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Christmas in July

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Kalaupapa residents celebrate annual barge.

The annual barge shipment brought goodies and essentials for residents.

By Patrick Mason

On a rather cool, early Saturday morning high above from the Pali trail tugboats could be seen leading the Kalaupapa barge as it arrived and docked at the peninsula’s only pier. The intermittent rain showers didn’t prevent residents from showing up, excited to see their long-awaited item unloaded. Some watched on nervously, concerned about the safety of their goods. The barge held everything from vehicles to perishables and building materials.

For many, the barge is like Christmas in July. After all, it’s only once a year that the Kalaupapa barge arrives.

The process of planning this shipment can be a complicated, but crucial one. The State and the National Park Service releases a shipping request for residents who are allotted a specific amount of space for personal items. After an order is compiled, a search for bids goes out to a number of companies. This year Young Brothers didn’t jump at the bid, but ended up with it near the end of the process.

One of the many important deliveries was a wheelchair-accessible Chevy van donated to patients from Hawaiian Medical Service Association (HMSA).

Brooke Jarvis, a supervisor for the national park service’s recycling program, was receiving a few utility vans, but more importantly, sent back a few containers of recyclable material. The recycling program is in its early stages since the Kalawao landfill will be closing at the end of the year. Last Saturday’s shipment was a test-run for recycling efforts.

While the barge continued to unload, there was a barbeque held for residents to celebrate. Earlier in the week, a block party for residents too. Lt. Officer Reyes of the National Park Service said, “It was really great to see everyone out enjoying themselves and coming together.”

After all was said and done, the residents of Kalaupapa were happy to receive the barge. If anything was forgotten, well, there’s always next year.

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The Utility Dog and Pony Show

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

PUC a disgrace to Molokai residents, needs to stop “kowtowing to Mr. Gotbucks.”

Editorial By Robert Brokate

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) meeting in Maunaloa last Tuesday has once again highlighted the woeful inadequacies of our government’s civil servants. One was left in a quandary as to what is driving the PUC train, but whatever the driver may be it has drastically veered from the tracks.

The justification and purpose of a PUC is to protect the public’s interests (thus the name Public Utility Commission) against the abuses and wrongdoings of the utilities because by nature the utilities are monopolies and are prone to abuse and wrongdoing (recall the Enron energy debacle).

However, it appears that the Hawai’i PUC sees their function as not protecting the interests of the miscreant public. The Hawai’i PUC apparently interprets their function to be lackeys for billionaire Quek Leng Chang, who is the owner of Molokai Ranch’s parent company GuocoLeisure, to protect the interests of the Ranch against the ungrateful, malcontent public.

The Hawai’i PUC is in effect saying, “Yes, Mr. Billionaire, we (the Hawai’i PUC) will gladly exempt you from all of the nasty, tiresome nonsense of following the law and will do all of your dirty work for you. And any time you should step into something unpleasant, we will joyfully lick your boots clean.”
 
What the Hawai’i PUC is doing is going to open the floodgates for utilities throughout Hawai’i; any utility that wants a rate increase will just have to submit an unsubstantiated, unaudited, unverified income statement depicting a loss and the Hawai’i PUC will be compelled to fall all over themselves providing a “temporary rate increase.” The Hawai'i PUC is establishing the precedent with their current actions.

The Ranch has remedies available. They can sell the utilities. They can file for a rate increase as the law allows. Or they can file for bankruptcy and the court can take the assets and determine the proper course of action. It is not the Hawai’i PUC’s function to work for the Ranch when the PUC’s wages are paid by the public. The Hawai’i PUC should only explain the options available to the Ranch and explain that the Ranch cannot cease operations of their utilities without a court order releasing them of their public responsibility.

Should the Ranch follow through on their threat to cease operations without a court release, Maunaloa Highway would be bumper to bumper with tort lawyers eager to have former utility customers sign on to their class action law suits against the Chang, Ranch CEO Peter Nicholas, and probably the PUC.

