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Molokai Boxing Wins Big

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Molokai Boxing Wins Big

On Feb. 4, Molokai Southside Boxing Club went to Oahu to compete in the Palolo Boxing Club two-day event at the Palolo District Gym. Springsteen Stampson, the first one to fight on Friday night, fought against Steven Wada of Maui Southside Boxing Club. Springsteen made a good effort but came up short on points.
Saturday night was a good night for us. Springsteen fought against Charles Coloma from UPNUP Kauai Boxing Club in the first fight of the night. After losing the first round, he came out more aggressive in the next two rounds and won his fight by points. Jordan Manangan (pictured) fought against Goddhey Jacaine from Pearlside Boxing Club in the sixth fight of the night. Both boys fought hard in every round and got the crowd clapping and cheering. In the end, Jordan won his fight by points.
I would like to thank Paitaka Mawae and his crew for their kokua with our kalua pig plate fundraiser that we had in January. Also a big mahalo to Juan Carlos Paz, Bridget Blair, Nana, Jennifer, Aolani and Randen for their kokua with our ticket sales and to the people of Molokai for your support.

Mahalo,
Tom Manangan
Molokai Southside Boxing Club

Gearing Up for Spring Sports

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Gearing Up for Spring Sports

Boys’ volleyball will be the first Molokai High School spring sport’s team to compete this weekend, when they  go head-to-head with Maui High at the Barn.

Friday night’s 7 p.m. game will also include this year’s Homecoming, with special events and a halftime crowning of king and queen.

This will be the last Homecoming and season for three seniors: Nainoa Langer, Claude Kapuni, and David Gomes.

“We are looking bright for the future,” said coach Bryson Dudoit. “We should be very competitive this year.” 


Their first game of the season will be against Lanai on Mar. 11 at home.

Not Horsing Around

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Not Horsing Around

Molokai high school students and younger keiki found their inner-paniolo as they trotted and galloped across the red dirt at this weekend’s Hawaii High School Rodeo Association (HHSRA)’s first matchup, at Molokai Ranch Arena.

With cattle mooing in the background, a sunny day and a slight wind, it was a perfect combination for a competitive wrangling.

“I remember when a lot of these kids would have to be walked around the barrels - now they are running around by themselves,” Jimmy said.

The next HHSRA rodeo will be March 26 and 27 at the Molokai Ranch Arena, beginning at 9 a.m.

Rodeo results will be posted at TheMolokaiDispatch.com this week, and be in next week’s Dispatch.


Teacher Expands Music Knowledge

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Teacher Expands Music Knowledge

Updated.

Bob Underwood is on a mission to change lives with a new afterschool music program. It incorporates a number of instruments, including the violin.

 “I only do this because I love music,” said Bob Underwood, a first grade teacher at Kaunakakai Elementary School. Underwood is currently offering violin classes through the 21st Century program, and hopes to expand to trombone and trumpet classes soon.

He is joined by bandmate and friend, Rob Stephenson, president of Molokai Chamber of Commerce. Stephenson teaches saxophone, flute and clarinet at Kaunakakai Elementary; Underwood offers his violin classes at Kaunakakai, Kualapu`u, and Maunaloa Elementary. Between the two, there are around 40 students involved, ranging from kindergarteners to senior citizens.

Underwood has been playing bass guitar since his college days and now wants to pass the torch on to his students. He believes that music can further students in other subjects as well.


 “Studies have shown that learning an instrument can tune the ear better, making it easier to hear foreign language,” Underwood said. He also noted a connection to improved science and math scores.

Molokai lost the high school band program in 2004 after the departure of its music teacher. Since then, brass and woodwind instruments have been void in the classroom.

A Legacy

The 21st Century Grant has been stimulating young minds on Molokai since it began in 2001. It has funded programs such as Summer Bridge Math, Robotics, and ‘Connecting Molokai M’s: Me, My Mind, My Mana`o’ - a program which fosters the learning of local heritage.

Underwood wants to thank Kaunakakai Elementary Principal Janice Espiritu for her support. Espiritu was instrumental in bringing the 21 Century Grant program to Molokai.

“We wouldn’t be having these classes if it wasn’t for her,” Underwood


For those who are interested in learning one or more of these instruments, contact Bob Underwood at Kaunakakai Elementary School 553-1730

Putting Water in Local Hands

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

In the midst of a water permit acquisition and an important-agricultural land designation request by Molokai Properties Ltd (MPL), there are many questions remaining for homesteaders who feel bound to Molokai’s water.

