Author Archives: Bianca Moragne

Connecting With the Heart of Molokai

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Connecting With the Heart of Molokai

Community Contributed by Annette Johnson
 
As a vacationing visitor from Anchorage, Alaska, I came to Molokai for some quality "Island" time away from the fast pace of today's life.  I chose Molokai for its "most Hawaiian" and low-keyed atmosphere.
 
The owner of my condo rental highly recommended hiking to the Halawa Valley Falls with the Pilipos to guide you. She said the hike to Halawa Falls is not to be missed, that Kumu Pilipo is a true native and "Keiko o ka aina" who was born and lives in this beautiful valley. He will give you the history of this area and talk stories that will make you laugh and cry and send chills down your spine. It will be an unforgettable experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
 
I was able to meet Kumu Pilipo for a talk story with another group, but when I arrived at the pavilion in Halawa Valley, Kumu Pilipo and Josh Pastrana told me the talk didn’t start till later that day. But they asked me if I would like to stay for it. Having long ago learned that everything happens for a reason, I happily agreed to go up to their home and wait for the taro talk/demonstration. I followed them up the gorgeous valley to the home and beautiful taro fields of Kumu Pilipo, and he mentioned to me that he had much preparation, for the Ancestor Spirits to be happy with his talk. He told me to wander around and see what his son was doing in the taro fields.


 
I found Josh nearby attending to a fire where the taro would be boiled. He said that he needed to harvest some taro for the talk, so we walked over to the fields. Josh mentioned to me that he was a teacher, and soon I rolled up my capri pants and wade in barefoot, like him, harvesting the beautiful taro plants. I must say that Josh is a wonderful teacher, excellent in his directions and teaching, very knowledgeable and patient and helpful in his demeanor.
 
During Josh and I's taro preparation, Kumu Pilipo prepared the area for the talk/demonstration with ti leaves, his pictures, conch shell, story board and his ancient wooden poi board and pounding stones. While helping Josh and me, he told me stories of the history of Halawa Valley, Molokai, the ancient practice of brings gifts to the chief, the blowing of the conch shell, communicating with arriving visitors.

I don't know how it was that I was so honored that day to receive the complete taro experience from the harvesting of the taro all the way through its preparation to the poi bowl. I had never eaten the taro root by itself, only poi before, and this was the best poi I had ever tasted. Eating the taro root itself seemed like a sacred honor, as it takes this special plant so long to grow to maturity, six to 12 months. I found it delicious. Perhaps it was from understanding more of the history of the taro plant and its long history here in Halawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaii and Polynesia. From the stories and what I learned this day in the taro fields of Halawa Valley with Kumu Pilipo Solatorio and Josh Pastrana, I came away with a deep core connection with Molokai, its land and people. My deepest appreciation and gratitude go to Kumu Pilipo Solatorio and Josh Pastrana for this extraordinary day I will treasure the rest of my life.

Fire Prevention Public Service Announcement

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Fire Prevention Public Service Announcement

Community Contributed

Spring has arrived and your thoughts may be turning to that dreaded ritual of spring cleaning. In an effort to make this "Spring Cleanup" a fire-safe one, the Molokai Fire Prevention office provides the following safety tips:

-- Clean your garage/carport of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.



-- Test your smoke alarms monthly.

-- To help prevent nuisance alarms, gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed.

-- Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.

-- Never borrow smoke alarm batteries to use for toys or other equipment.

-- Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer

-- Check your electrical box; make sure  it has proper clearance and breakers are labeled.

-- Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.

-- Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers.

-- If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage. Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel - never as a cleaning agent.

-- Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids. Always store them at least 18 inches from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of heat or flame.

-- Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place in a safe area away from building, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.

-- Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.

-- Use barbecue grills outside only - not under overhangs or balconies, and away from combustibles.

-- Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks; never store propane indoors.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any fire safety tips please call the Fire Prevention Bureau Molokai Office at 553-8491. Stay Fire Safe!

Fire Inspector Rick Schonely 

A Healthy Choice

Friday, March 19th, 2010

A Healthy Choice

It wasn't easy. Trading meats, caffeine and an array of sweets and fats for healthy vegetarian alternatives almost ‘seemed impossible,’ and even drastic for some. But within one month, 45 individuals defied the odds and overcame their personal dilemmas to make a complete lifestyle change.

