Molokai Treasures News Release
Molokai’s newest store knows better than anyone that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A new consignment store on the island named Molokai Treasure plans to recycle items that you no longer need and sell them to those in need.
.jpg)
By Matt Yamashita
Aloha, I'm writing to announce that the documentary I produced with famous Hawaiian filmmaker Edgy Lee is now available for purchase online. The DVD is titled "Meth on Molokai: Recovering from an Epidemic." It focuses on the history and impact of this dangerous drug with special emphasis on the recovery stories of four remarkable individuals. The interviews take a look at the toll the drug can take on one’s life, health and family. They also show how with the backing of a strong community like Molokai, the epidemic can be stopped and a happy ending is possible.
.jpg)
http://store.pacificnetwork.tv/index.php?target=products&product_id=200
Mahalo!
.JPG)
At this year’s Parade of Lights, several brightly and creatively decorated trucks, cars and even a boat rode by, shouting out holiday wishes and some tossing candy to the hundreds of people and families who watched the Christmas parade last Saturday. The police station, fire department, several Molokai businesses and Santa Claus and his elves were all well represented.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Christmas Tree
1st place Kabbie Bicoy ($200)
2nd place – Friendly Market Center ($100)
3rd place – Lori Higa ($75)
Christmas Ornament
1st place – Mele Hanohano ($100)
2nd place – Louise Iaea ($75)
3rd place – Barb Lombardi ($25)
Christmas Stocking
1st place – Mele Hanohano ($100)
2nd place – Louise Iaea ($75)
3rd place – William Casil-Dudoit ($25)
Christmas Dessert
Florence Shizuma ($100)
Punahele Todd ($75)
William Casil-Dudoit ($50)
Photos by Jeff Jumper.
.jpg)
When Tiare Hubbard decided to partake in a new hobby, she wanted to take all of Molokai with her. And she’s always had a soft spot for puppies – specifically pit bulls.
.jpg)
This year, she decided to bring the bully scene, which is thriving on other Hawaiian islands, to Molokai by hosting a bully show. To help raise funds, she organized a benefit concert at Paddlers Inn last Saturday night.
Hubbard hopes to have the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) Bully Bash dog show in September, and with the help of Hawaii’s Strongest Dog Kennel in Oahu, several other bully kennels off-island, and lots of attendees, was able to make a dent in her costs.
The concert featured three bands and a lot of donations for not only Sucken Mean, but the Molokai Humane Society as well.
“It went better than we thought for a last minute thing,” she said.
Hubbard also asked the fundraiser’s guests for donations to the Molokai Humane Society to help keep a permanent veterinarian on island – “because to have a kennel you need a vet” – and Toys for Tots. Those who donated were entered to win one of two bully puppies, donated by Hope Kennels in Honolulu and Hubbard herself.
Hubbard is also raising money for an ABKC bully pulling competition, set for April.
Pit bulls were originally bred for fighting and guarding, said Hubbard, but are primarily pets now. Because of their strong stature, however, a new sport of pulling is becoming more popular. The bully is harnessed to 3,000 lbs or greater, sometimes a pickup truck, and has to pull 16 feet under 60 seconds. The largest weight class can pull more than 6,000 lbs, according to Pat Augustus, of Hawaii’s Strongest Dogs.
About the breed
Bully breeds are not recognized by the standard for dog breeds, the AKC, partly because their similarity to the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is recognized by the AKC, and partly due to its long history of aggressive behavior.
But Hubbard is working against this stereotype.
“My mission is to change the reputation that pit bulls have. To let people know the owners are the problem, not the pit bull,” she said.
Hubbard started with two pit bull puppies, and now has eight of all colors and bloodlines. She also started farming out her dogs, to others interested and qualified to own a bully. She sells a bully at half price, teaches the new owners how to breed the dog, and receives a puppy from the first litter to replace the original.
“We breed for temperament, we breed for color, [and] we breed for physique – in that order,” she said
With the help of these “co-owners,” as well as smaller bully kennels that have started in her wake, Hubbard has started a bully community on Molokai, which she hopes to expand to monthly barbeques in the future.
Another endeavor that came with Hubbard’s new business was a clothing line. She explained that kennels have their own logo designs. It becomes a competition to see who has the best design, she said.
Overall, Hubbard gets a lot of help from the other kennels.
“I’m an equal on Hawaii, but heading the effort on [Molokai],” she said. “This is about a group coming together to better the breed.”
.JPG)
After two years and helping build four houses, Cedric Alonzo was finally given the keys to his own house. Alonzo picked up the keys at the blessing and dedication of his home last week, built by Habitat for Humanity.
“This is the crying moment,” said Charlotte Seales, president of the Board of Directors of the Molokai Habitat for Humanity. “When I walk in [the house] I feel so much joy for the family.”
.JPG)
“It’s a little different working on this house. I was more comfortable working on others’ [houses],” Alonzo joked. His new four-bedroom house is one of the largest Habitat has built, and all of his new appliances are energy-star rated.
Molokai’s Habitat for Humanity is one of the greenest of all the Habitat organizations. The organization is the only in Hawaii with HERS (Home Energy Rating System) ratings, and in January will be the first with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
Their next step is to set up ‘rehabs,’ or rehabilitated homes – instead of building brand-new houses, Molokai Habitat will upgrade run-down houses for qualified applicants.
“It’s reducing our carbon footprint, and helping someone to stay in their house,” Noordhoek. “We’re rolling on a new track.”
