Author Archives: Megan Stephenson

Honoring Hokule`a Master

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Honoring Hokule`a Master

A 12-member crew from Hawaii and abroad is sailing to all the islands during August and September to honor one of its own – Mau Piailug.

Piailug began working with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1975, after years of learning navigation in his native Micronesia. He navigated the double-hulled canoe, Hokule`a, in its maiden voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1976. The crew is currently sailing the original Hokule`a on its honor voyage.

Known as a master navigator and mentor of many by bringing back traditional Polynesian sailing techniques, it was sad news when he passed away on July 12, 2010, at age 78.

OHA Asks for Mana`o

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Office of Hawaiian Affairs News Release

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will have an opportunity to meet with the administration of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at an upcoming community meeting. This will be a chance for residents to share their mana`o with the agency and learn about OHA’s involvement in their community. The public is invited to attend. The OHA meetings on Molokai will be held on:

There will be a community meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Kulana `Oiwi Halau in Kalama`ula.

There will also be an OHA Board of Trustees Meeting Thursday, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m.

King Vying for Reform

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

King Vying for Reform

Having worked in Hawaii’s legal system for 30 years, Adrienne King calls herself a “professional listener” – and did plenty of that on a recent campaign visit to Molokai. King, a Republican, is running for lieutenant governor, and last week The Molokai Dispatch sat down with her to talk about her plans for alternative energy, education reform and more government transparency.

Molokai Dispatch: What were some important issues you wanted to talk about during your visit to Molokai?

Adrienne King: I knew Molokai was the Friendly Isle -- small, large Hawaiian community -- and [has] had problems with the Ranch, water and windmills. From what I understand, it’s the process of the windmills that’s the issue – there aren’t enough people listening to each other. We should ask, ‘How can we do this better?’ I’ve noticed the people who want alterative energy, those that scream the loudest, want to put [windmills] on others’ land. I’m all for [alternative energy], just put it in your own backyard. We spend millions on importing oil; we should have serious exploration of everything – even nuclear [power].

by political will, with parents on our side.

MD: What did you take away from your visit to Molokai?

King: How do we encourage change? People want new ways, to keep moving forward. We should have a world outlook, but not lose what makes Molokai so special. There’s a struggle between maintaining values and yet wanting to modernize. I just want to listen to people and do what they want to do. One gentleman told me ‘Just do the right thing, do what’s pono.’ The right thing is to help the people.

The Hawaii state primaries are on September 18.

Summer Surf Success

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Summer Surf Success

By Minka Nelson, President of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai

On behalf of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai and the Summer Surf Series
2010, thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, participated and helped make Keiki Surf such a success this year. To all the parents, thank you, you can be proud of your young surfers. We look forward to seeing all of you next year, so mark your calendars for June 2011. There is a DVD of the event available for purchase thanks to Daniel at Akaku that will air later this year. Thank you to MCSC and Friendly Isle United Fund, our main underwriter, for your ongoing support of this great event.

The keiki got some great prizes this year -- thanks to donors Jeff and Crystal Igusa at Friendly Market Center, Kim at Kamoi Snack ‘n’ Go, Kumau Pineda at Tropical Blends Surf, Subway Molokai, Kualapu`u Cookhouse, Liz Jackson, Jill Laffin/Awesome Blossom Maui, Julie Bicoy and MVA, Greg at G & M Variety, Jerry at Molokai Surf, Kam Kasuals, Ilima Partners, Zog Indust., Fiberglass Hawaii, Surf Line Hawaii, Surfing The Nations, Quiksilver, Volcom, Hurley, BK West, Local Motion, Hi-Tech and Quiet Storm Maui.

There are many volunteers who worked behind the scenes and helped tremendously -- the Charles Lindsey ohana, Tim O’Shaughnessy for the custom trophies, the Miguel ohana, Curtis Crabbe at Molokai Port-a-Potties, Lani Sawyer for the shirts, The Molokai Dispatch, Peter Angelsea, Malia and Kainani Waits, Jessica Kalawe, Caulin Nelson-Angelsea, Ehiku Arnold, Joan Howard, Helen and Diona Henderson, Alan Bolton, Gail Parish, Gordy and Sharon Peirce, Genesis Lodise, Alicia Montemayor, Claire Mawae, Ikaika and Johnathan.