Beginning Feb. 7, a few dozen participants of Molokai's Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) began a health-conscious diet and exercise routine over the course of four weeks.  They underwent an 'educational experience' that offered stimulating lectures, peer discussions and cooking demonstrations four nights a week to further prevent risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

Nalani Paleka, one program member who witnessed profound results, had seen more lows than highs in the dieting realm, but wasn't willing to give up just yet.

committed to two things – change diet and exercise," Unglaub said. "If they did this, and stuck to it, they got results."

While some found resolve in lower blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, others noticed significant improvement with their diabetes – something Shirley Nanod is quite familiar with.

Besides diabetes, Nanod also suffered from hypertension, and admitted the first week of dietary change was the hardest.

"I love coffee, and I had to give that up," she said. "I went through one week of caffeine withdrawals. I also really like meat – we couldn't eat anything with a face."

Nanod said she was always more busy than active, and added walking into her daily routine. She lost 16 pounds in one month, and noticed a significant drop in blood pressure and cholesterol, as well.

"I have so much more energy now," she said. "Before I loved food, now I eat to survive."

The Road to Change
CHIP is an internationally-recognized program developed by Dr. Hans Diehl, which aims to reduce and even reverse disease risk factors including atherosclerosis, the No. 1 silent disease killer that narrows the arteries. Through the adoption of better health habits, the program assists with the lowering of blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels by reducing excess weight, enhancing daily exercise and improving dietary choices.

Molokai’s CHIP program began with a comprehensive heart screening which detailed risk factor levels of the participants. Immediately following the program, the heart screening was conducted again, and individual results were shared at the group's graduation ceremony at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 11.

"We're very proud of this group," said Unglaub. "They made a big commitment and got good results. The main thing now is to stick with it, and they will."

Loke Gandeza, another program member, said she plans on keeping in touch with her fellow peers and continuing with her new healthy lifestyle.

"I got a long way to go," she said. "But at least I'm going."

Molokai Mansion

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Green light given to construct largest west end home

By David Lichtenstein

Molokai Planning Commissioners approved a permit exemption April 22 for a 20,000-square foot, 10-bathroom home that will be part of the largest estate ever constructed on the West End of Molokai.

Called a “farm dwelling” in Maui County documents, this project, by the Zappacosta family from Italy, will sit on 6.5 acres in an agricultural zone on the shoreline south of the Papohaku Dunes. It will include a main house, second farm dwelling, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and barn. Although valued at $3.3 million, project manager Luigi Manera, of Architectural Drafting Services, believes the total cost will be closer to $10 million once the Italian marble and other customized items are included.

The Gift of Vision

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

The Gift of Vision

Vision screening will provide gift of clear vision to Molokai children

In January, 2008 while visiting Molokai for the first time, Dr. Doris  Forte’, a retired optometrist quickly observed that there were no full-time eye care providers on the entire island.  When asked, Molokai residents explained that if an ocular emergency or other vision problem occurred, they either traveled off island to obtain care or they simply waited.  Inaccessibility to comprehensive vision care left no other options. 

Further investigation revealed that The Gift of Sight Foundation (GTGOS) conducted a 4-day vision screening of 1,027 residents in 2007 and made 474 referrals for vision correction. In a population of approximately 7.000 residents, that parallels a third world response.

Eye See A Need Vision Screening Service was created  to provide vision care services to individuals who might otherwise go without because of economic or geographical constraints.   Change Happens Foundation of Holuahoa, Hawaii, under the executive direction of Mike Troxel,  agreed that clearly, such a need existed on Molokai and funded the Eye See A Need Vision Screening Service which begins on Monday, March 1, 2009.

“Clear, comfortable vision is a basic human right, not a luxury.” says Dr. Forte’, founder and director of Eye See A Need Vision Screening Service.  “Therefore our mission is to go wherever vision services are needed on the planet Earth in order to accomplish the goal of helping others see their world clearly and experience a better quality of life.”

