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Paddlers Complete Training Trip Around Molokai

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Oahu paddlers enjoy a taste of Molokai waters.

By Catherine Cluett

The Lanikai Canoe Club from Oahu visited Molokai on Saturday to complete a training trip around the north side of the island. “This is such a great opportunity for us to come together as a team and practice in a place that is so special,” said Molokai’s Carlton Helm, who now lives on Oahu and paddles with the club.

“I can’t believe how happy and excited we are to be here,” added coach Pat Erwin.

Saturday morning brought sunny skies and perfect paddling conditions, with a tailwind to carry Lanikai on their journey. The paddlers gathered to launch at Yamashita Bay, where two wa`a already awaited them. They pealed back the paper from the newly-minted Bud Light logos on the boats, displaying the company as one of their club sponsors, then Erwin gathered the paddlers together for a few words before the launch.

“This is a historic trip,” he says. “We’ve been planning for this since 2004.”

The trip was scheduled to continue the next day and end in Oahu, a total distance of about 80 miles from Yamashita Bay. The boats planned to stop at Mokapu, where the paddlers would eat lunch, switch the line-up, and maybe even take a swim, Erwin added, chuckling.

Meanwhile, a big race weekend was taking place for paddlers at the Queen Liliuokalani Race in Kona. But the Lanikai paddlers would rather be on Molokai. ‘This is a much better way to spend the day,” said one paddler. “Molokai is just such a special place,” added Erwin.

Their plan was to paddle for 4 to 5 hours then get towed to Dixie Beach, where they would rest up and spend the night before paddling the 32 miles to Oahu on Sunday. Twenty paddlers took part in the trip, with four alternates for each boat. “These boats are loaded with world champions,” said Erwin.
Supporter Camie Kimball explained the importance of bonding for the team. “This is a bonding trip, and this is a cultural trip,” she said. “You can have the best paddlers, but if they don’t have that bond, it won’t matter.”

At 9 am, the paddlers gathered around the wa`a for a pule performed by Kanoe Davis. Then all hands were on the wa`a to carry them over the rocks to meet the low-tide water. The alternates piled on for a ride to the two escort boats that waited for them in the bay.

The last paddler waded out to the wa`a and they pushed off. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” he said.

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County Of Maui Sues Molokai Properties

Monday, September 1st, 2008

County to seek pledge of commitment and cost reimbursement.

By Catherine Cluett

Last Friday the County of Maui filed suit against Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL) to insure that “the company continues to meet its obligations to operate and maintain its water and wastewater systems in West Molokai.” Margery Bronster, a lawyer with the Hololulu based firm Bronster Hochibatain, announced the suit in a press release on the same day.

Word from the Ranch
On August 14, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved water utility rate increases requested by the MPL that will go into effect on Sept. 1. These rates were increased from the PUC rates by as much as 178%. Before the rate approval, MPL had issued a statement of intention to terminate water utility services on August 31.

Last Thursday, the day before the suit was filed, MPL director Peter Nicholas confirmed that MPL has agreed to continue services past August 31. There was no indication of long-term commitment, however.

“How long the temporary rate increase will be sufficient for the utilities to be able to continue to operate depends on future fuel, power and labor cost increases,” Nicholas stated in a letter to Carl Caliboso, chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

While no lasting or reliable solution has yet been proposed for operation of MPL’s water systems, Governor Linda Lingle remained positive. “The temporary rate increases will allow Moloka‘i Properties to continue to provide water service until another entity can take over the operation.”

Mahina Martin, Communications Director for the County, confirmed last Saturday that the county’s emergency response plan was completed to meet the Department of Health (DOH) deadline, and will go into effect should MPL cease water utilities. Until then, emergency measures will remain on hold.

Commitment Sought
In a phone interview with Bronster, she explained that the goal of the suit is two-fold. The first concerns the contractual agreements entered into with the County of Maui. “When Molokai Ranch and its predecessors sought to develop the property, it agreed to build, operate and maintain water and wastewater systems in West Molokai,” reads the complaint filed by the county.