So, Hawai’i PUC, quit kowtowing to Mr. Gotbucks; get off your knees and show a little self respect. You are embarrassing all of us. In the same breath, KUDOS to the County, Mayor Travares, et al, for their appropriate response and providing a ray of hope that our government is not totally dysfunctional.

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Elections Begin for `Aha Kiole

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Elections Begin for `Aha KioleState advisory committee picks up momentum and some criticism..

The distinguished Vanda Hanakahi presided over last week’s `Aha Kiole meeting where she announced how Molokai residents can become council members to represent their moku.

By Zalina Alvi 

The time has come to begin electing council members to the Molokai Pae Moku of the `Aha Kiole Advisory Committee.

When the council members are chosen, the committee will be able to use their collective `ike, or knowledge, to ensure that our natural resources are taken care of for future generations. `Aha Kiole will do so by representing all the local practitioners in Hawaii in advising the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and related agencies in managing the state’s natural resources using ancient Hawaiian practices.

Vanda Hanakahi, chair of the statewide `Aha Kiole and representative for Molokai, expressed a hope at the July 17 meeting for a united front from her island’s council, so that it may act as an example for the other islands.

For the next few weeks, Hawaiians who are practitioners of fishing, agriculture and land use methodology based on the ahupua`a system or of local cultural arts, have the opportunity to become the leader of their moku through a democratic process.

How it’s organized
Although the committee chair and leaders of each island were previously appointed by the governor, the representatives of each moku on Molokai – which are Pala`au, Kawela, Halawa, Kaluako’i, and Ko’olau – will now be chosen by popular vote during a series of meetings, starting on Aug. 14 with the Pala’au moku. Each of these leaders will then be able to act on behalf of the ahupua`a in their mokus.

In order to be eligible, Molokai residents must complete a nomination form asking for information on geneology, residency, knowledge and leadership criteria.

The right leader should have learned their expertise through their family, know about the spiritual connection between natural resources and native Hawaiian values and practices, must always serve the common good of the community, must be able to adhere to a code of conduct established by the `Aha Kiole council and based on the traditional Hawaiian value system, and must have the ability to communicate with `ike pono.

Forms are available by emailing hanakahi@sandwichisles.net and are due at the meeting on Aug. 14.

Controversy
While most of the people who attended the July 17 meeting were optimistic about the intentions and future of the `Aha Kiole council, there were some who were concerned about its top-down organization and possible hidden motives.

Caroline and Yama Kaholoa`a Sr., sixth generation Molokai residents, expressed skepticism about the intentions and role of the council in the lives of everyday Molokai homesteaders, in particular.

“This is just another organization coming in to tell us what we can and can’t do,” said Caroline.

During the meeting, Hanakahi assured the crowd that the council will work to represent the interests of all the residents on Molokai through active participation and a democratic election.

“Hawaiian or not, if you live in the community we want you to help,” she said.

Yama, however, also criticized the undemocratic nature of the committee’s formative years, citing the fact that the current island representatives, which include Hanakahi, were appointed by the governor and not by the public. He also expressed concern about the combination of a Western structure and traditional Hawaiian practices and values.

Next steps
Whether you agree with the committee or not, time is running out to put the wheels in motion. The process to form the committee began two years ago, and its sunset date is less than one year away in June 2009.

This past June, DLNR biologist Bill Puleloa was already saying the DLNR was making management decisions without their input. The current timeline requires the `Aha Kiole to submit a report for the next legislative session in early 2009.

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Kalaupapa Talk Story Session Coming Up

Monday, July 21st, 2008

All are invited for one-on-one talks July 31.

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa hosted a booth at the 2007 Conference for Native Hawaiian Advancement in Honolulu. ‘Ohana supporters include (from left): Piolani Motta of Honolulu, Boogie Kahilihiwa of Kalaupapa, Ivy Kahilihiwa of Kalaupapa and Pauline Puahala Hess of Honolulu.

