Gymkhana Games have begun on Molokai
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Add your commentA Walk in the Park
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Pala`au State Park hasn’t weathered too many changes in its 80 year history, and Molokai wants to see it stay that way. The latest project is going to make it a bit more accessible, but will also work on restoring native plant species to the area.
Ke `Aupuni Lokahi (KAL), a nonprofit organization, has teamed up with the park’s owners, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the park’s administrators, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and its neighbor, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, to provide “a place-based learning experience.”
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Construction is scheduled to start next year, when a half-mile natural pathway will be cut, guardrails at the scenic overlooks, and native and culturally-significant non-native plants lining the pathway.
The path would be accessible across from the pavilion and picnic area, makai side, but not immediately visible, as to blend in with the natural environment.
Stephanie Dunbar-Co, the project’s coordinator for KAL, said the process needs a “community component.” The public is encouraged to submit written comments about the park’s proposed addition until March 25, when Dunbar-Co will review and include them in the Environmental Assessment draft. The draft then goes to the Office of Environmental Quality Control, who approve of the project or not.
“Tell us what you want,” she said.
The current draft is available online at http://alapalaau.com/ (allow 15 minutes for the very large document to load), or at the Molokai Public Library.
“This year we’re building up a community stewardship hui, so when the project is implemented, we’re making sure the trail is clear and there’s maintenance for native plants,” Dunbar-Co said.
Makalei…Pehea Ka Lawai’a
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Community Contributed
CD Review by Lonomusic
Hawaiian music is just one of the many talents these two possess. Stew assisted the group O Wai La with their debut CD project. Mike is a renowned paddler – there, that should garner a Hoku award – however, music is our course. These fine gentlemen have surrounded themselves with a crew of many talents, besides their own. Stew on guitar, ukulele and vocals, while Mike is on upright bass and vocals. Their clarity of Hawaiian words is superb. The flow of their music scans most of the Hawaiian spectrum. Contemporary, big band and easy listening categories. This backyard style, we at Lonomusic admire. They seem to have been friends for a while, as their vocals and harmonies are pili pa’a, very tight. They have a good-time feel about their sound.
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Several outstanding tracks are: Ka Paniolo Nui O Moloka’I, Moloka’I Nui A Hina, Ka Lei Punahou, Silver Sword, Lei Aloha Lei Makamae. Thirteen tracks total, this is a good presentation of their works. “Oceans Away” is jam packed with modulations and smooth jazzy grooves. The original “Lifetimes Too Short” is a long thought-out song. The strings that accompany several tracks are well done in its dreamy feel. There is a nice somewhat kiho’alu (slack key) style in “Pu’uanahulu/Keawaiki”. The vocals top it all off with a guitar solo. The last track, titled “The Wonderful World of Aloha” is reminiscent of the old Aloha Airlines. It still captures that feeling of flying inter-isle, though it is nostalgic and deeply sad the way Pacific Wings has decided to cash in on the people of Molokai and the patients of Kalaupapa. We are so glad these gentlemen brought this mele back. It, at one time, was the hit song of many hotel lu’au. Its melody captivated malihini and kama’aina alike. Being an introduction to love and warmth of our favorite word, known the world over, “ALOHA”.
We hope the Na Hoku Hanohano awards shine God’s great light on Pehea Ka Lawai’a and Makalei.
Aloha to Aunty Louise Bush. She will be greatly missed. Until next time, Ke Akua Pu A Hui Hou Kakou,
Lonomusic
Up in the Air
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Maunaloa’s sky seems never ending; its windy tendency is perfect for flying kites. A few dozen kids harnessed the sky for a morning last Saturday, when Jonathan Socher of the Big Wind Kite Factory taught them how to make paper kites.
Socher and the other business owners of Maunaloa have a small swap meet every Saturday morning, but was bigger this week thanks to some local artists. A few weeks ago Socher was approached by author Donald Sunshine and musician Lono to provide some entertainment.
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Tsunami Response
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Governor Linda Lingle News Release
When we received news Friday night of the devastating earthquake in Chile and the resulting tsunami waves that were approaching Hawai‘i, emergency response personnel across the state sprang into action. The outstanding coordination resulted in a well-executed operation to keep the residents and visitors of Hawai‘i safe.
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Military leaders at Pacific Command on O‘ahu and officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were standing by in case we needed their help. Hawai‘i tourism leaders worked closely with state and county officials to make sure our visitors were safe and well informed. The media ensured residents and visitors received accurate and timely information.
Our residents did their part by evacuating from danger zones and stocking up on emergency supplies – and they did so without panicking and without losing their aloha spirit.
Fortunately, the tsunami waves were much smaller than predicted and no damage was reported on any island. We were very fortunate.
Looking back at the events of this weekend, I come away with an even deeper appreciation of how extensively our state has prepared for emergencies, and how professionally everyone responded when the time for action arrived.
This gives me great confidence that our state will be ready for the next emergency, be it a tsunami, hurricane, earthquake or other natural or man-made disaster. At the same time, it is critical that we continue to prepare for emergencies and work to improve our response capabilities. Mahalo to everyone who played a part in keeping Hawai‘i safe.