Thirty-one contracts have been uncovered, some dating as far back as 1978, that bind MPL to continue operating these utilities, among other agreements, according to the county’s complaint against MPL. If they terminate water services on August 31 as they had previously informed the county, they would be breaking legal and binding contracts.

Reimbursement Requested
The second goal of the suit is to “ask the MPL to pay for costs and expenses the county has incurred to prepare for this emergency situation,” says Bronster.
Martin confirms that the prospect of Molokai residents left without water is a great concern to the county, and that the office has put other issues on hold to give precedence to the situation. The county has a budget of $1,260,000 to cover emergency operations for ninety days, and has spent a tremendous amount of time planning for the possible outcomes due to the Ranch’s lack of communication, according to Martin.

Communication on the part of the Ranch is another frustration of the county, according to Bronster. “The Ranch has been less than forthcoming in answering the question as to what their plans are,” she says. “We’ve asked repeatedly that they comply with the orders, and we have not gotten a response.”

Accountability
“By filing suit, the County is going to hold Molokai Properties, Ltd. accountable. Molokai Properties, Ltd. cannot hide behind its subsidiaries and affiliates in an effort to avoid its clear obligations,” Bronster stated in a press conference.

MPL has been called the “alter ego” of its subsidiary water utility companies, Molokai Public Utilities, Inc. (MPU) and Wai`ola o Molokai, Inc. (Wai`ola), and the wastewater utility Mosco, Inc. MPL shares such assets as employees, funds, office spaces and supervisors with these companies. Although the county is suing the parent company MPL and each of its subsidiaries separately, it plans to hold MPL in sole responsibility because the water agreements with the county were entered into with MPL directly.

Background
MPL owns 70, 000 acres of land on Molokai, and a termination of water utilities controlled by MPL would result in a loss of water utilities to as many as 1,200 users.

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Molokai Challenge Deemed a Success

Monday, September 1st, 2008

Molokai Challenge Deemed a Success

Sixth annual event raised over $1,000 for isle youth groups.

From left to right Elle Cochran,Claire Seeger Mawae, Zane Schweitzer and Shawneen Schweitzer pose with mock-check of funds raised during 2008 Molokai Challenge.

By Albert Lanier

“Quality not quantity” was the phrase chanted- as if a mantra- on Saturday, August 30th by Clare Seeger Mawae, organizer of the Molokai Challenge which was held that day.
   
A handful of participants took their places in the 2008 edition of this now six year old event. The Challenge essentially consists of a crossing of the Pailolo Channel which commenced from DT Flemings Beach on Maui and concluded at Kamalo on Molokai.
   
There were four registered divisions: Stand-up Paddle Board, Windsurfing, Tandem Windsurfing and Kiteboarding.
    
Most of the participants took the stand-up paddle board route. Entrants Elle Cochran, Shawneen Schweitzer and her son 14 year old Zach Kekoa Schweitzer worked as a team.

A participant in the Challenge for four years, Zach Schweitzer said that he opted to eschew the windsurfing he did in past events and try stand up paddling (SUP) this year “’cause it’s the new thing.”

Lifeguard Archie Kalepa also SUP’d in this year’s Molokai Challenge and cross the channel with the fastest time of 3 hours and 10 seconds.

Though skies were clear and sunny, gusty winds were largely non-existent until participants headed toward Kamalo where they began to pick up considerably.

“Right when we got here, the wind blew” Kalepa said at Kamalo after the race.

“You need good wind, good swell-good swell conditions” said Kalepa about what makes for effective paddleboarding.

“Normally, you get these conditions on a daily basis” Kalepa observed about the lack of Windsurfers Jace Panebianco and Doug Miller also surfed the crossing in tandem.

While surfers and paddle boarders might find the course and the conditions of interest, the point of the event is not running a race but raising funds.

This year’s Molokai Challenge raised $1,800 for youth groups on the islands through the auspices of the Youth in Motion organization.