By Valerie Monson 

Those who may have had relatives who were sent away to live in Kalaupapa will get an opportunity research their lineage on July 31at Home Pumehana.

A list of 200 people from topside Molokai who were sent to Kalaupapa will be available. If you think you might have an ancestor on the list, you are invited to check it out and learn how to find out more information about your family member.

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, who will be hosting the talk-story session, is a nonprofit organization made up of Kalaupapa patients, their family members, friends, and descendents of anyone sent to Kalaupapa since 1866.

Those interested are invited to come any time between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 31 at Home Pumehana in the main hall.

Topside residents will also be able to get a better understanding of the mission and goals of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, which is an independent organization that will be hosting the talk-story session. 

“We think this will be a great opportunity to let people topside know what the ‘Ohana has done and some of the things that we’re working on,” said President of the ‘Ohana Kuulei Bell, a resident of Kalaupapa for more than 50 years.. “We hope to see some old friends at this gathering and make new friends, too.”

Four other Kalaupapa residents are members of the Board of Directors: Gloria Marks, Makia Malo, Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa and Pauline Chow. The  original 13-member board was chosen by a group of Kalaupapa patients.

The ‘Ohana was established in 2003 to support the community, make sure that the voices of the residents are included in decisions that impact Kalaupapa and guarantee that the history is accurately passed down to future generations.

The idea for creating the ‘Ohana came from longtime human rights activist Bernard K. Punikai`a, who was sent to Kalaupapa in 1942 as a young boy with leprosy (now called Hansen’s disease). With the residents getting older, Mr. Punikai`a felt that a strong group of supporters, including family members, was essential for the community’s well-being. Mr. Punikai`a serves as Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Some of the ‘Ohana accomplishments include helping to coordinate the effort that reinstated dialysis services at the Kalaupapa Care Home, convincing state and federal leaders to hold monthly community meetings and introducing a bill to Congress that would establish a Monument at Kalaupapa that will eventually list all the names of the people who were sent there. Last summer, the ‘Ohana compiled a list of the names of the first 5,000 people who were taken from their families and sent to Kalaupapa. The Kalaupapa Memorial Act, which would authorize the Monument, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 12 and is awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this year, the ‘Ohana proposed and wrote the resolution that was adopted by the Hawaii State Legislature which acknowledged the great sacrifices made by the people of Kalaupapa and their families, and also apologized for the pain of the harsh separation. The resolution was the idea of the late Kalaupapa leader Paul Harada.

For more information, see the ‘Ohana website at www.kalaupapaohana.org or email info@kalaupapaohana.org

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Kiawe and Sustainability on Molokai

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Opinion by Neil Logan 

Kiawe (Prosopis pallida) is a food of antiquity from the Americas. For more than 6,000 years. Ancient cultures have used kiawe and its relatives for food, fuel and raw materials.

The “official” story is that kiawe was first brought to Oahu for Queen Emma and planted by Father Alexis Bachelot as cuttings from the Jardin du Rois in Paris, France.

Supposedly, from this one tree, all of the kiawe in Hawaii were born and subsequently spread by cattle and people as shade and fodder. The original tree was thorn-free originating from Southern Peru. Its mate was probably a thorn-free too, and from northern Peru or southern Ecuador.

A seed grown tree would have retained the memory of all it had ever been thereby giving it the potential to have thorns.

Somebody knew kiawe’s potential as an animal feed and shade tree and its ability to grow in very harsh conditions and capitalized on its ability to be spread by animals. By 1965, after only 127 years, there was an estimated 155,000 acres of kiawe in the state.

Ranchers made money from the forest by fattening their cattle creating some of the largest sustainable cattle operations in the U.S. Bees were brought in to increase Kiawe pollination and by 1935 Hawaii had become the largest exporter of honey in the world.

Since then, serious cattle ranching has fallen out of economic feasibility and kiawe has developed a reputation as a “trash” tree and a nuisance to beach-lovers because of its thorns. In many places kiawe forests are overgrown, becoming potential fire hazards.

