Author Archives: Bianca Moragne

Community Care Partners

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Daria M. Gray, Speech Pathologist

During my visits to Molokai last November and again this past March, I saw the challenges facing care partners struggling to meet the needs of their kupuna who live at home.  It takes great patience and a lot of encouragement to help restore the abilities and skills that have been lost due to the challenges brought about by aging, stroke, brain injury or surgery.  It also requires new ways to adapt daily activities and communication to meet changing needs.  Through the process of rehabilitation, a speech pathologist addresses these concerns through individualized treatment programs.…

 Molokai Resident Named ‘Outstanding Older American’

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

 Molokai Resident Named ‘Outstanding Older American’

County of Maui News Release

Eighty-three-year-old Molokai volunteer Kanee Wright was named one of two winners of the Maui County Office on Aging Outstanding Older American Awards. Wright and Maui’s 84-year-old Fred Ruge were honored at the 46th annual awards ceremony on May 6 at the Maui Beach Hotel. The two were chosen out of 10 nominees.

Wright is a volunteer at Hale Maha`olu’s Home Pumehana site in Kaunakakai, Molokai. She loves to help and lives up to her middle name of “Happy,” bringing a smile with her everywhere she goes. She loves to keep busy by cleaning Home Pumehana’s windows, screens, tables and chairs, as well as running errands for the kitchen, office and maintenance shop, and delivering parcels when she is not on the road delivering nutritious meals to the Friendly Isle’s frail, homebound seniors.…

Monk Seal Births, Recovery Plan

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Monk Seal Births, Recovery Plan

By Laura Pilz and Catherine Cluett

Even though youth of the human species aren’t permitted in Kalaupapa, babies of the Hawaiian Monk Seal persuasion are welcomed.  The peninsula has become one of the most popular spots for endangered monk seal births, with two so far this year.

According to Diane Pike, Molokai Response Coordinator for the Monk Seal Foundation, almost all of the monk seal births on Molokai occur in Kalaupapa. “Last year, we had 10 pups,” said Pike, “and all of them were born in Kalaupapa.”

Through tracking efforts, scientists have found that those females who come to give birth in Kalaupapa are not necessarily Molokai seals.…

Molokai in Business:  Epik Style

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Molokai in Business:  Epik Style

Community Contributed

By Jennifer Hawkins

The Molokai in Business series focuses on local businesses, both old and new.  It is our way of helping you get to know your local businesses.  Our intent is to support our local businesses, help people who want to start a business, and tell a good story.

What:  [Ep-ik] Style, active-wear for ocean, running and lounging

Who:  Sydney Kalipi

When:  By appointment

Where:  Etsy website and Instagram @epikstylehi

How:  Call 658-0175 or email epikstylehi@gmail.com

Question:  What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

Answer:  I create handmade active wear for women.  I started sewing bikinis at home for fun, then later I wanted to pursue sewing and attended UH Maui College on Maui.…

Molokai Fitness: Attention to Drinks

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

Are you really thinking about what you’re doing to improve your health?

This week I’d like to pull your attention to drinking. No, not alcohol – this would probably take quite a few articles… I want to talk about other canned drinks.

When you drink coke, soda or most other canned pop drinks, do you know how much sugar you’re taking? Without even realizing it you’re taking on average between 25 and 49 grams sugar (1 tablespoon is 12 grams!).

Within 20 minutes of drinking your blood sugar level shoots up, your liver responds and your insulin levels increase.…

Hawaiian Youth make an Impact in California

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Hawaiian Youth make an Impact in California

Community Contributed

By Clare Seeger Mawae

Josie and Alex Mawae just came back from California, having participated in two Stand Up Paddling events. Young competitors from all over the country as well as Brazil headed to Orange County to participate in the second annual Junior Pro Sup Fiesta at Bolsa Chica State Park on Sunday, May 4. This was the biggest youth event in the World that set the standards for the future of the sport.

The day, before many of the kids participated in Stand Up For the Cure at Newport which raised money for breast cancer. In that day alone, 15 lives got saved from the free cancer detection clinics with Skin and Breast Cancer.…

`Ohana Lawai`a Camp

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Hui Malama O Mo`omomi News Release

Last year, Hui Malama o Mo`omomi hosted a successful `Ohana Lawai`a Camp. Thanks to our sponsors, Conservation International/Hawaii Fish Trust and Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development, we are once again hosting our second annual `Ohana Lawai`a Camp. The camp will be held on Friday, June 13 through Tuesday, June 17 at Mo`omomi Beach.

What makes our camp unique? We target the entire `ohana, requiring two generations but encouraging three or more generations to participate if possible. We feel that when more generations are included, families can share and learn from one another, and the knowledge and skills that are developed from camp will more likely continue to be practiced in the home when everyone shares the same beliefs.…

Molokai Represented at State STEM Conference

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Molokai Represented at State STEM Conference

MEDB News Release

The fifth annual Hawaii STEM Conference was held on Maui on May 2-3, bringing together over local students, educators and industry professionals with some of the most innovative technology companies in the world. This year, 300 students representing 30 intermediate and high schools across the islands participated,including Molokai Middle and High Hawaiian Immersion school STEMworks students.

Since it began in 2009, the Hawaii STEM Conference has grown in popularity and star quality.  The event continues to attract national partners and sponsorships from top tech companies like Google and National Geographic Society, as well as Apple for Education, SketchUp, Chevron and ESRI.…

Molokai Gets $9M in CIP Funds

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

With the state budget for fiscal year 2014-15 green-lighted at $12.1 billion, Molokai has been allocated more than $9 million in capital improvement funds. That’s part of about $226 million set aside for the seventh senate district of Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho`olawe, reported Sen. J. Kalani English.

“Molokai is getting more than its fair share of the state budget,” said English, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs. “While working in partnership with Rep. Mele Carroll we were able to secure many of the Capital Improvement Project funds that Molokai truly deserves.  These appropriations show that the Legislature recognizes the importance of Molokai.”…

Spring Fling

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014

Spring Fling

The Kilohana Spring Bazaar, the school’s annual fundraiser event, brought a breath of fresh air for families on a warm Saturday. Dozens of prizes large and small were given away during the lucky number drawings, while games booths were set up for keiki, food and craft vendors offered local goodies, and entertainment played all day under the shady limbs of the school’s spreading tree.

In past years, the Spring Bazaar has raised more than $20,000 annually, which all goes directly back to the school and its students. The money covers the costs of school supplies, busses for field trips, and visiting science experiences and art performances.…