The 2008 event stood out from its predecessors because it marked the first time the Molokai Challenge had been held as a stand alone event.

According to Mawae, the Challenge had previously been part of a youth festival called “A Celebration of Youth Opportunities” which featured activities and events such as a sports clinic.

However, the Challenge had failed to forward much money to youth groups in the past because the costs of the festival had to be covered. The number of participants in the event has gone down of late. The first Molokai Challenge in 2002 featured 84 people and averaged 80 entrants for a couple of years.

But a lack of grant money and corporate funding help produce a downturn in participation since Mawae couldn’t pay for escort boats to shadow surfers, entrants had to produce their own boats as they did for this year’s Challenge.

Thus, while there were 15 registered entrants, only a few participants actually took part in the event.

However, Mawae’s spirits were buoyed by the fact that $1,800 was raised for distribution to youth groups and by the fact she was able to observe and keep tabs on the event from an observer boat. “Although (the turnout) was very small, I worked out a few of the kinks” noted Mawae.

The 2008 Molokai Challenge did have some sponsors including the Molokai Business Association and Young Brothers. Positive attitudes from participants like Schweitzer and Kalepa also contributed the good feeling experienced after the event.
    
“It was a good workout” Kalepa observed about this year’s Challenge “It was still awesome, still great.”

Mawae hopes to have larger field of participants for next year’s Challenge. Her future goals include reaching a point when the event can raise $50 to $100,000 each year for youth groups throughout Molokai.

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Molokai High School Back on Track

Monday, September 1st, 2008

Uniforms and online courses discussed by school council.

By Catherine Cluett

The Molokai High School Community Council meeting revealed adaptations and additions that are changing school policies. Students are enrolling in online courses to supplement the curriculum, and uniforms may become a school requirement in the future. Principal Linda Puleloa, in her report, noted that the year had a “rough and shaky start” with a shortage of teachers, particularly in math and Japanese.

Two new math teachers have since been hired, although administrators were not able to find a Japanese teacher to fill the position. As a result, Japanese students have been enrolled in online courses allowing them to continue their studies. With Spanish students also learning online, students are being encouraged to pursue courses not offered at the school through online options.

School uniforms may also be in the cards for Molokai High, though no decision will be made until more information is available. Students, parents and staff will all be polled before any decision is made to establish a uniform code at the school. Currently, three other high schools in the state have instated uniforms. The dress code as it exists now at Molokai High School is enforced by faculty.

The recent change in the school schedule statewide was also noted. This schedule will shorten both the winter and spring breaks by a week, allowing students to end classes in May.

School complex officer Melanie Coates conducted a School Community Council training session, educating members in such topics as the purpose of the group and its ground rules, academic and financial planning, and student support.

The Molokai School Community Council is looking for more parent and community involvement in their meetings. Guests are also welcome to attend at any time and add input to meetings. The council also currently needs a community member. This member cannot be associated with the school as a teacher of staff member, and cannot be a parent of a student at the school. Call Molokai High School (808) 567-6950 for more information.

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Molokai Ranch to Continue Water Service Past Aug. 31

Friday, August 29th, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Moloka‘i Properties Limited has confirmed it will continue to provide water service beyond August 31.   

In a letter to Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chairman Carl Caliboso, Moloka‘i Properties Limited Director Peter Nicholas said the recent approval by the PUC to temporarily increase water rates for West Moloka‘i will enable the company to continue to provide service.  The company previously said it lacked the financial resources to continue to operate beyond August 31.

“Now this issue appears to have been temporarily resolved, I confirm the utilities will continue to operate and provide services to their customers past August 31,” Nicholas stated in the letter.   “How long the temporary rate increase will be sufficient for the utilities to be able to continue to operate depends on future fuel, power and labor cost increases,” Nicholas continued.

Nicholas’ letter also pointed out that the temporary rate increases are a “stop-gap measure,” and that the company will not operate the utilities indefinitely.  Moloka‘i Properties Limited’s long-term obligation to operate the utilities has not been determined.

