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Stan the Man

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Stan the Man

While Molokai High School freshmen have a lot of new faces to learn, this year the whole school met the new guy in charge.

Veteran educator Stanford Hao made it through a sea of applicants to take over as principal of the high school this year. His appointment came as no surprise given his extensive educational background and previous experience with Molokai High School (MHS).

In 1985, he began his teaching career at Molokai High and Intermediate School as a social studies teacher. In addition, Hao served as the adult school principal for two years and taught at Ka Papa Honua O Keawanui, a Kamehameha Schools alternative learning center, located on Molokai’s east end. Returning from the Big Island, Hao plans to build on the success of past principals and restore the importance of academics in his new role.



“Our community is passionate about athletics,” Hao said. “We need to have the same type of passion about academics.”

Hao said he wants to make parents and students aware of the validity of the Hawaii State Assessment exams and why they are taken every year. Data showed that MHS did not meet state benchmarks due to poor assessment scores last school year. Hao said he has already shared this data with students in their opening assembly and at the parent and student athlete meeting held this past week.

“I want our parents to understand that our children should be students first and athletes second,” he stressed. “If showing achievement data at halftime is a way to inform our community and get their assistance and support, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Among his goals for the school, Hao would like to re-establish an agriculture program. Hao said he plans to work with higher education and local agriculture businesses to provide MHS students with knowledge in agriculture as well as current techniques in hydroponics and aquaponics.

“We’re the Molokai High School Farmers,” he said. “We’re the Farmers of land and sea, but we currently don’t have an agriculture program.”

Hao said he hopes to give MHS students the opportunity to learn “agribusiness” so future farmers can stay on Molokai and keep the revenue within the state.

“Molokai will be the bread basket to the state of Hawaii,” he added.

Reconnected
Hao has been a product of the Hawaii Public School system since his teen years. After graduating from Aiea High School on Oahu, Hao attended Leeward Community College and University of Hawaii – Manoa. Following his teaching stints on Molokai, Hao headed for the mainland where he taught in California and Utah, as well as coached wrestling and a state championship football team.

He returned some years later to the Big Island, where he donned multiple hats in the education system including teacher, sports coach, vice principal and principal.

“I believe my professional experiences abroad have provided me with a vision that is broad, but can be accommodating to the community’s desire to protect the Molokai lifestyle,” he said.

While his experiences have guided him all over the nation, Hao said he is excited to be back where he first started.

“I feel humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to lead Molokai High at this time,” he said.

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iPlayers

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

iPlayers

said, ‘Grams, you can’t be caring that around!’” Hoe recalled.

The ease of the iPad means the band can spend more time on the music and less time searching for the right piece of paper.

“Before, we’d lose five minutes of the performance monkeying around for the music,” said guitarist George Benda.

The iPads aren’t the only way the group has gone high tech. Sound Coordinator Bill Perdue set up a Facebook account (or, as Hoe called it, “Facespace”) so friends and family around the country can keep up with Na Ohana Hoaloha.

Hoe said their success with the iPads proves you’re never too old to learn new tricks.

“Can the old and the new, high tech blend together? Yes, we can!” she said.

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Take a Bow

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Take a Bow

The state Board of Education honored six teachers, parents and volunteers for their contributions to Molokai schools at its meeting on-island last Thursday.

Heidi Jenkins, a teacher at Kaunakakai Elementary, and her husband, Greg, were honored for their work organizing the Go Clean Carbon Clean light bulb exchange program, along with Francois Rogers of the Blue Planet Foundation, which sponsored the program. Not only did the program swap 36,000 bulbs for energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs, it taught students the importance of conservation.

Heidi Jenkins thanked everyone who helped with the effort, saying “This is one project that truly everyone on Molokai got involved with.”

Rose Yamada, who has worked at nearly all of the island’s schools in her long career as a teacher, educational specialist and principal, was also honored for her contributions, as was Kimberly Svetin, a parent of two boys at Kaunakakai Elementary whom the board called a “tireless volunteer.” Svetin, president of Molokai Drugs, helps with fundraising, grant writing and organizing field trips to expose kids to science, technology and engineering, including visits to the pharmacy.

Huli Au Ola Area Health Education Center was also recognized for its work with Molokai students. The program exposes them to health education and career opportunities. Executive Director Rosie Davis said the six year-old program is starting to see former students entering health fields.

“It’s working,” she said. “If we focus on our keiki, it can happen.”

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Maunaloa’s Last Lifeline

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Having faced a stream of adversity the past couple years, Maunaloa community members are digging in their heels to try to save their most important remaining asset – their school.

