Author Archives: Todd Yamashita

Security Measures Planned for Ship’s Visit

Friday, January 20th, 2012

The U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will be establishing a temporary security zone at Kaunakakai Harbor as the 36-passenger vessel, the Safari Explorer, resumes docking at the wharf on Jan. 21. The security zone will be enforced one hour prior to the vessel’s arrival and departure to the harbor, for the protection of “people, vessels and facilities in and around Kaunakakai Harbor during potential non-compliant protests involving the… Safari Explorer,” according to Docket No. USCG–2011–1159, published in the Jan. 13 issue of the Federal Register, the daily publication for rules, regulations and notices of the federal government.

Molokai Dispatch 2010 Survey

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Revered Sergeant Retires

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

Revered Sergeant Retires

Michelle Tancayo remembers being nine and having to move to Maui, while her dad trained to be a police officer.

“We soon found ourselves in a new school, with new friends, and a new career for my dad.”

Tancayo’s dad, Sgt. Timothy “Timmy” Meyer, is a steadfast Molokai cop whose decades of experience and dedication is seen by many as the epitome of a good small-town officer. It would be difficult to imagine him any other way.

“I had no inclinations to be a police officer,” he said in a recent interview.

More than 30 years ago, after 15 years of working in construction – including work on the Molokai Irrigation System – and in corn seed production, Meyer took both the police officer and firefighter entrance exams.

He was offered a job as a patrolman, and never looked back.

that I can never repay,” Yabuta said.

It is not in Meyer’s nature to slow down simply because he won’t be working at the Molokai Police Station every day. Meyer said he will take the next few months off before he and his wife head off on two-year mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He said because of his law enforcement background, he will possibly be assigned to security work in South Africa, Germany, Asia or Salt Lake City.

“I know my husband has served with integrity and with the privacy he needed to serve the people of Molokai,” Donna Meyer added. “We thank everyone who has acknowledged his service with appreciation. May we continue to take care of our aina, keiki, and preserve the integrity of the island, by contributing good citizenship.”

Cutting a Rug at Kualapu`u

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Cutting a Rug at Kualapu`u

After reciting an ode to anuenue – rainbows – and breaking out some sweet hip-hop moves, sixth-grader Poliahu Ranis declared she deserves two-thumbs up. 

In fact, all of the third through sixth grade dancers, actors, poets and comedians who stole the spotlight at Kualapu`u School last Thursday beamed with excitement after their performing arts show.

“Dance makes me happy and that’s why I like to be in this class and performance,” said fourth-grader Jaide Kiaha, member of the Sugarhill Gang hip-hop routine.

During their weekly art classes, a new edition to this year’s school curriculum, students crafted a mix of visual and performing art pieces to learn the importance of confidence when sharing their work to parents, family and community members.

“The biggest takeaway for the kids is to learn how to emote and share expression to an audience,” said Kualapu`u teacher and performance director Alestra Menendez.

As the kids break-danced to Taio Cruz, mimicked monsters from Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and recited stanzas from Tupac Shakur, it was unnoticeable that this was the first performance onstage for many of the students.

“I only practiced in front of my small class group so when I got onstage I was like ‘woah!’” said sixth-grader Tristan Hooper. “There were a lot of people but I learned don’t be afraid and don’t be shame.”

But as the show took off, so did the nerves and anxious looks. The students stepped up and supported one another with each act.

 “The performance showed me that people can have dreams to become a rockstar or superstar,” said fifth-grader Josephine Mawae. “Today I was a superstar and I want to do it again!”

Paris in Paradise

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Paris in Paradise

Trying to keep a low profile, Paris Hilton snuck over to Molokai on Friday. She was spotted mid-morning having breakfast at Paddlers Inn with her boyfriend, Las Vegas promoter Cy Waits, who has family tries to the Friendly Isle.

Wondering what an heiress has for breakfast? The two shared a Tsunami Sandwich, French toast and a papaya before running errands at Friendly Market and Molokai Drugs – but not before stopping to take pictures with curious on-lookers and Paddlers staff. Above, from left: Kamuela Purdy, Vanetta Kansana, Darlene Waki and Paris Hilton.

Volunteers Sought for Molokai Vacancies

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Mayor Charmaine Tavares is seeking volunteers to serve on county boards and commissions.


Sixty vacancies need to be filled on boards including the Maui, Molokai and Lanai planning commissions, the Police Commission and the Cultural Resources Commission.

Applications are available online at www.mauicounty.gov, as well as at all public libraries and numerous other county service centers.

Deadline to apply is Dec. 15, although applications will be accepted year-round to fill unexpected vacancies. For more information, call the Mayor's Office at 270-7855 or visit www.mauicounty.gov.

A Novel Idea

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

November is known by many names: Native American Heritage Month, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, and Movember (awarness for men’s health. For literary lovers, it’s a 30-day period of character naming, plot developing and constant prose in celebration of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

With over 3.1 million words and 900 members strong, Hawaii is writing away.  You too can tap into your inner Shakespeare or Grisham by attending weekly “write-ins” held in Kaunakakai.

Alestra Menendez, a Kualapu`u School teacher, is hosting local writing workshops for NaNoWriMo participants to discuss their work, offer advice and keep each other on track with their goals.

Fall Sports Round-up

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

We had all three fall sports represented at the 2010 HHSAA tournaments. Congratulations to all our fall sport student athletes and coaches for a great Molokai Farmer showing in the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) and at states.

Girls’ air riflery team – Kayla Matson, Mia Mendija, Nika Mendija and Chelsea Simon – placed first at MILs and Kayla Matson placed first overall at MILs. The team traveled to Honolulu for the HHSAA and placed 7th in the state.

Cross country sent Petrisha Alvarez, Kevin Dudoit and Isreal "Paka" Adolpho to the state HHSAA meet.

MMS Perfect Attendance

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

This year, in Molokai Middle School’s first quarter, 70 out of 160 students had perfect attendance. Students were rewarded with gift certificates for a free ice cream cone with sprinkles from Kamo`i Snack-n-Go. All students had their names entered into a drawing for two iPods and winners were Griffen Tuisamatatele, eighth grade and Kawika Martin-Galam, seventh grade. 

Mahalo to Kim Svetin, Kamo`i Snack-n-Go, and Molokai Drugs Store for the donation of the gift certificates and iPods. Keep up the good work students, and mahalo parents for getting your child to school everyday!

Kelly Ka`awa-Richardson

2010 Halloween Pictures

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

2010 Halloween Pictures