Joining forces with Dr. Doris Forte’ in the Eye See A Need Vision Screening Service are doctors Karsten Lee and Michael Leong, two optometrists from Oahu who participated in  a vision screening on Molokai last spring.  Their goal this year is to screen all of the elementary school aged children on Molokai.  By providing vision screenings, the doctors hope to detect and prevent sight-threatening diseases, such as amblyopia which is the leading cause of blindness for children in the United States.
Mahalo to Change Happens Foundation for funding this project, the Board of Directors of You’re Living Proof, Inc., and to the Molokai Lions Club, known internationally for its support of vision services.  Other contributors to the Eye See A Need Vision Screening Service on Molokai are Travel Advantage Network thru Hotel Molokai , Budget Rental Car, and the optometric technician team comprised of Lei Fujishiro, Leilani Ramos, and Lara Fae Ramos.
For more information about Eye See A Need, visit www.urlivingproof.org. For information about children’s vision, visit www.preventblindness.org/children/amblyopiaFAQ.html

County Irons Out Bed and Breakfast Laws

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

WAILUKU, Maui, Hi - Mayor Charmaine Tavares signed into law today a legislative bill pertaining to bed and breakfast businesses.  The bill was approved by the County Council on December 19. The new law, which takes effect immediately, specifies the amount of bed and breakfast businesses allowed in districts except for the islands of Molokai and Lanai where every application will be reviewed for approval by the island’s planning commission. The new law allows a bed and breakfast business to operate in residential, business, hotel, rural and agricultural zones.

In signing the bill into law today Mayor Tavares called it “a great result of collaboration between the Administration, the Council, and the community.” She continued, saying that “this new law reflects the wishes of our community through the correct process of legislation.

Molokai Economic Outlook Grim

Monday, November 17th, 2008

But Positive Signs Can Be Found.

By Sean Aronson

Read any newspaper or turn on any television and the news is the same wherever you are - the economic situation is dismal and the end does not seem near. This year, it‘s been one bad headline after another - the collapse of the housing market, liquidating banks and businesses filing for bankruptcy at every turn.

The State of Hawaii is facing a huge budget shortfall and the tourist season will likely bring more of the same. A recent University of Hawaii report found Island visitors have been falling by double digits for the past few months, and experts expect this trend to continue well into 2009. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) recently reported its third quarter numbers for 2008 and found Hawaii visitors down by 17% over the same time last year. Tourists are also spending less, amounting to $200 million that won’t be poured into the economy.

Uniformity through Uniforms

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

iPods and uniforms discussed at Molokai High.

By Catherine Cluett

To have uniforms or not to have uniforms? That is the question. The Molokai High School Community Council heard a presentation by parent Michelle Tancayo at their monthly meeting last Tuesday about why Tancayo and other parents are in favor of a uniform dress code policy for the High School.

The uniforms would be only tops, and would apply Monday through Thursday, Tancayo explains. Friday would be “Aloha Friday,” or a free choice of clothing for students within dress code guidelines. “This would be an opportunity for students to express themselves through their dress, something they have expressed concern about losing,” she said. Student input would be taken into consideration when designing several shirt options.

Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Kanemitsu to Bike 4,200 Miles Cross-Continent. By Ted Kanemitsu

This coming May, I will be pursuing a dream I’ve had since my love for bicycling and nature first provided me with momentary escape from the chaotic pace of our world. Outside of our relationship with The Lord, we are virtually on our own here on this earth. And there are some things, we just need to do.

My dream is to cross the Continental United States, by way of bicycle: to seek, explore, and to share; to meet new people, and experience the uniqueness of life in rural America.

We will be following the migration pattern of our forefathers as they settled this great country on a route commonly known as: “The Bi-Centennial Bicycle Route”, or “The Trans America.” We will begin in Yorktown, Virginia and terminate in Astoria, Oregon.

The path will take us cross ten states, five major mountain ranges, and four time zones.

We will put in more miles than the average person riding a bike 20 miles a week will do in 3-1/2 years. We will ascend altitudes of near 12,000 feet, as we cross the Rockies, Grand Teton, Sierra Nevada, Ozarks, and Appalachian mountain ranges. We will cross the Continental Divide 9 times as we meander our way northwest through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

This trek has become the ultimate goal for many cyclists world wide through recent years. An average of more than 400 cyclists do this journey every year, on this particular route alone. There are actually five pre-planned bike routes crossing North America all between three and five thousand miles long. Our route is 4,247.5 miles, longer if we get lost. We chose this particular route, going east to west because of its historical significance, and the fact that we will be inching our way closer to home as the months go by. Psychologically, this might just give us the boost we need.

 In 1976, on the inaugural crossing of The Bi-Cetitennia.l Bicycle Route in celebration of the 200th anniversary of our nation’s Independence, there were more than 5,000 individuals that started. Although each had their own personal goal, many did not finish for one reason or another. However, 2,700 of them did. Every year since then, crazy people like us, have been doing this - some crazy enough to do it more than once.

