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Kalaupapa Trail Repair Lingering

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

A footbridge damaged by a mudslide on the Kalaupapa pali trail two weeks ago could take up to three months to be permanently fixed – causing further disruption to the settlement’s tourism industry.

While switchback bridge No. 3 has been temporarily repaired to provide emergency access for residents and employees, it will remain closed to visitors, hikers and mule rides until a permanent bridge is erected, said National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent Steve Prokop.

“We’re working really quickly on getting the permanent bridge installed,” Prokop said. “[It will take] about three months, hopefully less.”

NPS closed the trail April 13 after the partially-collapsed bridge was discovered by hikers and rangers.

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All Lit Up

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

All Lit Up

When it comes to ambitious goals, the dynamic force of the Molokai community and Blue Planet Foundation outshine the rest – literally.

Since launching the “Go Green and Carbon Clean” project three weeks ago, over 4,500 bulbs have been exchanged through schools, businesses and organizations on Molokai.

Island-wide, residents have brought in garbage bags full of their old, incandescent bulbs for new, energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) purchased by Blue Planet Foundation.

Kim Svetin, president of Molokai Drugs, said her business has distributed over 1,780 bulbs through Kamoi Snack-N-Go thus far, and is still going strong.

“The first week we had someone bring 44 bulbs [to exchange],” she said. “And just a couple days ago we had someone bring in 51 bulbs.”

each market day was set up to be purely an informational table with eight to 10 kids,” Svetin said. But, to no surprise, the booths have attracted a plethora of bulb exchangers, as well. On average, the kids have been exchanging roughly 225 bulbs each market day – totaling over 600 bulbs in the last three Saturdays.

Of the 44,000 bulbs shipped to Kaunakakai Wharf on March 25, 14,000 reside at various distribution points while the rest are being stored for future exchange.

Francois Rogers, Special Projects Director at Blue Planet, said he is pleased with the initial dispersal numbers and hopes to see it grow to 100 percent over the next few months.

The team’s next goal is to develop a plan to visit neighborhoods – possibly door-to-door – in higher, less-accessible areas for bulb exchange. Some church groups and other organizations are gathering volunteers to mobilize the process.

Phased Out
Molokai’s newly-established campaign for energy efficiency came at an opportune time. Incandescent bulbs will slowly be weeded out of the U.S. market under a 2007 energy law approved by Congress.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 aims to phase out the use of incandescent bulbs within 10 years – meaning such bulbs will no longer be available for purchase beginning in 2012.

Besides altering the way Americans light their homes, the legislation will also change the cars they drive, fuel they burn and the price they pay for food.

The measure is intended to set higher fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks; require the production of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022; and establish new efficiency requirements for household appliances and government buildings.

For more information on the measure visit www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-6.

Don’t Be a Dinosaur
Aka`ula School supports compact florescent lightbulbs, or CFLs. On Friday, April 16, students Kori-Lee Derouin, Kala Helm, Luke Kikukawa, and Tanner Mosher were found at Home Pumehana for the 2010 Senior Fair, promoting the energy-efficient light bulbs.

By ‘going green,’ the innovative students used their creative talents and built “Savasaur the Dinosaur” by recycling old light bulbs that were turned in by families in the community.

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Katchafire Heats It Up

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Katchafire Heats It Up

When the Molokai Dispatch got wind that the guys from Katchafire were coming to spread their musical flavor on the Friendly Isle, we couldn’t help but jump on the bandwagon.

Deeply rooted from New Zealand, the band took to the stage their exceptional vocals, talented writing and sensual depth last Thursday at Paddlers Inn. Katchafire’s extreme energy was matched by the intensity of the massive crowd, who discovered that where there is smoke, there is definitely fire.

put in Slow Burning, the name of our second album. Our original lead singer was Gerry and so the first one we pulled out was Gerry and the Pacemakers or something silly like that, and we just laughed that off. Another was Black Fern but that didn’t make the cut and Katchafire was third.

MD: Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Katchafire: Still together, still jamming out. Hopefully bigger and better, but not too big that we don’t come back to Molokai. We could never be too big for that.

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Kalaupapa Trail Closed

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Kalaupapa Trail Closed

Access by foot and hoof to Kalaupapa has been temporarily cut off, after a mudslide caused extensive damage to a bridge on the pali trail leading to the settlement.

On April 13, the National Park Service (NPS) closed the trail to all visitors and mule rides until repairs are made – which could take up to several weeks. In the meantime, Kalaupapa remains accessible by plane or boat.

“The highest priority of the NPS is the design of a new bridge and to get it constructed as soon as possible,” said Stephen Prokop, NPS superintendent. Structural engineers were brought in to assess the situation last week, while workers scrambled to make temporary repairs for an emergency access route.