In lieu of shutting down Maunaloa Elementary School entirely, Department of Education Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi recommended the school’s administration be consolidated with Kaunakakai School in an effort to cut down Hawaii’s education budget. Last year, Maunaloa was identified by the state as one of four schools eligible for consolidation and is currently being evaluated by the Board of Education (BOE).

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Molokai Veterans Go to Court

Monday, August 9th, 2010

By Catherine Cluett, Special to the Dispatch

The Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans are taking their building permit woes to court. After trying to build a veterans center for nearly four years, the group decided if an unconditional building permit had not been given by last Friday, they would pursue a lawsuit against the county in federal court. Veterans Commander Larry Helm said no word had been received from county officials, and the suit would be filed sometime this week.

“They give us no alternative; enough is enough,” said Helm. “How much can you get slapped in the face and turn the other cheek?”

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New book challenges U.S. right to Hawaiian Islands

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Reader Contributed

By Keahi Felix

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Same Face, New School

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Same Face, New School

Denise Kelly has seen plenty of new beginnings. After floating around as principal of multiple schools in the last nine years, she has begun a new journey as acting principal of Molokai Middle School (MMS).

Ending last school year in leadership limbo, MMS was able to snag Kelly, former acting principal of Molokai High School, as an interim principal until a new one is hired. Former MMS Principal Gary Zukeran, who started in 2004, retired at the end of the 2009-10 school year.

scores last year,” she said. “I’d like to see that continue.”

While there wasn’t much time for transition or for Kelly to learn about the school, she said one of the concerns she is aware of, and would like to address, is the lack of communication between staff and families.

“It’s important for parents to know how their students are progressing and information about the school in general,” Kelly said. “I want to make sure we remain vigilant with our communication.”

Kelly’s experience with Molokai schools extends back to 2001, when she moved to the Friendly Isle from Phoenix, Ariz. For two years, Kelly taught at Kilohana Elementary, which she later served as acting principal. She has also worked as a District Educational Specialist, overseeing special education at Molokai and Lanai schools, before transitioning into the role of acting principal at MHS for one year. After being replaced by Stanford Ha`o this year, Kelly was able to slide into the vacant spot at MMS.

“I’m glad I’ve been able to stay,” she said. “I really do enjoy working for this community.”

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Praising In The Heart Of Town

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Praising In The Heart Of Town

Community Contributed

By Randy Manley

The moon was aglow and the cool breezes were blowing as hundreds of people gathered at the Kaunakakai Ball Field for the first ever Molokai Summer Praise Concert last Friday evening. The free concert featuring various musical groups from around the island was sponsored by eight Molokai churches as a way of sharing the ministry of music with the island community.

Concert goers filled bleacher seats, reclined on blankets spread on the field, and sat at picnic tables enjoying a mixture of musical styles which included contemporary praise, choir, reggae, and gospel.

While the adults listened to the tunes, the keiki had the opportunity to participate in various games and activities that were designed to keep them entertained and occupied throughout the night.

As the musical smorgasbord was being served from the stage those looking for physical food needed only to follow their noses to the large food tent where musabee, chili and rice, and fresh malasadas were available free of charge.

Adding a special touch to the event was Dawn O’Brien master of ceremonies for the evening. O’Brien, the morning DJ for Christian radio station 95.5 The Fish, entertained the crowd with her quick wit and stories of growing up in the islands as she helped transition between performances.

If you missed the opportunity to attend be assured that the organizers of this event plan to make this an annual affair.

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From the Ground Up

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

From the Ground Up

It takes a village – not to raise a child, in this case – but to build a home.

Molokai Habitat for Humanity’s latest project brought 15 volunteers hailing from the mainland to Ho`olehua as a part of Habitat’s Global Village program. The team was here for 10 days and left early last week, after making substantial headway for a home currently being built for the Kaai `ohana. It is expected to be completed in two months.

Global Village takes people from around the world who want to make a difference in the lives of poverty-stricken families by helping build and restore homes. The program’s ultimate goal is to help end homelessness and create affordable housing.



“I think the best thing about this program is for the ‘volunteer tourist,’ it helps give a real sense of place and deeper experience,” said Emillia Noordhoek, resource development director of Molokai Habitat for Humanity. “They get to learn about the culture and community, too.”
Noordhoek herself will be embarking on a Global Village trip to Egypt in October to build houses in rural areas.

After eight-hour days of hammering, drilling and sawing, the volunteers also found the time to delve into Molokai’s distinct culture by learning hula, hiking through Halawa Valley, canoe paddling and talking story with community members who opened their homes. Kalele Bookstore even hosted a movie night featuring Matt Yamashita’s videos as well as a talk story with Yamashita and Malia Atuagawa on the island’s current issues.

