one a.m. on Aug. 27, three of Hawaii’s deep-sea voyaging canoes Hokule`a, Makali`i, and Hokualaka`i set sail from Kawaihae Harbor bound for Oahu. The journey served as training for a future world-wide voyage; but more so, it honored the continuing legacy of Master Navigator, Mau Piailug. Considered by many to be the father of the re-emergence of traditional Polynesian navigation, Piailug passed away on July 12.

As the three canoes sailed away into the darkness, there was much excitement in the air. For some of the crew it was their first time crossing the `Alenuihaha, but for both new and veteran sailors, it was a time filled with anticipation and excitement.

The `Alenuihaha is noted for its fierce winds and steep waves, and on this day the early departure allowed the canoes to cross the channel before the heat of day contributed to the acceleration of the tradewinds. Under the light of a waning full moon the three deep sea canoes made their way safely to Maui.

Before reaching Oahu, the three canoes were greeted by a film crew from National Geographic who were circling the three wa`a from a helicopter. The first canoe to arrive, Hokualaka`i, sailed along Waikiki where Uncle Nainoa Thompson personally escorted her for a short while from his one man canoe.

This was an amazing journey for all three canoes. It confirms Papa Mau’s dream will live on as the young and old continue to learn and build upon his legacy. We all hope that these three canoes continue to sail together as a fleet and that more canoes continue to join them.

Family Laundry

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii News Release

Don’t miss this one-time performance on Molokai: “Family Laundry,” a musical, comedy and a drama about a local Hawaiian family and their struggle to deal with a family member’s alcohol abuse.

The play will be performed at the Mitchell Pauole Center, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., and is free to the public.

The title of the play “Family Laundry” comes from the belief that you should never air the family’s laundry or let the family problems become public. The play shows, however, that the act of sharing the family’s secrets can be a very courageous one, particularly when it comes to alcohol and other drug problems.

Molokai Is… Photo Contest Round IV

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Molokai Is… Photo Contest Round IV

Our winning photo this month reminds us, without words, of the unconditional love of `ohana that resonates deep within the people of Molokai. During an auntie’s embrace, great joy flows from her niece like a bountiful spring, or puna. Perhaps this is why our elders are called ku-puna.

Kekoa Cummings, congratulations – you’ve earned yourself a $50 gift certificate to the Kualapu`u Cookhouse. Now that everyone knows, expect your friends to start dropping hints about prime rib night.

County Offices to Close for Labor Day Holiday

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

All County of Maui offices will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.

Central Maui Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. - noon. Olowalu Recycling & Refuse Center, Hana Landfill, Lanai Landfill and Molokai Landfill & Recycling will be closed.

All County pools will be closed on the holiday due to budget constraints. Pools will be open on Saturday and Sunday. The public is advised to call 270-8208 for daily recorded pool schedule information, which is updated by 9 a.m. seven days a week.

The Waiehu Golf Course will be open; trash collection is expected to follow a normal schedule.

A Light from Heaven

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Provided by John Thoene

Located right above American Savings Bank in Kaunakakai is Molokai’s newest store, A Light from Heaven. On Sept. 7, A Light from Heaven will be celebrating its grand opening. Come and celebrate with the owners, John and Lina Thoene. We sell camping, hunting and fishing supplies and accessories.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, and closed Sunday. Although there are a couple of stores on the island that sell fishing merchandise and some camping equipment, we do not have a store that specifically specializes in camping, hunting and fishing. We do not wish to compete with the other stores; rather, we will sell what the other stores do not.

Historic Groundbreaking Attracts VIPs

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Historic Groundbreaking Attracts VIPs

In what some have called the biggest project to happen on Molokai in a decade, the old Pau Hana Inn is shedding its identity and becoming the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC), while keeping the ancient banyan tree, seaside views and sense of community activity.

Using gold-plated, hand-painted shovels, dignitaries and community members turned over the earth at the health center’s new campus last week, marking its latest chapter.
 
The ceremony was teeming with leaders from the county and state: U.S. Sens. Dan Akaka and Daniel Inouye, Gov. Linda Lingle, state Sen. Kalani English and state Rep. Mele Carroll all gave remarks at last week’s groundbreaking.

health center that is really different and special for the people of Molokai,” he added.