However, these trees present an opportunity. By cleaning up the forest through thinning and trimming, we can create a park-like atmosphere that is accessible. The wood could be burned to generate enough electricity to operate hammer mills and other equipment required to process the kiawe into value-added products.

Kiawe beans are a non-genetically modified, non-toxic food that has been eaten by humans since times before corn was ever developed as a crop. It is known as a healthful food that mitigates diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer. There is a growing demand for both flour from the pods and honey from the flowers.

Once the forest is fire safe, it will be easy and perhaps necessary to replant with other food crops like coconuts and taro or endemic plants such as  Willi Willi, Uhi Uhi, Hala Pepe, Ohe Makai, Alahe’e and others. Kiawe creates a humid microclimate and reforesting has the effect of helping to recharge the ground water.

Water is, of course, the most important issue on Molokai, yet there are others. Recent stumbling blocks to developing a kiawe industry on Molokai come from Molokai Ranch shutting its doors and disallowing any activity on their land in the wake of La’au.

The people of Molokai need job security and food and energy self reliance in the event that Hawaii is cut off from mainland supplies.

We need to find a way to keep Molokai beautiful while protecting access to clean water, food and positive work that makes the world a better place. The community needs to own a vertically integrated kiawe industry that folds the resources directly back into the community.

Once the infrastructure is in place, Molokai could have enough food to feed the island’s population and energy to run basic needs without diesel. In the process we may begin to heal our land, our community and our reputation as exporters of clean, healthy, non-genetically modified food.

If the above interests you, please contact Neil Logan on the Big Island www.rnl3.net and neil@rnl3.net.

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Molokai Mini-Mart is Great, Even Late

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Molokai Mini-Mart is Great, Even Late

Kaunakakai’s newest store wants to make sure you get what you need all the way until 11 p.m.

Curious first-time customers filled the mini-mart on opening day for free goodies and to see what the new store on the block has to offer.

By Andres Madueno

There are not many options for those on Molokai who have empty cupboards and late-night munchies. But on July 19, the new Molokai min-mart on Mohala St. in downtown Kaunakakai made history being the first store to stay open until 11 p.m.

“We wanted to have a place where locals and tourists alike could come to if they needed to do some quick shopping,” says Adelina Greenman, co-owner and manager.

Opening day at the new min-mart was eventful, to say the least. Nachos, hotdogs, and sodas were given out for everyone who came into the store that morning, compliments of the mini-mart. But aside from the free goodies for the grand opening, the mini-mart definitely has a lot to offer.

The store has a generous amount of items that are organic or all natural. But if you get a craving for chips, candy, or soda, they have those in supplies as well. They also have essentials like milk, butter, cereal, rice, noodles, rice noodles, and, oh yes, let’s not forget the spam.

But they also have some things that the other stores do not.

The first big one is that they will be staying open until 11 p.m. every night, which is great for anyone who is getting in on a late flight or catching the last ferry home. Also, they are the only store on the island that sells liquor at night. They have beer, wine, and spirits available. And, yes, the beer is cold.

Also available is the use of the Internet, fax machine, and copy machine. They have two computers set up with Internet that cost 10 cents per minute. And the faxes are one dollar for the first page and 50 cents for every page after. The copies are not yet priced, but will likely be as reasonable as everything else.

It’s nice to know there is a place to go in town if your computer goes haywire and you really need to send an email or really need to check out the score of the game you missed last night.

“We just want to provide the community with a convenient store that’s open late where they know they can get what they need, even late,” says Adelina.

With Adelina on opening day were her husband, Kirk, and their children. Although Kirk was too busy to comment, he looked happy as he helped the steady stream of people in the store purchase their first but not last items from the Molokai mini-mart.

Family-owned and family-run, this store has a bright future. Not only do you get good items at a good price, but you also get the best thing of all: service with a smile.

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Should Molokai Ranch be Responsible for Its Utility Companies?

Monday, July 21st, 2008

MPL and utility officers are the same making it difficult to distinguish the difference between companies.