Park officials attributed the wiped-out section – switchback bridge No. 3 – of the trail to a week of heavy rains. Prokop said the bridge itself, only a few hundred yards from the top of the steep, narrow trail, was in sound condition. The loose soils that support it, however, are highly susceptible to slippage, and severed access to the Hansen’s Disease settlement.

got to eat, I got to pay rent and insurance. That money comes from our profit.”

Despite the inconvenience, Horner is still booking charter air flights for visitors four days a week, and continues to work closely with Gloria Marks, owner of Damien Tours, to keep the guided bus tours up and running.

Currently, round-trip charter flights, provided by Pacific Wings, from topside Molokai to Kalaupapa are around $500, a considerable increase from the previous $100 rates.

Marks added it’s “really tough” on everyone, especially with unaffordable airfare.

“It makes things kind of rough,” she said.  “If there are no more tourists, then the workers won’t get paid.”

Amid unfavorable circumstances, Prokop is optimistic the tours will wade through the next few weeks and keep the demand going.

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Kualapu`u Center Expands

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

Kualapu`u Center Expands

Upcountry Fast Stop, a new convenience store, opened its doors Friday at Kualapu`u Center, offering the community an array of goods and services.

As its name implies, the store is for patrons who need to make a quick pit-stop to grab a few grocery items, snacks or utilize their various services.



Services include Internet with printer, fax, copy machine, scanner, and an ATM. Upcountry plans on charging customers eight cents a minute for the Internet, 18 cents for copies and scanning, and $1.50 for the first page of a fax and 50 cents thereafter.

Goods offered are various microwavable and frozen foods, snacks, household items and baby supplies.

The Upcountry Fast Stop group says it’s a positive addition to the community, which didn’t have a business center or ATM until now. Prior to its opening, Kualapu`u residents had to utilize the schools for Internet and other computer needs.

Also coming soon will be a neighboring laundry mat managed by the Upcountry staff, and is currently in its permitting phase. Upcountry is anticipating another two months before the laundry mat opens, while its infrastructure is modified for water use.

Upcountry Fast Stop will be open seven days a week; Mon. thru Fri. from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change.

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Boys’ Volleyball Revitalized

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Boys’ Volleyball Revitalized

The Molokai High School boys’ volleyball team went into this weekend’s game humbled from last week’s defeats, and came out victorious. On Friday, Kawaiola Kalipi recorded 31 assists and six aces as the Farmers swept Lanai, 3-0, in their first victory of the season.      

On Saturday at The Barn, the team finished what it started, with another 3-0 victory over the Pine Lads. Haaheo Falealii shelled out 16 kills.

“They came around and improved a lot [since playing Seabury Hall],” Coach Bill Dudoit said. “It was the overall teamwork. They’re becoming more well-rounded.”

The Farmers, who improved to 2-1, took Lanai in all three sets on Friday – winning 25-19, 25-21, 25-22. Falealii led Molokai with 15 kills, followed by Julien Bumatay and Claude Kapuni each adding six kills to the score board.

program,” Dudoit said. “They were eighth in State last year.”

The Farmers will host Hana on April 23 and 24.

Baseball
Last weekend, Molokai High School’s baseball team succumbed to the hitting prowess of St. Anthony High School, who defeated the Farmers in a triple-game series at Maehara Stadium on Maui.

The Trojans swept the Farmers with a 10-3 victory on Friday night, and a double-header win on Saturday – defeating Molokai 13-5 in the first game, and 12-2 in the second.

St. Anthony jump started Friday night’s game, scoring five runs in the first inning and two in the second, holding the Farmers to only eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Saturday’s double-header saw the tough Trojans steal the opener, and close out the day by earning a six-inning victory, limiting the Farmers to five hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.

The Farmers fell 2-4 in their nine-game regular season. Coaches were unavailable for comment.

The baseball team will host Seabury Hall in its first home-game series April 16 and 17.

Track & Field
Molokai’s track and field team brought home one third place, and a few personal bests from last weekend's track meet at War Memorial Stadium on Maui.

Senior Kaili Levi earned himself the third place spot in shot put, throwing 42 feet. He also received a personal best of 113’7” in discus, putting him at seventh place.

Other highlights of the meet include Akona Adolpho’s fourth place in the boys’ 1500 meter race with a time of 4:49 – a personal best – and Hunter Pawn-Kalilikane, who earned sixth place in the boys’ 100 meter dash with a time of 12.49.

Coach Jesse Ford said the team has reached the point of the season where fatigue has begun to settle in, so racing at this point is crucial to enhance their athletic development.