For me, this has become a final “MEGA’ attempt at pursuing this once in a lifetime dream. At my age and physical status, it would be wise for me to pursue this goal now, otherwise it may remain a dream. I have done some pretty crazy things on my bike, nearly killing myself on more than a couple of occasions.

I have completed the “Ride to the Sun” or “Haleakala Hill Climb” twice. This is a 36 mile, 10,000 foot climb that takes you from sea level at Paia, to the summit of Haleakala, in a time frame of under 4 and a half hours. If I were a year older, I could have won my division. Instead, I was the oldest one in my age group. I have completed the “Oahu Century” bicycle ride, 100-mile event, three times. I got lost all three times nearing the finish.

I have ridden just about every dirt road and bike trail at the “Molokai Ranch” when I worked there as a bike guide from 1997 to 2002. Ridden up to the forest reserve from Kaunakakai, and down every dirt road leading back. Carried my bike up and down the
Kalaupapa trail a dozen or more times to ride the lava stricken dirt roads of Kalawao and the perimeter of Makanaloa. Once I got a flat at the old landing near Kalawao. Unprepared for such a mishap, I ended up carrying my bike back across the peninsula, then up the trail, finally to my home in Kualapu`u at 9:30pm.

Had my bike stolen in California, batteries die Ofl night rides, and walked home late at night. I’ve had broken chains, stems, destroyed wheels, tore tires, you name it. from the tropical rain forest of Kamakou, to the rock infested dried stream beds of La`au. Pu’u 0 Hoku Ranch to Cape Halawa, along abandoned jeep roads, and dusty cow trails. From Kualapuu to Halawa Valley, to Kalua koi, to Kualapuu in a single day. I’ve even ridden the trail up to the Halawa falls and back.

From Lahaina to Lahaina, around the West Maui mountains. From Hana to Paia, the list goes on The names of the individuals who accompanied me on these episodes have purposely been left out to protect their otherwise civilized, and good character.

Now it is time for a greater challenge, a true test of whether or not I am who I think I am. So you ask...ARE YOU CRAZY?” You bet! This cross continental adventure will take approximately 13 weeks, cover a distance of 4,247.5 miles, and a cumulative altitude gain of about 168,000 vertical feet. There will be challenges around every bend, and lessons to be learned. But the experience, will last a life time. It will bring new meaning o life, a new perspective, and a glimpse of what the human spirit is capable of.

My dear friend and partner for this journey, will be Lisa Davis, of Kaluakoi. A long time resident of the island, and my former boss at The Molokai Ranch’s Mountain Biking department. Lisa has also realized a yearning for this life changing experience. Together, we hope to accomplish the physical, mental, and emotional task that only true adventures will even consider.

This will be a self-supported journey which means we carry everything to sustain us. Every precaution has been considered, and plans have been been laid out. We have the desire, the discipline, and the ability to reach our goal. Our tentative departure will be somewhere around May the 10th, 2009. Returning on or about August the 10th J want be back home to celebrate my mom’s 92nd birthday with my family.

We would like to invite you, the people of Molokai, to take part in this incredible journey, by way of a fund raising drive for your organization. With our permission, you will be allowed to collect pledges from the community, friends, relatives, anyone. The possibilities are endless, since the pledges will not only be limited to those around us, but from those abroad as well.

Even at a penny a mile, this fundraiser could bring in over $40.00 per person. One hundred percent of which will go to your cause. We ask for nothing in return, just the support of our loved ones, and your prayers to accompany us. This opportunity will be offered to any organization with a worthy cause. Churches, schools, humanitarian needs, what ever is impressed upon your heart. Let The Lord Guide you, as He Will the two of us.

Originally you would have been able to track or efforts via Google earth through a POD (Personal Locating Device). However the SPOT Satellite Messenger unit which utilizes two-way signal processing could not guarantee reliable service in Hawaii. There for we decided to go with the old fashion way, via e-mail updates where ever there is a signal. This method saves us about $275.00. We will send an e-mail update a couple of times a week as to our progress, as we venture through the American heartland.

There is absolutely no guarantee that things will go as planned. Therefore, the particulars of how you set up your fundraiser will be left totally up to you. We cannot be held accountable for situations out of our control.

Thank you so much for your time. May this bring us closer as friends, and closer to The Lord as human beings.
Aloha kaua, Ted.