Shattered Dreams
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This scene is not a drill. Actually, it’s a movie. Firemen find Jolenta Duvachelle dead-on-arrival at the scene of a horrific car accident last week, when Molokai High School acted out a mock car crash to show the effects of distracted driving, particularly drunk driving.
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The crash shows the real devastation, said Ahuna-Kaai. “Especially on Molokai. We’re a small island, everybody knows each other, and everybody cares about each other.”
The film will be played for the school before senior graduation.
Kalaupapa Patient Arrested for Meth
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A Kalaupapa patient is accused of intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine to the peninsula where he has lived most of his life.
Norbert Palea, 68, is currently in federal custody until his court date on March 15. He was stopped at the Honolulu International Airport while on a medical visit on Feb. 26, where he was found attempting to ship plastic bags holding 18 grams of methamphetamine.
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Intent to distribute methamphetamine, as a Schedule II controlled substance, carries a federal penalty of at least five years imprisonment and a maximum $2 million fine.
‘Molokai Is’ Round 3 – VOTE NOW
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Big congrats to last week’s contest winner David Nanod, whose cleverly worded entry reminds us that Molokai is but a reflection of our own judgments – simple but deep indeed. See his entry, and others, at www.TheMolokaiDispatch.com. David, along with ten-year-old Ko`i`ula who won the week before, will be enjoying $50 towards the fine food at the Kualapu`u Cookhouse. But don’t be jealous, you can be a winner too.
Share your ideas about what Molokai means to you. One winner per week selected by Molokai Dispatch readers. Each submission must include the full name, phone number, and photo of the contestant and no more than 150 words. Kids, ask your parents or teachers for permission. The Molokai Dispatch reserves the right to edit and print all submissions. Submit entries via email (Editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com), in person at our Kaunakakai office (Moore building suite 5 – we can take your photo), or by snail mail (PO Box 482219, Kaunakakai, HI 96748).
Molokai Is – Round 3
With such great entries it’s safe to say that we are dealing with some inspired people this week. Is it fair there can only be one winner? Probably not, but it makes for a good contest. So whose inspired entry deserves the $50 prize to Kualapu`u Cookhouse. That’s up to you. Vote online now at www.TheMolokaiDispatch.com or call 808-552-2781 and leave us a message.
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By Lee Mott
Molokai is, Sunday with smoke and smells coming from beach gatherings, fish, food and family.
Molokai is, ancient Hawaiian fishponds, stone walls, heiaus, and modern Hawaiians looking into the future.
Molokai is the North Shore with waterfalls and cliffs, Mana’e, the reef, the West End with those beaches.
Molokai is, barking deer, chickens, and bugs.
Molokai is, the barge, downtown, off island, and coming home.
Molokai is, leaving your keys in the car, not locking your doors at night, and knowing there is always help on the road.
Molokai is, baseball, flat bottom boats, rodeos, rust, and red dirt.
Molokai is, a great place to grow up, a great place to be from and a great place to come home to.
The Nine Sides of Father Damien
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While a picture is known to be worth a thousand words, for some it can also be worth a thousand memories. For her latest mixed media artwork project, Molokai born and raised Paula Mondoy Scott relied on personal experiences from her childhood and plenty of research to create nine original pieces. The works of art represent different aspects of Father Damien and Kalaupapa.
Scott grew up in Kalae, just a few miles from the peninsula, and while she didn’t visit until the required age of 16, she was connected to the history-rich settlement from birth. Her father, John Mondoy, would often go down to play music for the patients, and she had some aunties and uncles work at the settlement.
One New Year’s Eve, “I was dancing all night with the patients,” she said. She also met Richard Marks, who was “instrumental” in patient advocacy.
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Scott said her key points of inspiration were the children Saint Damien worked with; his advocacy – “even to the point of becoming unpopular with the diocese” – and his work as a healer.
Scott is well-researched in the life of Saint Damien, which led her to know a little about another famous Kalaupapa healer – Mother Marianne Cope. When visiting Hawaii last month for her father’s birthday, Scott was in Oahu for the dedication of a Mother Marianne statue.
“I’m getting a nudge from the universe to do a body of work on Mother Mary,” Scott said
Scott created a blog many years ago called Molokai Girl, to broaden her audience for her artwork. All her work, including the process of making her Father Damien series, is available at her blog.
Olelo Special on KP2
Airing tonight March 4, 2010 on Olelo channel 53 will be the Olelo production, "Hoailona and the Coming of the Seals." It is the story of Molokai’s monk seal "KP2, and was initiated by Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte and Monk Seal Advocate Loretta Ritte. It is moderated by Trisha Kahaulani Watson JD, PhD, and the Reverend David Kaupu. The goal of the show is to present the problem, clear up false rumor and create momentum needed in the Hawaiian community to save the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Airing March 4 and 11 at 7 p.m., channel 53.
"Hoailona and the coming of the seals"
Reverend David Kaupu
Walter Ritte - Hawaiian Activists
Loretta Ritte - Monk Seal Advocate
Lono Hirakawa - Musician and Composer
Moderator: Trisha Kahaulani Watson JD, PhD
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