“It was hands-down the best experience,” said Julie Anne Black, a Global Village team leader. “The way we were greeted and taken care of – everyone treated us like family.”

During last week’s mahalo party for the group, Black stood up in tears, thanking the community for the love and hospitality. “Molokai will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.

Lani Brandon, also of the Global Village team, traveled all the way from New York to take part in an experience she called “life changing.”

“To be able to work this close with such a special family was the most amazing part,” she said.

Noordhoek said the team exceeded its goal, completing the construction of the walls, siding and frame of the house.

“They were an amazing group to work with,” she added. “It was as gratifying for them as it was for us.”

Molokai’s Habitat for Humanity division has offered to take in Global Village teams every six to eight weeks to gain speed with its efforts. The next team is expected to arrive in December, with two more teams scheduled for the beginning of next year.

About Molokai Habitat
Habitat for Humanity is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build affordable homes for low-income families around the world. Molokai became an affiliate in 1998 and is the only branch to serve poverty-stricken families on the island.

Last winter, Noordhoek met with state Senator Dan Inouye through an advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., and requested funds for the habitat program. As a result of the meeting, Inouye allocated $400,000 for Molokai Habitat affordable housing projects this year.

“This money will go a long way to help us build homes,” she said. 

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Aunty’s Corner

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Aunty’s Corner

Aloha, Aunty here again. Election times are coming up with the primary in September. There are sure a lot of candidates running. I’ve been calling all of them and have been talking with interesting people.

Abby and I went to the blessing of E. Mo’omomi Road.  We sat with the Alu Like kupuna while they tuned up and practiced their mele.  We then walked over to the tent and listened to the music and the speakers. The MC was Bob Hall.  Poor Mr. Hall, I went up to him and said we might be related because I had an Uncle Bob Hall. He was very gracious and laughed.  I’ll bet he thought I was really off.  I got a kiss from the Lt. Governor but then he kissed all the ladies. I’ll bet its more fun then kissing all the babies.

I had to go to Honolulu for a doctor’s appointment and went a day early to stay with my cousin. I saw Knight and Day with her and her office.  So funny, but then I don’t get to go to movies very often so I really liked it.  I’m not a Tom Cruise fan though. He looks like he’s had too many face lifts.  The young ladies here in the Dispatch didn’t like it.  After the movie we went to Becu di Becco.  I’ve never seen so much food in my life!  They had to take home at least 20 boxes of leftovers, really. It was embarrassing to go to the doctor’s office and be weighed in only to be told I’d gained.  Well, duh, but then she didn’t know about all the food.  While in Honolulu we went to mass at the sweetest church, St. Peters and St. Paul. They had a piano player, stand up bass, ukulele, flautist (flute player), trumpet player and singers. They’ve even have made a cd of their music.

Have you seen the great water fall at the bend in the road going to the east end where the ranch is?  I think it’s the three sisters.  So beautiful I bet that if you could go to the bottom of the fall the ground would be shaking.  We’ve been having some of the most unusual rainbows over the hills looking east from town.  Instead of the arch they are flat like a curtain. I could watch them for hours. I wish I knew the correct chant for rain so I could ask the rain goddess for help with our drought.  The clouds just come over and tease us and then they disappear.  Don’t worry, I won’t do a chant unless I had studied for years before and I have not. I’m just a beginner of things Hawaiian.  My sister started me on my path 35 years ago. 

I thought that I’d be able to have the Hui at Home Pumehana have a bingo fund raising event but was told that it is illegal in Hawaii. So we’re back to the drawing board to raise funds. I was reading in the AARP newsletter that Tony Fisher of the Maui Chapter is interested in coming over to Molokai for the CarFit program.  This program helps you adjust your car for the safest way to drive.  He also wants to come early to offer the Driving Safety Class.  I highly recommend you take this class; I saved a lot of money on my car insurance. It usually costs $20. Also here are recycling tips from AARP that I thought were really good: if you have a water bottle with some left in it use is for your plants or steam iron or car windshield wiper, and keep a fork and a coffee cup in your cloth bag to use instead of foam cups and plastic forks. Also, be sure to bring your cloth bag to the grocery store to save on plastic bags.  If you’ve ever driven from Lahaina to Kahului you’ll notice the tree that has all plastic bags stuck on it. It’s just awful.

Aloha to all the ‘ohana that have lost loved ones this month.  I send you my aloha and prayers.  I think of you often even though I don’t know most of you.  It is so hard to lose a loved one I know. 

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana Aunty Kapua

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