Author Archives:

Damien Canonization and the Visitor Experience

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

By Catherine Cluett

“We all have a mutual interest in the canonization of Father Damien,” said County Council Chair and Molokai representative Danny Mateo at a Damien planning meeting last Wednesday. “Our mutual interest is the survival of Molokai. It’s not a catholic thing, it’s a people thing, and we need to come together in this planning process.”

Over two dozen individuals of varying professions from visitor services, to National Parks, to the Catholic Parish, did just that. They came together to share ideas about how Molokai can both give and receive in this unique opportunity of sainthood, and honor what Father Damien worked so hard to achieve.

Regulation
Some people may see the event as a way to boost their business’ revenue; for others, the prospect may bring fears about cheapening their identity and culture. Most committee members agree that regulation is the key to finding balance between these extremes. The group brainstormed and discussed ways in which both Kalaupapa and topside Molokai can best manage and regulate the influx of visitors to the island in the coming months.

Residents of Kalaupapa get top priority. Zhantel Dudoit of the Molokai Responsible Tourism Initiative expressed concern about the ability to regulate businesses that want to operate on the peninsula. She also mentioned the probability of undesirable concessions as the area opens up potentially new places to do business.

“Patients have first right of refusal for concession,” says Steve Prokop, Supervisor of Kalaupapa National Historic Park. He says the law protects honoring patients’ wishes, and after that, people of Hawaiian ancestry have the next priority.  Prokop added that the Parks Department can also accept or reject any proposals.

“As long as patients are living, they have the final say,” says Gloria Marks, owner of Damien Tours and a Kalaupapa resident.

“What about helicopter tours flying into Kalaupapa?” asked Cheryl Corbielle of the Molokai Responsible Tourism Initiative. “The airport is public,” she said. “Is anything stopping them?” 

Jennifer Cerny of Kalaupapa National Historic Park had the answers. “The helicopter service that had been trying to get permission to operate out of Kalaupapa pulled out, thanks to support from topside Molokai,” she said.  There is a buffer zone, she explained, that prohibits air traffic without special permission to operate in the area. The zone encompasses the peninsula from the land boundary of the cliffs to three quarters of a mile into the ocean. “But there are no laws to guarantee helicopter companies won’t try to come back in the future,” she added.

The way in which visitor packages are structured is another method of regulation, suggested Terryl Vencl of the Maui Visitors Bureau. “You have an opportunity to control your destiny if you make up appropriate packages,” she said. “We don’t want it to be so difficult that it will chase them away, but we need to continue close management.”

Committee members also identified the need to compile a complete collection of the rules and regulations regarding Kalaupapa. “I think people will find there are more hoops to jump through than they expect, said Judy Bittenbenseem. “There are a lot procedures for Kalaupapa. People need to plan in advance.” 

Organization
What good does a coconut tree do if you can’t reach the coconuts? There is a similar problem currently with the organization, or lack of it, of Molokai services and businesses. The island has all the resources it needs to provide a rich visitor experience. All that’s missing is the link between them that would make them accessible and usable to visitors.

“We need to create a special website,” said Dayna Harris of Swenson Real Estate. The website would feature a complete collection of all necessary information, including lodging, food, activities, and Kalaupapa information, all in a use-friendly format.

“Yes, but we need not only a website, but also centralized organization for tourism-related businesses, said Dudoit. “We need to coordinate packages.” She expressed concern that if someone from Molokai doesn’t start a new business that will act as an umbrella organization for the visitor industry as a whole, an outside agency will see the opportunity and take over instead of using local expertise.

“We’re talking about central booking,” explained Bittenbenseem. “In terms of starting a new business, we already have all the resources we need already, we just need to coordinate.”

Mateo stepped in and formed a sub-committee to organize a point of central contact as well as coordinate an inclusive website for the visitor experience of the Damien Canonization. The group will meet separately and present their conclusions to the main group at the next meeting.

Capacity
While Kalaupapa patients have agreed on several occasions to lift the daily visitor cap of 100 people per day for special events, they have chosen so far to leave the 100 person limit for the Father Damien canonization, said Marks.

Airlines are currently also limited in their capacity to fly into Kalaupapa. Mateo said they have communicated to the county that once they begin to receive more calls about flights onto the peninsula, they will increase their flights as needed.