“You find out who you really are, where you really are at when you race like that,” she said.

Ford added that the team did well to stay in the mix and is on target to start resting for maximum performance in the Maui Interscholastic League Championships April 30 through May 1 at the War Memorial Stadium.

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Happy Planting

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Happy Planting

As spring beckons, so does the aroma of fresh produce. Last Thursday, keiki rolled up their sleeves and dirtied their knees while picking some fresh veggies, fruits, herbs and spices at Kumu Farms.



“We want to educate and inspire other farmers and people,” she said. “Today, we’re showing the kids how to plant and harvest, and get more in touch with the soil.”

For Earth Day, Kumu Farms will be hosting a kapuna day on April 22, filled with much of the same activities.

“We’re starting young and then working our way to the kapuna for Earth month,” Vinciguerra said. “We’ve gone from the future to the past.”

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Defeated Farmers Look Forward

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Defeated Farmers Look Forward

The Molokai High School boys’ volleyball team opened its season with three aggressive sets but fell short as a tough Seabury Hall took triple wins – 25-8, 25-13, 25-12 – in Friday night’s game.

Although the Farmers played their first game at home with a heap of cheering fans, Seabury’s relentless efforts showed no mercy on Molokai.

“Tonight showed our inexperience,” said Molokai coach Bill Dudoit. “We have a lot of youth on our team.”

Dudoit said Seabury was a polished team – the one to beat – but that the Farmers still hold promise for this season.

“It was out first game and a definite eye-opener,” Dudoit said. “We got to work on our overall game, serving and transitions, and know the importance of offense and defense.”

Dudoit expects a better game next week when the boys face off with Lanai on April 9 and 10 at The Barn.

walked for their win.”

During Thursday’s second game at Hana Ball Park, Molokai’s second basemen sprained her ankle, forcing the Lady Farmers to finish the game with only eight players.

Hana High School came out fierce again on Friday limiting Molokai to only three points. Dudoit-English and Larriley Rawlins each doubled for the Farmers. Rawlins finished 2 for 4 and scored a run.

Augustiro is expecting some good competition when Seabury comes to town April 16 and 17, and says the girls just need to do a little homework.

“They just need to play hard, play their best,” she said.

Tennis
The girls’ and boys’ tennis team played two teams this weekend in Maui, which yielded some mixed results.

On Friday, the boys were defeated by Lahainaluna 3-1 at the War Memorial Courts, while the girls also lost against Lahainaluna, 5-0, at the Lahaina Civic Center courts. Mason Horner fought hard for the boys (and earned them one point) but came up short to Wasseem Bel at No. 2 singles. Horner was defeated 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

On Saturday, the St. Anthony High School girls’ tennis team swept the Lady Farmers, 5-0, at the War Memorial Courts, while the Molokai boys succumbed to a 3-2 defeat.

St. Anthony’s Scott Dahlquist and Myles Gregory defeated Molokai’s Herbert Antolin and Kaipoi Kondo 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, and later St. Anthony’s Aaron Hirayama and Chris Redeker won by default at No. 2 doubles.

Although Coach Stacey Horner did not travel with the team this weekend, he said they still did fairly well.

“There were some challenging matches,” Horner said. “Mason Horner won his first match and said it was the longest one he ever played. He fought hard.”

Horner said his players felt the heat not only on the court, but in the air.

“It was really humid over there,” he said. “It was tough on them, very grueling.”

The tennis team will be competing in the East-West playoffs and team final on April 16 and 17.

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A Glimpse of Hope

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

A Glimpse of Hope

It's a sight no one wants to see – somber expressions of orphaned children, families bereaved by the loss of loved ones, hospital halls strewn with bodies in need of medical assistance, mass destruction of not only a city or country, but of an entire people. 

“It's a little overwhelming,” said Randy Manley, pastor of Molokai Baptist Church. “There's so much destruction – I guess a part of it is this sense of ‘where do I begin?’”

highlighted, it’s underscored.

“Haiti needs a lot of prayer, and that’s something we all can be involved in.”

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Community Work Day Program Starts Battery Recycling Program

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Community Work Day News Release

Kicking off the annual Great American Cleanup in Maui County is the Community Work Day Program (CWD), launching a county-wide household battery recycling program.  Fifteen local businesses have partnered on this program to be drop-off sites to recycle household batteries on the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai. 

CWD will be distributing several “Big Green Box” battery receptacles to participating stores and will handle pickup and shipping of the batteries to the mainland for processing.  The “Big Green Box” program offers an easy way for consumers to care for the environment.  Used household batteries on Molokai can be dropped off at Misaki's.

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