Their “new track” also includes partnering with the Homesteaders association to put on educational workshops for all residents interested in energy consumption and financial literacy. Noordhoek said they hope to get the classes started in January.
“Molokai is one of most economically challenged island, with [high] unemployment, and paying the most in energy in the U.S. and the other islands,” she said.
Noordhoek said they are still accepting applications for both new houses and rehabs. More information can be found at their office, the Lanikeha Center in Hoolehua, or calling 560-5444.
The results for these applicants are rewarding.
“It’s a sense of pride, having a direct hand in the construction of your home,” Alonzo said. “Just knowing that it’s a home that I can afford.”
Molokai Chinese Cultural Club News Release
In the Chinese culture, each year of a 12-year Zodiac cycle is represented by an animal. Currently, this is the Year of the Ox. Next Year, 2010, is the Year of the Tiger. The Tiger represents strength and energy.
The Molokai Chinese Cultural Club has spearheaded a parade in honor of the Year of the Tiger to celebrate its new energy, new strength and new hope.
Enlisting the strength of the Maui Chinese Cultural Society and the energy of our civic-minded community members, businesses and organizations, the Year of Tiger parade is scheduled to occur on Monday, January 18, 2010. This date is also the Dr. Martin Luther King Day which speaks for diversity and unity.
.JPG)
Molokai students made a noteworthy showing at this year’s Na Mele o Maui, the 37th annual song competition to showcase the talents of Maui County’s youth. Kula Kaiapuni `o Kualapu`u, the Hawaiian Immersion program at Kuapapu`u School, came in second place in their division. Students from Aka`ula School also participated in the competition held on Nov. 19 at Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Below, students write about their experiences on Maui.
He Hau`oli Ka Ukali o Ka Lanakila
By Kamalani Puailihau and Kumu Poepoe, Kula Kaiapuni `o Kualapu`u
.JPG)
While we were on Maui, it wasn’t all about Na Mele. We stayed at the Hawaii Nature Center and got to visit their Museum. There were lots of fun games and my favorite was the one where you pretend to be a dragonfly and fly through nature. We also went hiking and saw lots of pretty plants at Iao Needle. It was a very, very, fun trip. Next year I want to do it again.
On behalf of all the students who went to Maui, I want to say mahalo to the adults who helped prepare the wonderful food and brought us the bento lunches: Auntie Marian Dudoit, Aunty Brenda Aea, and Uncle Isaac and Auntie Fely Kahalewai.
Molokai Lions Club News Release
The Molokai Lions Club will hold its first ever giant garage sale Molokai Community Service Center across from the old telephone company in Kaunakakai on Dec. 5th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
.JPG)
By Walter Ritte
The Hawaiian Learning Center (HLC) has opened its doors to help parents and to educate students on Furlough Fridays. HLC has been providing free "learn by doing" cultural land stewardship opportunities at the Keawanui fishpond.
.JPG)
.jpg)
By the County of Maui
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) is asking residents of Ho`olehua and surrounding areas to continue conserving water. Repairs to two DHHL water pumps at the Kalae water well that began in early November are not finished. Residents and businesses in the area are reminded to continue necessary water conservation efforts by restricting lawn watering, avoiding washing cars and taking shorter showers. Non-essential water use should be limited.
In order to maintain safe levels in the water reservoir, a temporary four-inch emergency water line was installed. %he line is smaller than normal, so a lesser amount of water is being pumped to residents in the Ho`olehua and Kalamaula areas. As a result, DHHL asked the residents to reduce their usage by 50 percent on Nov. 10 to help lessen the risk of running out of water while the repairs are being completed.
.jpg)
Fire Department Captain Travis Tancayo headed a county-wide effort to ensure that there is enough water in the event of a fire for both the impacted Ho`olehua area and the surrounding areas currently sharing their water. Tancayo credits the work of many in helping to prevent a dangerously low water supply situation from worsening.
“With the guidance of Pacific Electro’s Marty Johnston, the group was able to collaborate and resolve how to get needed water to the reservoir while DHHL’s pumps were under repair,” Tancayo said.
“Everyone involved worked weekends and nights to develop the response plan, get materials and lay pipes so that people could have water available. We're very grateful for Kualapuu Ranch and ranch owner Kevin Komkowich's assistance. The pipes were laid on the ranch's property and their support and understanding of the urgency were instrumental.
“We were then faced with needing to cut the road to lay the temporary water line and Pedro Ranch stepped forward with heavy equipment to help get this done. By having many people and agencies work together we were able to respond rapidly and help our community and that also includes our residents and businesses that took steps to immediately conserve water. The public’s help is always crucial and appreciated”
Anita Wong, DHHL’s deputy director, gave special recognition to Molokai Properties (also known as Molokai Ranch). The company reactivated its Well 17 in order to provide a needed water source for the Kalae Reservoir. “Molokai Properties’ help with Well 17 was essential,” Wong said. “Rex Kamakana and the water department personnel worked tirelessly to make it happen and we appreciate their hard work these past few weeks.” Wong also commended Monsanto for the company’s help with providing 2,700 feet of a high density four-inch water pipe needed for water to flow to the reservoir from Well 17.
“Monsanto not only provided the needed pipe material, the company also made available a large crew of workers to install the pipe over a 3-day period using specialized tools,” she said.
The County of Maui is providing water to the Kalamaula area and will continue to assist DHHL until repairs to its two pumps are completed.
Repairs are expected to be completed sometime in the first week of December. Impacted residents and businesses in Ho`olehua and Kalamaula are asked to continue conservation efforts until the repairs are completed.
Add your comment