The group has already compiled an inventory of all the island’s resources and their capacities, such as transportation, accommodations, and other visitor services for a more comprehensive look at what we have and what we need.

At present, all visitor permits to enter Kalaupapa are handled by Damien Tours, except those at special invitation of patients or staff. Concerned committee members wondered whether Marks would be able to handle such an increase in demand that will no doubt flow in after the canonization, and likely begin as soon as the date is announced.

“I have email,” Marks explained, “but the problem is, I don’t know how to check it!” she laughed.

“Maybe we just need to figure out how we can be of help to Gloria,” laughed Mateo.

Prokop said on the day of the event, Parks will have 25 to 50 rangers on hand to help, “or whatever it takes,” he said.

Committee members concluded that taking into account the rigor of the hike, the capacity limits of Kalaupapa, and the likelihood that not everyone will plan ahead enough to make it happen, many visitors won’t, and don’t have to, actually make it down to Kalaupapa for a rich visitor experience.

The Visitor Experience
What is the vision of Molokai we want to share with those from far and wide? What do we want them to experience? How do we want them to experience it? Committee members said we have control over the answers to all these questions, even if we don’t have all the answers yet.

Putting together a variety of visitor packages will be key in the process. The development of a Damien experience topside will also offer solutions. “We need to widen visitor experiences to expand on Kalaupapa tours,” said Molokai resident Teri Waros. “What else would make up a visitor experience? Topside Molokai has always had a kuleana to Kalaupapa,” she continued.

Prokop already has ideas. He said the Parks Department has plans to build a trail topside Molokai along the Kalaupapa cliffs, with overlooks and stations to see and learn about Kalawao County without actually making the trek down. “We recognize the need for National Parks presence and connection topside,” he said. They have applied for a $100,000 grant that would cover costs, as well as the hiring of at least one uniformed ranger, or “interpretive specialist,” to add to the visitor experience topside. He also mentioned including a Damien exhibit in the Molokai Museum.

As Bittenbenseem pointed out, people may want different grades of tours, such as just a Father Damien tour topside, or a one-day or two-day experience package. “And if people haven’t planned well, at least they could learn about Damien and Kalaupapa even if they don’t actually get there. This is sacred ground on top too,” she added.

“Kalaupapa and topside need to work together, not overshadowing each other, for the best overall experience,” concluded DeGray Vanderbilt.

For more information about Kalaupapa, visit the Park Department’s existing Kalawao County website at www.nps.gov/kala.

The next Damien Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, location TBA.

Senator Inouye Visits New Science Lab

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

By Catherine Cluett

Those who take interest in science classes at Molokai High School (MHS) were rewarded with the chance of meeting Senator Inouye last Tuesday during the blessing of a new mobile science lab gifted to the school. Students and teachers participating in the program demo-ed the $50,000 equipment and technology for their distinguished guests.

In addition to providing state-of-the-art facilities for exploring the realms of chemistry, physics and biology, the mobile science lab offers students a chance to conduct labs that might otherwise be too dangerous or expensive, says MHS science teacher Lee DeRouin.

When Molokai High and Middle Schools split into separate schools, the science lab facilities remained a part of the Middle School, leaving High School students to walk to the neighboring labs, said MHS Principal Linda Puleloa.

That’s where a program called Hawaii 3R’s comes in. Hawaii 3R’s was established by U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye in 2001 to provide better and safer learning environments for Hawaii Public school students. The three R’s stand for Repair, Remodel, Restore, and the program accomplishes these goals by bringing together outside financial and human resources to perform construction and needed maintenance jobs that would otherwise be delayed by the backlog of the normal State process.

“The Department of Education has a project planned to construct new lab classrooms in Molokai High School, but construction is several years away,” states a press release from Hawaii 3R’s. In light of MHS’s lack of adequate science facilities, Hawaii 3R’s administrators decided to step in.

On the surface, the mobile science lab is nothing to look at. It’s not a spaceship-style contraption or a jungle of pipettes or electrical wires. It’s more of a concept. The curriculum and accompanying technology and materials are what make this lab program so unique. Lessons usually feature slide show presentations projected for the class, and students can follow along on their laptop computers.

Thanks to computer programming, some labs will utilize virtual options like a Bunsen burner on students’ laptops, while others allow students to experience real lab set-ups hands-on.  “This will give students the opportunity to do more experiments than they would even with a normal science lab,” says Stephanie Stanley, a science teacher at the school.