For the past three years Molokai Ranch has reported to its shareholders profits from its Molokai operations. Yet the company is now claiming its subsidiary utility businesses (Utilities) can’t afford to continue supplying water and sewage services to roughly one quarter of Molokai’s population.

The Ranch, also known as Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) has said that if rates are not raised by as much as 178 percent for Wai`ola O Molokai and similar increases for two other utilities, they will abandon water and wastewater operations by Aug. 31.

The question is: should cash-positive Molokai Ranch be financially responsible for its money-losing subsidiary companies? The answer to this question will set a state-wide precedent for other privately owned utilities looking to unload their obligations to the public.

Separate Entity
So far Molokai Ranch has taken the position of passing the buck based on the position that the Ranch is a separate entity to its Utilities.

The Hawaii State Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently called on Molokai Ranch to testify at last week’s hearing to help determine utility rate increases. In response, Ranch General Manager & General Counsel Daniel Orodenker chastised the PUC for requiring the Ranch to be present.

In a letter to the State he said that PUC did not have “authority to name MPL as a party in the proceeding,” nor the authority to levy any monetary penalties on MPL since it is not a utility company.

The Corporate Veil
Some are characterizing the Ranch’s actions as an attempt to hide behind a “corporate veil”, in which a corporation will shield itself from certain liabilities by placing responsibility on it various subsidiary companies. 

The corporate veil is the most litigated issue in corporate law, according to a study by Vanderbilt University’s Robert Thompson.

Same Company
MPL and each of the Utilities share all of the same directors and officers making it legally difficult to distinguish one company from another. These facts are putting the question of MPL’s responsibility under close scrutiny by the public and Maui County lawmakers.

The PUC insisted Orodencker appear at the July 15 public hearing  to represent the Utilities. This decision is  based on the fact that he is  an officer withing each of the three utility companies, an officer of Molokai Ranch, and an officer of MRL Management, which is an agent for the Utilities and for Molokai Ranch.

In the mean time, the PUC has been notified by MPL that its utility companies are planning to remove all of their respective officers and directors except for MPL CEO Peter Nicholas.

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The Last Race

Monday, July 21st, 2008

The Last Race

Outrigger regatta season leaves winners ready for states.

Competition was fierce as paddlers battled it out for the last races of the season on Molokai. 

By Andres Madueno 

Rain couldn’t dampen spirits at the outrigger regatta races this weekend. The final competition of the season to decide who goes to states was held on Saturday, July 19 at the Kaunakakai Wharf. Though the conditions were not ideal for spectators, faithful family, friends, and fans were all there to show their support.

Up and down the Wharf people cheered as the teams of paddlers went out for their final races of the summer here on Molokai. Glassy water made for quick times and fierce competition.

And the concession stand had the good stuff like pickled mangos, chili bowls, nachos, shaved ice – all the foods that make regatta races great.

“We did a good job, we got the lanes we wanted,” said Bozo Dudoit, coach of the Wa’akapaemua boy’s team. Wa’a boys ages 12 to 16 won all of their events this Saturday.

“It’s nice to be able to win with more than just one group. It’s good for the younger guys to have this so they will keep coming back,” said Dudoit. Wa’a girls also did very well with the 12- to 16-year-olds winning their races this Saturday. All the teams did a good job this weekend.

Molokai clubs will face some tough competition at states where 14 lanes will be filled with the best crews in all of Hawaii. There are supposedly 50 clubs on Oahu alone, which means the competition will be stiff. So as the season ends here on Molokai the final battle awaits the few.

Molokai paddlers will continue to train until the state races on Aug. 2 and 3. Although some are sad to see regatta season end, most are excited knowing there is still the final showdown.

Congrats to all the clubs. It takes a tremendous amount of effort just to get out there. And it was a blast to see the people come together here and support the young and experienced alike. To all the clubs: good luck at states; we’re rooting for you.