Last, but not least, a big mahalo to all our judges -- Dan Bennet, Jeff Parish, Dick Wheeler, Mark Shima and Brian Lentz.

I hope we remembered everyone, but if not, thank you! You know who you are. Congratulations to all of the keiki surfers…keep surfing and we’ll see you next summer!

Golden Masters Get Gold

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Golden Masters Get Gold

Out of the three clubs representing Molokai, the crews racked up a few fourth places and one first place at this year’s State Championship regatta.

“Everybody feels happy about the results,” said Liko Wallace, president of the Molokai Canoe Racing Association (MCRA).

Molokai hosted this year’s meet, and in theme of the 60th annual Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) State Paddle Race, honored four paddlers who founded Molokai canoe clubs.

August Rawlins Jr. founded the island’s oldest canoe club, Molokai Canoe Club, in 1963; Mervin Dudoit started Mana`e Canoe Club in 1979; and Ron and Cammie Kimball started Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club in 2002.

1, 2, 3… Happy School Year!

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

1, 2, 3… Happy School Year!

With the final bell, Molokai Middle School students usually rush to catch their bus at the end of the day. But at least at the beginning of the school year, hundreds of keiki around the island are excited to start in on the new school year. Seasoned educators are pumped as well.

“Coming back to school, seeing the happy faces of students and parents – they’re excited about learning,” said Kaunakakai Principal Janice Espiritu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Increase at Library

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Board of Education News Release

Better keep track of your library books – the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) has increased their overdue fine amounts and made some changes other administrative rules, effective last Thursday, Aug. 5.

Parents should be aware that overdue fines for children at Hawaii’s public libraries have increased from 15 cents per item per day to 25 cents per item per day. The current maximum fine of $4.50 per item for children (ages 17 years and under) will also increase to $7.50 per item. By implementing this change, overdue fines and the maximum amount per item will be the same for all borrowers. Of course, children who return library materials on time will not be affected by this rule change.

Business Students Receive Scholarship

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Business Students Receive Scholarship

Molokai Chamber of Commerce News Release

The Molokai Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2010 Business Education Scholarship. They are Kerianne Mokuau, Herbert Antolin, Brittany Ann Rawlins and Vanessa Joao.

“All of our scholarship recipients have demonstrated the ability to accomplish many great things throughout their educational careers,” said Robert Stephenson, Molokai Chamber president. “This fundamental part of each person’s character will undoubtedly carry them far in their ongoing education in business studies. The Chamber is proud to help Molokai students pursue their educational dreams.”

For more information and to learn how to donate to the Molokai Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund please email molokaichamber@hawaiiantel.biz

Kalaupapa Patient Pleads Guilty

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Kalaupapa Patient Pleads Guilty

A Hansen’s disease patient pled guilty last Thursday in federal court in Honolulu.

Norbert Palea, at 69 the youngest patient living at Kalaupapa, is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He could face up to 40 years in prison.

Palea admitted to transporting the drugs to distribute, according to Daryl Huff of KITV News.

He was in Oahu last February for a medical appointment when he attempted to ship 18 grams of “ice” in his luggage. The Hawaii Airport Drug Task Force had previously been tipped off that Palea may be transporting drugs to Kalauapapa.

This is the second drug conviction for Palea, who served time in 1993 at Halawa Prison.

His public defender had no comment on the case. Palea is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 15.

No Pest Zone

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

For years, the Molokai branch of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, otherwise known as MoMISC, has battled stubborn invasive species with science and technology. But when science just isn’t enough, Molokai’s environmental crusaders have begun using cultural might.

The eco-crew recently headed to privately owned forest acreage to expunge the area of albizia, a large and fast-growing tree that has begun dominating other island’s lowland forests. Before beginning removal of the pest, they sought the advice of the cultural caretaker of the site.