With instant lesson corrections and easy transfer of materials between classrooms, teachers, too, have something to be excited about. The curriculum’s use of laptops allows for classroom collaboration and immediate and effective feedback on coursework.

Teachers can program each lesson with a variety of settings to best serve their students and teaching style. For example, one program feature offers questions on the lesson written in the same style as students would encounter on standardized tests like SAT’s. Students are equipped with remote handheld devices that allow them to select answers anonymously if desired. In addition, the program can provide other test-taking preparations like monitoring which areas each student shows weakness in for additional review.

The mobile lab is funded jointly by Hawaii 3R’s and Kamehameha Schools. “We’re very excited to collaborate with Hawaii 3R’s and the Department of Education on this innovative project,” said Chris Pating, Kamehameha Schools Vice President for Strategic Planning and Implementation. “The science lab provides the students of Molokai with additional educational resources. Kamehameha is proud to serve these haumana and their ohana.”

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to be part of this today,” said Ann Botticelli, Vice President for Community Relations & Communications at Kamehameha Schools. “We are deeply grateful and honored to be able to support what’s going on here at Molokai High School.”

Senator Inouye added a touch of the personal to his remarks, explaining how he and his late wife, Maggie, who had been deeply involved in education, raised about $25 million for school improvements, beginning the Hawaii 3R’s program.

“I must commend you on what you are doing here,” he told MHS students. “One day I expect to greet at least one of you as Doctor,” he said. “Keep up the good work, we’re very proud of you.”

Tad Davis, Department of Defense Deputy Secretary of Environmental Safety and Occupational Health, was another guest at the event. He explained to the “budding scientist” students some of the ways in which the U.S. military is involved in the nation’s push toward sustainable energy and environmental consciousness. These include innovative designs for turning everything “green” – vehicles, buildings, and engineering techniques, to name a few. “We’re finding ways to do more with less,” he said. “As you can tell, I’m pretty enthusiastic when it comes to science for the future.”

Davis was accompanied by several other representatives of the U.S. military, as well as members of the Army Corps of the Engineers.

“I’d venture to say that by the end of the year, these kids will be up front and the teachers will be sitting at the tables,” laughed Puleloa. “This curriculum will prepare kids for the 21st century.”

Colton Manley, Vice President of the Student Body, and Jerome Clemente, Correspondent Secretary, offered the blessing event’s closing words and thanks from MHS students.

After the blessing performed by Molokai resident Anna Lou Arakaki, guests were given a tour of the school’s Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) program. The nation-wide program offers the students of involved schools the opportunity to utilize hardware and software that allows them to explore state of the art technologies that prepare them to be creative thinkers and designers.

EAST is also paired with Women in Technology, another program offered by MHS. Students demonstrated skills such as house design using 3D modeling programs, and GPS mapping programs that allow students to use the highest technology with real-world applications.

The EAST program is also available at the Middle School, and is made possible by a collaboration with the Molokai Chamber of Commerce. Students also design banners, cups, t-shirts that are sold as fundraisers.

“Students in the EAST program are very individually driven and motivated,” says MHS fine arts teacher Perry Buchalter.

“The graduation rate of Molokai High School of over 95% is stunning,” said Senator Inouye. “It shows what community can do. I don’t know of any school on Oahu with a record like that.”
Those who take interest in science classes at Molokai High School (MHS) were rewarded with the chance of meeting Senator Inouye last Tuesday during the blessing of a new mobile science lab gifted to the school. Students and teachers participating in the program demo-ed the $50,000 equipment and technology for their distinguished guests.

In addition to providing state-of-the-art facilities for exploring the realms of chemistry, physics and biology, the mobile science lab offers students a chance to conduct labs that might otherwise be too dangerous or expensive, says MHS science teacher Lee DeRouin.

When Molokai High and Middle Schools split into separate schools, the science lab facilities remained a part of the Middle School, leaving High School students to walk to the neighboring labs, said MHS Principal Linda Puleloa.

That’s where a program called Hawaii 3R’s comes in. Hawaii 3R’s was established by U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye in 2001 to provide better and safer learning environments for Hawaii Public school students. The three R’s stand for Repair, Remodel, Restore, and the program accomplishes these goals by bringing together outside financial and human resources to perform construction and needed maintenance jobs that would otherwise be delayed by the backlog of the normal State process.