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Challenge on the Open Seas

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Youth in Motion presents the Molokai Challenge for 2008. 

By Zalina Alvi

Looking for a challenge? How about racing from Maui to Molokai for charity?

On Aug. 30, Youth in Motion is presenting the Molokai Challenge 2008. Contestants will have to travel the 15 miles from Maui to Molokai in any non-motorized craft, which applies to windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailboats with or without kits, canoes with kites, outrigger canoes, one-man canoes, paddle boards, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and many others.

The teams will be split up into divisions, with adults, adults with at least one youth under 18 years, youth (all under 18 years), and the Cruising Class for those who are only fundraising and not competing.

Each team will raise money and 50 percent of the funds raised above the entry fee will go to a community fund on Molokai and be distributed to Molokai youth groups. The other half will go to a charity of the team’s choice.

In return, prizes and a challenge await those who participate. With the cost of entering - $135 until May, and $150 after that – everyone will also get a ferry back to Maui, transfers and shuttles on Molokai, a barge will ship al their clothes and equipment to and from Maui, an event jersey and a ticket to the Awards Banquet.

Help is still needed with securing sponsors and publicity, organizing on the two islands and to chair the individual divisions. To help out or to register, contact Clare at 553-4227, 336-0946 or clare@molokai-outdoors.com. You can also go to www.molokaichallenge.com for more information.

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State Proposes Water Limits on Molokai

Friday, July 18th, 2008

Plan to include sustainable yields for all of the island’s water resources.

Roy Hardy, representative from the state Water Commission on Water Resource Management, presented a plan on July 10 that proposes to set caps on how much water can be taken out of groundwater resources on Molokai.

By Zalina Alvi 

By the end of August, the state may be regulating how much water can be taken out of the island of Molokai and the rest of Hawaii.

A representative of the state Commission on Water Resource Management presented a revised draft of the Water Resource Protection Plan (WRPP) at a meeting of Molokai’s Water Advisory Committee on July 10. The proposed plan analyzes data on current and future water demands in order to put caps on how much water can be taken out without jeopardizing our resources.

The WRPP is one of five parts of the larger Hawaii Water Plan. Maui County, like other counties, will have its own water use and development plans which will include information on Molokai.

The WRPP’s major role is to determine the water limits for the individual county plans when they are finalized and ready to be implemented.

Sustainable Yields
The limits are calculated as sustainable yields for the island as divided up into 16 sections of groundwater resources. Areas such as Kaluakoi and Hoolehua, have the lowest sustainable yield with two million gallons per day, while Wailau has the most with 15 million gallons per day. Seven out of the nine areas on neighboring Lanai have a sustainable yield of zero gallons per day. There is also a section on surface water resources that will be monitored and regulated.

Data Confusion
The WRPP, which has been in the works since 1990, has undergone several revisions based on public comments since it was first developed.

Even so, the general response at the committee’s meeting was one of hesitancy and distrust of data acquired by the commission. One of the major issues questioned functionality and number of gauges used for collecting data from streams on Molokai.

Roy Hardy, regulation branch chief for the commission, assured the meeting’s attendees that the data was sound, but admitted that there have been budget cuts in terms of data collection, which would account for the possible disrepair or absence of gages in local streams.

Share Your Mana’o
The WRPP will have to be approved by the commission on Oahu at the end of August, most likely on or around Aug. 20. The public can send comments in formal letters to the commission by fax at 587-0219 or email at dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov.

The full plan be found online at hawaii.gov/dlnr/cwrm or viewed in person at the commission office at the Kalanimoku Building, Room 227, 1151 Punchbowl Street in Honolulu.

Other Plans in the Works
The Water Advisory Council is also working with the county on putting together a section on Molokai for a Maui Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP) that will fall under the WRPP. Anyone wishing to contribute should attend a meeting. Meetings usually take place on the second Thursday of the month. Comments on the WUDP can be sent to Ellen Kraftsow with the Department of Water Supply at ellen.kraftsow@co.maui.hi.us.

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