PARTICULARS
The estimated cost for this journey will be approximately $8,000.00. So obviously, we are going to need some help. I have devised some clever means to offset the cost by somewhere around 25%. These expenses include:

Airfare: One way from Molokai to Yorktown, Virginia, $750.00 per person.
One way from Astoria, Oregon to Molokai, $550.00 per person.

Bike: We decided on our mountain bikes for this trip. This will cut down on our out of pocket expenses. Retrofitting these bikes will cost approximately $300.00 to $400.00 per bike instead of the $1500.00 for a specific touring bike and set up, the later would have put us over our budget.

Trailer: A towable bike trailer and a lockable, waterproof storage allow for tti e ability to carry the extra necessities to sustain such a long and vigorous endeavor. $400.00 ea.

Fedex: Shipment of bikes, trailers, etc, $400.00 each way$800.00 per person.

Lodging: There will be a total of 17 to 20 nights in some sort of hostel. These include a two-day set-up and staging stay in Yorktown, Virginia One night a week on the road (13 nights) for a good nights rest, hot shower, sit down meals, laundry, and restocking of supplies, etc. In addition, there will be two days in Astoria, Oregon for packing and shipping of equipment back home. $1000.00 per person,

Food: This kind of work out requires plenty of calories. We will be burning 6000 to 7000 calories a day, fueling four times a day plus energy snacks and liquids. $2000 ea.

Car rental or Taxi: We have no choice. On a couple of occasions or more, we will require some sort of transportation to get to our equipment, and again once we ship our equipment back. $200.00.

Gear: Special gear will need to be obtained to make this a safe and enjoyable trip. Some of these include Lightweight technical clothing, we will encounter temperatures of below freezing in the high country, to near 100 degrees m the low lying flat land. There will be thunder storms, tornados, and I understand hail storms arc common in the summer months in the mid-west.

Specialized compact, lightweight camping equipment. Such as tents, sleeping bag, cooking utensils, etc. Personal defense apparatus for protection against dogs, bears and other unwanted threats. Well stocked first aid kit, maps, GPS, Personal locating device, travel insurance, lap top computer, etc. $2000.00 ea.

Misc. Expenses: These include toll fees, camping, park entry, and all other applicable fees. $200.00 to $300.00.

And that is how we came about the $8000.00 total cost. As you can see, there is no allowance for personal effects. These costs are based only on the necessities to complete this trip in a reasonable and safe manor, Although not a planned expenditure, emergencies are a possibility, cost will vary. Obviously, a lot of home woi k went into planning this.

COST DEFERANCE
Of course, there are a number of ways that one can defer the cost of individual expenses. Here are a few we are looking in to. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Aluminum can collecting at 5 cents each, I estimate a possible income of at
least $100.00
2. Yard sale: I have as much stuff lying around not being used as the rest of
you. A possible income here of at least $200.00 to $300.00.
3. Family: If I beg hard enough, I bet I could get at least $100.00 from each of
um. A possible $400.00 depending on how hard I beg.
4. Services rendered: as a craftsman, there are miscellaneous projects I can do
quite well. A possible $1000.00.
5. Donations: I will not come right out and ask, but I can throw a hint or two,
and some of you will be willing to chip in. A possible $200.00
6. Riding my bike to work: At over $5.00 a gallon of regular, this could be the
biggest deference of them all. A possible $25.00 a week.
There are other ways of generating income. I already have $6000.00 set aside as of the writing of this letter. If I can defer the cost beyond what we need, w: would be more than willing to pledge miles ourselves.

Thank you for considering to help in any way you can.

Aloha kaua, Ted and Lisa

For fundraising information, or to donate to Ted and Lisa’s trip, contact Ted at 567-9209.

Water Protection at the Forefront

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Department of Water Supply suggests plan to protect Molokai’s groundwater sources.

By Catherine Cluett

Water is a topic of concern for most people on Molokai. For some, the concern lies in the soaring costs of opening their faucets. Scarcity of this valuable resource is a worry for others. For the Department of Water Supply (DWS), one of the biggest concerns at this time is protection of Maui County’s groundwater for safe consumption.

During a meeting last Thursday of the Molokai Water Advisory Committee, the DWS presented the Wellhead Protection Strategy. “Source protection is not required by law,” emphasized DWS planner Marti Buckner. “It’s going to take you to protect it.”

The Wellhead Protection program requires public involvement to move forward. “The process has not yet started on Molokai because there has been no public process,” adds Buckner.