“The Department of Education has a project planned to construct new lab classrooms in Molokai High School, but construction is several years away,” states a press release from Hawaii 3R’s. In light of MHS’s lack of adequate science facilities, Hawaii 3R’s administrators decided to step in.

On the surface, the mobile science lab is nothing to look at. It’s not a spaceship-style contraption or a jungle of pipettes or electrical wires. It’s more of a concept. The curriculum and accompanying technology and materials are what make this lab program so unique. Lessons usually feature slide show presentations projected for the class, and students can follow along on their laptop computers.

Thanks to computer programming, some labs will utilize virtual options like a Bunsen burner on students’ laptops, while others allow students to experience real lab set-ups hands-on.  “This will give students the opportunity to do more experiments than they would even with a normal science lab,” says Stephanie Stanley, a science teacher at the school.

With instant lesson corrections and easy transfer of materials between classrooms, teachers, too, have something to be excited about. The curriculum’s use of laptops allows for classroom collaboration and immediate and effective feedback on coursework.

Teachers can program each lesson with a variety of settings to best serve their students and teaching style. For example, one program feature offers questions on the lesson written in the same style as students would encounter on standardized tests like SAT’s. Students are equipped with remote handheld devices that allow them to select answers anonymously if desired. In addition, the program can provide other test-taking preparations like monitoring which areas each student shows weakness in for additional review.

The mobile lab is funded jointly by Hawaii 3R’s and Kamehameha Schools. “We’re very excited to collaborate with Hawaii 3R’s and the Department of Education on this innovative project,” said Chris Pating, Kamehameha Schools Vice President for Strategic Planning and Implementation. “The science lab provides the students of Molokai with additional educational resources. Kamehameha is proud to serve these haumana and their ohana.”

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to be part of this today,” said Ann Botticelli, Vice President for Community Relations & Communications at Kamehameha Schools. “We are deeply grateful and honored to be able to support what’s going on here at Molokai High School.”

Senator Inouye added a touch of the personal to his remarks, explaining how he and his late wife, Maggie, who had been deeply involved in education, raised about $25 million for school improvements, beginning the Hawaii 3R’s program.

“I must commend you on what you are doing here,” he told MHS students. “One day I expect to greet at least one of you as Doctor,” he said. “Keep up the good work, we’re very proud of you.”

Tad Davis, Department of Defense Deputy Secretary of Environmental Safety and Occupational Health, was another guest at the event. He explained to the “budding scientist” students some of the ways in which the U.S. military is involved in the nation’s push toward sustainable energy and environmental consciousness. These include innovative designs for turning everything “green” – vehicles, buildings, and engineering techniques, to name a few. “We’re finding ways to do more with less,” he said. “As you can tell, I’m pretty enthusiastic when it comes to science for the future.”

Davis was accompanied by several other representatives of the U.S. military, as well as members of the Army Corps of the Engineers.

“I’d venture to say that by the end of the year, these kids will be up front and the teachers will be sitting at the tables,” laughed Puleloa. “This curriculum will prepare kids for the 21st century.”

Colton Manley, Vice President of the Student Body, and Jerome Clemente, Correspondent Secretary, offered the blessing event’s closing words and thanks from MHS students.

After the blessing performed by Molokai resident Anna Lou Arakaki, guests were given a tour of the school’s Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) program. The nation-wide program offers the students of involved schools the opportunity to utilize hardware and software that allows them to explore state of the art technologies that prepare them to be creative thinkers and designers.

EAST is also paired with Women in Technology, another program offered by MHS. Students demonstrated skills such as house design using 3D modeling programs, and GPS mapping programs that allow students to use the highest technology with real-world applications.

The EAST program is also available at the Middle School, and is made possible by a collaboration with the Molokai Chamber of Commerce. Students also design banners, cups, t-shirts that are sold as fundraisers.

“Students in the EAST program are very individually driven and motivated,” says MHS fine arts teacher Perry Buchalter.

“The graduation rate of Molokai High School of over 95% is stunning,” said Senator Inouye. “It shows what community can do. I don’t know of any school on Oahu with a record like that.”

