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Author Archives: Catherine Cluett Pactol

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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Backyard Poultry Production Workshop

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

UH Molokai Extension Service News Release

Do you have poultry and ever wondered why they aren’t laying eggs, or why their eggs’ shells are thin? Ever wondered about raising them on pasture? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, this may be the workshop for you.

The Hawaiian Home Lands Agriculture Education Program will hold a Backyard Poultry Production Workshop on Wednesday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm/MCC Farm (next to Kumu Farms). The workshop is geared toward backyard poultry production on the homestead.…

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Energy Assistance Available in June

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

MEO Molokai News Release

Low income families who need a helping hand paying their energy bills have a chance to get assistance next month. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program through Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) that assists low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The program is available only once a year in June.

Applications on Molokai will be accepted June 1 through June 30 only. Eligible residents can qualify for either electric or gas payment assistance, or energy crisis intervention.

To apply, you will need to bring the following documents to the office: photo ID, most current gas or electric bill, proof of residence, social security number verification, proof of age for household members 60 and older and 5 years and younger, proof of income, and proof of assets.…

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Help Develop the Historic Preservation Plan

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is holding community meetings statewide in May on all islands to provide opportunity for public input on the development of the State Historic Preservation Plan for the next five years. The meeting on Molokai will be held on May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Molokai High School Cafeteria.

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawaii’s citizens and visitors.”…

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May Day 2012

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

May Day 2012

May Day, known as Lei Day in Hawaii, is celebrated annually by Molokai schools. Every school features a May Day court of student representatives of every island, wearing the colors symbolic of each.  Here are a selection of photos from the various celebrations.…

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Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Community Contributed

By Boki Chung

Thanks to the generous donation made by Maui Lodging and Hotel Association (MLHA), Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) dental department was able purchase a new nitrous oxide system (laughing gas). This will allow us to see even more patients, and refer fewer cases off-island.

Nitrous oxide can help make you comfortable during certain dental procedures. Inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen to help you relax. You will breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you start to feel calm. You may feel light headed or a tingling in your arms and legs.…

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Maui County Gets Natural Disaster Designation

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

USDA News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County and Kalawao County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by a an ongoing drought that began January 1, 2012, and continues.

“Assistance at this point and time is critically important for producers in Hawaii, especially in helping them keep their farmland healthy for the remainder of the year,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I realize that during this time of disaster, federal assistance will be needed until conditions improve and farmers strive to recover from their losses.”

All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.…

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Molokai Ranch: New Leadership, Fresh Perspectives

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

New leadership at Molokai Ranch hopes to get a fresh start with the community as they bring sustainability to the forefront and develop and share their ideas for the island.

Former Castle & Cooke director of engineering and development Clay Rumbaoa took over as Molokai Ranch executive director from Peter Nicholas in November 2011. Now, Nancy Schmicker has taken the position of new Ranch Project Manager, and together, Schmicker said they hope to turn over a new leaf for Molokai Ranch and the community.

“Doing what’s right in the community is a huge part of our approach,” she said, after a visit to the island two weeks ago.…

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