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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

A Visit from the Whales

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

A Visit from the Whales

Community Contributed

By Monika Mira

Two enormous inflatable whales visited several Molokai preschools after “migrating” all the way from Kauai. The visit was part of program offered by the Storybook Theatre of Hawaii as a way to let children get up close and personal with Pacific Humpback Whales. The pair of whales was created in 1997 by renowned artist Evelyn Roth of Festival Arts in Australia, and has been used to educate thousands of children about Pacific Humpback Whales.

This year, Mark Jeffers of Storybook Theatre toured with the whales, visiting nearly 30 schools and reaching more than 1600 preschoolers, as well as their parents and teachers.…

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A Plan to Malama Our Resources

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Molokai’s ocean resources are fragile, and many say they’re rapidly disappearing. In a statewide effort to preserve and better manage coastline and watershed areas, the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) is being updated from the existing version, last updated in 2006. The plan represents an inter-agency effort to coordinate county, state and federal actions, facilitated by the state Department of Planning Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program.

Along with setting up collaborative management framework for different agencies to work together, the plan also fosters community stewardship and cooperation between the community and the managing agencies, said Leo Asuncion, CZM planning program manager.…

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Tech Show Success

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Tech Show Success

Community Contributed

By Catherine Aki

The first annual Tech Show at Kualapu`u School was a success for everyone. The families of 35 students and a total of 142 people attended to view video projects and watched as students received awards. The awards were given out based upon peer review. Students created and choose the best projects based upon a rubric that evaluates their use of pictures, voice narrations, timing, use of music, titles with transitions and organization. They began these projects at the beginning of the year. This year we were able to set up enough computers so that students could show their parents their projects.…

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MHS Freshman to Box in Jr. Olympic Nationals

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

MHS Freshman to Box in Jr. Olympic Nationals

Molokai Southside Boxing Club News Release

Amateur Boxing of Hawaii held its Junior Olympics Regional Competition on Oahu on May 19 and 20. Molokai High School freshman Hunter Manaba entered the competition and was unopposed in his 136 pound weight class. To qualify for the Junior Olympics, fighters must have at least five sanctioned bouts. Hunter earned a spot on the Hawaii Boxing Team comprised of seven 15 to 16 year olds: Kristopher Alcos-Kaua`i, Jaybrio Pebenito, Cole and Colt Dante, Kekoa Balasi, Lexus-Keanu Maduli-Pagampao, all of Oahu, and Hunter Manaba of Molokai. The team will be traveling to Mobile, Alabama in June to represent the state of Hawaii in the 2012 Junior Olympics National Championships.…

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Contended Short-Term Rental Law Passed

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

A bill was signed into law last week that establishes new regulations for short-term rentals, also known as transient vacation rentals, in Maui County. This move aims to address ongoing concerns, particularly on Molokai, where the scarcity of accommodations has led many homeowners to rent their houses on a short-term basis despite previous prohibitions. Platforms like HousingMatchers for rentals can play a positive role in helping homeowners and renters navigate these new regulations while ensuring compliance and providing safe, reliable options for visitors.

The new law was approved by the Maui County Council and signed by Mayor Alan Arakawa last week.…

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Miss Rodeo Runner-Up

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Miss Rodeo Runner-Up

Community Contributed

by Lu Ann Mahiki Lankford-Faborito, National Director, Miss Rodeo America, Inc.

Ho`omaika`i to Miss Cheyanne Keliihoomalu of Maunaloa, Molokai, (right) for placing runner-up in the Miss Rodeo Hawaii 2012 event. Judges dinner was hosted at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Horsemanship and coronation at DK Ranch Waimanalo, Oahu. We are very proud of Cheyanne and our new Miss Rodeo Hawaii Macey Loando of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

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Drug Trafficker Arrested on Molokai

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

Spice, incense substances now illegal in Hawaii

Bulgarian national Alexander Dimov, age 33, was arrested on Molokai two weeks ago under federal charges of manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2, Spice or incense. Dimov was one of four indicted around the U.S. in an international conspiracy for trafficking designer drugs. Dimov appeared in federal court in Honolulu before he was transported to Oregon.

According to a Department of Justice press release, the defendants mixed chemical compounds with herbal exacts, and marketed the products on the Internet. They are alleged to have purchased dozens of domain names, such as “k2drugs.com”…

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Electric Rates to Increase June 1

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

A coming rate increase for Maui Electric Company (MECO) customers will mean a 3.16 percent increase for ratepayers in Maui County. That means a typical Molokai household using 400 kilowatt hours of electricity per month will pay an extra $5.25 on their monthly bill, for a total of about $193.

The interim rate increase was approved last week by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The rate increase is effective June 1.

Originally in July 2011, MECO filed for a 6.7 percent increase, but months of review and discussions with the state Division of Consumer Advocacy culminated in this interim agreement.…

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Sharing the Gift of Sight

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Sharing the Gift of Sight

Hawaiian Eye Foundation spreads its mission

In Hue, Vietnam last month, groups could be seen each gathered around microscopes in a lab. The groups were comprised of one Vietnamese eye doctor, one training specialist, and a translator. As the local doctors learned hands-on about cataract surgery from some of the world’s leading ophthalmologists, they huddled around rather nonpoetic specimens: pigs’ eyes.

The eyes were delivered on trays carried by two Molokai volunteers – pre-med student Kamahele Chow and Molokai resident Scott Shelton. They were part of a week-long Vietnam training conference conducted by the Hawaiian Eye Foundation. The foundation, led by Molokai resident Dr.…

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Sports Spotlight

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Sports Spotlight

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Eight Molokai student-athletes were selected as Sports Spotlight athletes, sponsored by Honolulu-based franchise Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. The recognition honors one noteworthy male and female each week from Maui County high schools. This year, Molokai High students Natalia Levi, James Corpuz, Akona Adolpho, Mikayla Pico, Kailen Inouye, Solomon Maliu III, Kayla Matson and Moriah Jenkins were honored. On May 14, these students attended a banquet at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center to recognize the Sports Spotlight athletes in Maui County.

“Student-athletes selected demonstrate excellence in academics as well as athletics and are positive leaders and role models on our campus,” said MHS athletics director Camie Kimball.…

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