Fishing for Memories

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

By Catherine Cluett

A lot happens in 75 years – too much to capture in a 60 minute film. But filmmaker Jim Bryan is volunteering to make it happen. To honor the 75th Anniversary of Molokai High School in 2014, he’ll be producing a DVD with the help of the community to preserve the highlights and honor a history that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s going to be a long process, he says, and organizers in the Molokai community are asking for your help.

“If you don’t fish for it, you’re never going to find it,’ says Bryan. And, he adds, the fishing needs to start now. They’re looking to hook three things: photos, film, and people’s stories.

He’s looking for photos in their original form. Photos from such publications like annuals don’t have as high a quality as the originals. Newspaper archives and community or school photographers are other examples of good sources for photos and other relevant history.

“Talk to anyone you know who had a movie camera,” advises Bryan. He can process old home movies in any form at his film lab, will transfer them to electronic form, and return the original (undamaged) version to its owner. “People rarely throw away things like film reels,” he says. “They’re usually just buried in a box somewhere.”

Bryan is also fishing for people who are willing to talk about their memories and experiences. “People are what make stories come alive,” he says. Most clips will be short – less than 30 seconds – so even if all you have is a few words, that is all it takes.

Bryan is hoping to get tidbits of information that he’ll bring together to tell the larger story. “Even what someone felt as they watched a parade float go by – that’s a captured memory.” Because the film will be only 60 minutes, Bryan plans to approach the project by decades.

He’s already done a similar film for the District 50 Hawaii Lion’s Club, which aired on local television, attracting over 250,000 viewers. Bryan says Molokai High’s video would probably have a similar appeal because it’s more than just a history of the High School – the documentary will tell the history of Molokai.

Bryan will set up several dates to visit Molokai in the coming months for short, informal interviews with those interested in sharing their recollections. He says he is also willing to visit kupuna in their homes if they are unable to travel.

“Think of yourselves as associate producers,” says Bryan of the information-gathering process. “There are people out there who would love to be a part of this if you give them the opportunity.” He encourages people to talk to their friends, classmates, ohana, and kupuna like grandparents about helping in the collaboration process, whether it’s sharing memories or digging in the garage for old photos and film. Since many alumni don’t still live on Molokai, it’s important to reach off-island and mainland alums, too. He hopes to have gathered enough information by January or February to start the filmmaking.

Volunteering his time and resources to the task, Bryan says he’s excited to be a part of the project. “There’s a real lack of this kind of history out there,” he explains. “A project like this can be a great unifier in a small community – there’s a feeling of pride when you see your past and the people you love come together before you.”

Below are the people to contact with information like photos, personal recollections, film, or relevant news archives.

Molokai contacts:
Allen Ashitomi, 553-5448, PO Box 175, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. Email: mhs75th@gmail.com

Lloyd Yonemura, 553-5896, PO Box 1265, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. Email: mkkflash@wave.hicv.net

Mits Watanabe: (808) 553-5560, PO Box 177, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. mits@wave.hicv.net

Oahu contact: Sheri Yamashita, (808) 265-4849, PO Box 482220, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. Email: molokaijazz@aol.com

Sweet Deal

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Hawaiian Host has just signed a "sweet" deal with Molokai’s singing sensation Raiatea Helm. She's releasing a new original hit song that will be included on a free CD-sampler that's packed in Hawaiian Host's Christmas Medley chocolate gift sets. The sampler will be available for a limited time only during the holiday season.

The song, entitled “Where I Belong,” is Raiatea’s first original composition and was written in collaboration with highly-acclaimed Disney composer Johnson Enos. Raiatea favorites—“Maile Swing” from Helm’s 2006 Grammy-nominated album Sweet & Lovely, and “Poi ‘Awa‘awa” from her 2008 Grammy-nominated album Hawaiian Blossom—are also included in the CD.

Raiatea just finished her tour for the Hawaiian Blossom album and is about to release another album, due in early 2009, which includes the new original hit.

Throughout November, Helm will be making appearances at all Wal-Marts across the state promoting the Christmas Medley and CD with special live performances and autograph signings.

Molokai-born and raised Raiatea Helm caught the attention of the music world with the release of her first album at the age of 18. Her second album Sweet & Lovely garnered a Grammy nomination and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year, showcasing her into the international spotlight. For more information, visit www.RaiateaHelm.com.