Governor Lingle noted that the rate increase is not an ideal situation for Moloka‘i residents, but it will ensure the continuation of water service until a permanent solution is found.

“The temporary rate increases will allow Moloka‘i Properties to continue to provide water service until another entity can take over the operation,” said Governor Lingle.  “We recognize that this is a difficult situation for everyone involved, and we especially understand residents’ concerns regarding increases in water rates.  However, facing the potential shutdown of water and wastewater services, the Public Utilities Commission has taken appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of residents are not compromised by any disruption of water or wastewater service.

“We continue to emphasize that in the absence of a private entity, operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems is a basic responsibility of county government.  Mayor Tavares, council members, state legislators, and Moloka‘i residents have asked for my help, and we will continue to work with the county to ensure uninterrupted water and wastewater service to protect the health and safety of the island,” the Governor added.
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A Call to Take Back Ranch Lands

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Community meeting takes the first step for eminent domain.

From left to right: Alton Arakaki, Mahina Martin, Danny Mateo, Steve Morgan, Mahealani Davis, and DeGray Vanderbilt.

 

 

 

A Show of Support

Of the many who attended the meeting, a vast majority expressed overwhelming support for the plan by a show of hands.

Walter Ritte, homesteader and one of the night’s organizers, stressed that the community coming out and supporting eminent domain was an important first step. He said the purpose of gathering the community together was to educate and fight back.

“These state agencies do not work; they have failed us,” he said. “They have abandoned us because they have been threatened by big business, and they have put the burden on us.”

Concern was raised, however, over getting the whole county of Maui behind an issue that only affects Molokai.

In response, Martin reiterated what has become a catchphrase for the county – that if the Ranch is allowed to walk away, it will set a bad precedent for other private companies providing essential services, which is something that should be a concern for all.

To questions about who will control the Ranch lands if acquired, Davis stressed that starting eminent domain proceedings are just a way to force the Ranch to the table, and open the door to discussing options.

Residents also flocked to sign two petitions circulating that night.

While one urged the county to begin eminent domain proceedings, the second called the rate increases approved by the PUC “arbitrary and unjustified,” and petitioned the PUC to order the two water utilities to continue operating if its customers cannot pay the higher water bills, and to fine the utilities the maximum amount for any violation of the law, including non-compliance.

Vanderbilt acknowledged the difficulty facing West End residents with the significantly higher water rates. The recommendation to “pay what you can,” was given, while stressing that not paying at all will result in a termination of water service.

Next Steps

In order to initiate eminent domain proceedings, the Maui County Council will have to introduce a resolution that would require five votes to pass. Mateo said the resolution would have to be deferred to the council’s Policy Committee, which he chairs.

Molokai residents, however, are urged to become active in the process. A meeting was held at Kulana O`iwi this week Wednesday to discuss the details and questions surrounding the issues of eminent domain and the increased water rates in the West End.

Residents were able to ask questions about either of these issues, including the status of funds pledged earlier this year to the MCSC in support of purchasing the Ranch lands

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Vet Visits Molokai Humane Society

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Dr. Tina Gaines provides care for the island’s animals. 

Dr. Tina Gaines, visiting veterinarian at the Molokai Humane Society until Sept. 12 

By Catherine Cluett

Dr. Tina Gaines is a visiting veterinarian on Molokai until Sept. 12. Gaines says she has been performing mostly spaying and neutering operations on cats and dogs on Molokai, but is ready to perform any services necessary.

Gaines graduated from Ross University in St. Kitts in the Caribbean. She has worked previously on two other Hawaiian islands, completing her residency training there. When she’s not working as a visiting vet, Gaines specializes in ultra sound, and is currently based in New York. She says her previous experience working on islands has prepared her well for working on Molokai.

Gaines would like to stress the importance of bringing in cats and dogs for regular vaccinations to fight diseases common on Molokai, as well as spaying and neutering animals of all ages.

The Molokai Humane Society is located on Kamehameha V Highway near the airport. Gaines expects to have walk-in hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. until her departure on Sept. 12.