Malia Akutagawa is president of Sust `ainable Molokai, a grassroots organization that educates the public on sustainability through traditional as well as modern methods.

Lately, Akutagawa has been teaching homesteaders about their rights to Molokai’s water. “Why are they [MPL] trying to get a permit to draw the water without a permit to pump it,” Akutagawa asked an audience of about 20 Ho`olehua homesteader s at Lanikeha last Wednesday.

Painting for Paint

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Painting for Paint

Art shows are a popular way to gather together a community, especially when it’s a family affair. Prisca Bicoy Medeiros set up an art show last Saturday at Home Pumehana with the help of her talented ohana, as a fundraiser for their church.

Hope is in the Air

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Pacific Wings has withdrawn its request for federal subsidies to serve Kalaupapa, but two other airlines want to save the isolated peninsula from high prices.

Makani Kai and Iolani Air currently provide tours throughout the isles by helicopter and airplane, including Kalaupapa. But representatives from both say they want to begin regular service to the peninsula for residents and workers.

Richard Schuman, CEO of Makani Air, said his airline would be able to offer round trip flights between Honolulu and Kalaupapa for around $125. They also offer a lower price from Honolulu to Ho`olehua for $60 one-way.

Molokai Wind Farm

Friday, February 18th, 2011


By Steve Morgan

A quick disclaimer – I currently do not represent a position of support or opposition in regard to the proposed wind farm. My only intention of this series is to help our community in getting a basic understanding of this project.

Why is the state actively seeking to build windmills on Molokai?
The urgency to build a wind farm on Molokai originates with State Bill HRS 269-92, which mandates that the state of Hawaii replace 40 percent of its oil consumption by the year 2030 with renewable energy. Mandated intervals also require a 10 percent reduction in oil consumption by 2010, which has been met. By 2015, renewable energy must reach the 15 percent level and by 2020 a 25 percent level must be reached.

Stand Up Paddling Going Big in 2011

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Stand Up Paddling Going Big in 2011

SUPAM News Release

Those of you enjoying the new and exciting sport of stand-up paddling (SUP) have lot to look forward to in the coming year. Local supporters of the sport have formed Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai (SUPAM) to support Molokai residents who want to participate in local races. Super serious about your stand-up paddling? At least two of Molokai’s planned races will be sanctioned by the World Paddling Association (WPA) earning you points toward national rankings.

Winds of Change
Makani Ikaika o Molokai, or the Strong Wind of Molokai, is the name of the new race series. Given the green light by local kupuna, the name reflects Molokai’s persistent east-to-west tradewinds – perfect conditions for competitive SUP racing.

The five-race series includes divisions for beginners, intermediates and advanced paddlers and feature categories for various ages, genders and boards.

The purpose of the series is “to allow Molokai paddlers to become champions in their divisions,” according to Clare Mawae, event coordinator and director of Youth in Motion.
The eight mile advanced course will start from Kamalo; a four mile intermediate course begins at Rice Patch; and the two mile beginner’s course starts at Ali`i Fishpond. All races end at Hotel Molokai.

Dates for the spring series are as follows:  March 5 – 1 p.m. registration, 2 p.m. start; March 19 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 2 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 16 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 30 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start. WPA sanctioning to be announced.

Molokai Holokai
After a great turnout in 2010, the Molokai Holokai SUP race will return this year to serve as the grand finale ofMakani Ikaika o Molokai series.  This combined race will take place on May 28, 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start.

Save Some $$$
Thanks to SUPAM, it’s just $25 for individuals to join the association, giving them access to all Makani Ikaika o Molokai events at no additional charge. Membership is $10 for youths under 18, and a flat rate of $50 for families.
 
For more information about joining SUPAM, please contact Clare Seeger Mawae from Youth in Motion at clare@youthinmotion.org or (808)336-0946.

Organic Farming Given Funding

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Organic farming is easier on the environment, but even organic practices need safeguards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial assistance to National Organic Program certified organic producers.

 

The funding gives current growers’ opportunity to address their existing resource concerns, such as soil and plant conditions, as well as new organic producers, according to Lawrence T. Yamamoto, NRCS Director for the Pacific Islands Area. This assistance will be provided through the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).