The exam cost for walk-in patients is $30 (cash only) with other fees set by the veterinarian. Appointments can be made by calling the Molokai Humane Society clinic at 558-0000.

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Paddler’s Birthday Bash Draws Festive Crowd

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Partygoers enjoy music, dance, and good company until the wee hours.

Maui band Off Tomorrow plays at Paddler’s Inn Birthday Bash

By Catherine Cluett

Paddler’s Inn hosted a birthday bash celebration Saturday night, attracting a throng of young and old. The Maui band Off Tomorrow provided music entertainment, pulling people to the dance floor amid the glow of colorful disco lights. The band consists of members John Akapo, Daniel Hunkin, Tavita Suani, Fa'amau Liu,  Luteru Te'o, and Duke Elisaia, all originally from American Samoa. A raffle fundraiser for the halau hula Ka Pa Hula ‘O Hina ‘O Ka Po La`ila`i kept people on their toes as they waited to hear their names drawn for prizes.


The bash was organized to celebrate people whose birthdays fall in the month of August, and was the first of its kind.

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Halau Postpones Festival Trip

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Group will represent Molokai in 2009 in Kona.

Molokai’s own award-winning Na Kupuna O Moana Hula Halau is postponing its entry into the 2008 Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival due to changes required in festival programming. The Halau’s recent successful fundraising campaign will be used to support the halau’s entry into the 2009 Festival held each year in late September in Kona.

Na Kupuna O Moana Hula Halau has been awarded major recognition at past festival events and looks forward to representing Molokai in 2009. The halau is indebted to the many individual supporters and business donors in the community who have given their aloha and generously contributed to the halau’s fundraising efforts.

Kumu Moana Dudoit said, “We cherish the aloha that the community gives to us and next year, in 2009, we’ll come back bigger winners than ever.”

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No More Plastic Bags for Hawaii

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Groundbreaking legislation passed to boost environmental protection efforts.

The Maui County Council voted unanimously last week to pass critical legislation in the second and final reading of the "Plastic Bag Reduction Bill," which prohibits the distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bags at the point of sale beginning January 11, 2011.

For Council Member Michael Molina, who introduced the measure in July 2007, the passage of this bill means better days ahead for the environment, wildlife, and public health and safety.

"Cities and countries throughout the world are experiencing the destructive impacts plastic bags are having on their environment," said Molina. "It's time that we in Maui County and the State of Hawaii join the worldwide effort to eliminate the distribution of plastic bags."

The bill states that businesses are prohibited from providing plastic bags to their customers at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other goods. Although a bag fee is not mandated, the bill adds that nothing in the chapter shall preclude a business from making reusable bags or recyclable paper bags available for sale or without charge to customers at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other goods.

The County of Maui Solid Waste Division took steps to help the public reduce its dependence on single-use, non-biodegradable bags early on and has been distributing reusable shopping bags since 1998.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares has also distributed thousands of free reusable shopping bags in an effort to increase public awareness about the dangers of plastic material in the ocean environment, including bags.

"I appreciate the Council's hard work on this bill, and Council Member Molina's initiative in introducing this ground-breaking legislation," said Mayor Tavares. "This important action is intended to help protect diminishing natural resources, and while the bill will not be implemented until 2011, many steps can be taken now to prepare for the new law, including public education and encouraging businesses and shoppers to utilize reusable bags."

In a survey conducted by the County's Office of Economic Development (OED), which is administered by the Office of the Mayor, 92 percent of the businesses surveyed said they supported prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, and would be willing to stop using them in their business. Many also indicated they were already actively making the switch to reusable bags.

OED surveyed approximately 50 small businesses in Maui County; the businesses represented were primarily retail stores and a small number of restaurants.

"We wanted to work with the Council to make sure that in these hard economic times, the bill would not cause an undue hardship on our small businesses," Tavares noted. "The response was overwhelmingly in support of reducing the amount of plastic bags, especially with a 'soft approach' that includes a reasonable timeline for the conversion to take place."

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