Author Archives: Colleen Uechi

Top Finish Channel Crossings Youth in Motion

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Top Finish Channel Crossings Youth in Motion

Community Contributed

By Clare Seeger Mawae

Two weeks ago, Molokai’s young paddler Alex Mawae was one of three young paddlers in the team Youth in Motion two win the Maui 2 Molokai race in their division. On Saturday, July 18, the 27-mile Maui 2 Molokai race took off toward Kaunakakai Harbor, with Alex, age 13, Kalia Alexiou and Annie Reickert, both 14 years old.

Team Youth in Motion were on fire and with every person they passed, the team got stronger and more determined to finish the race under 5 hours. Kamalo buoy was the home stretch and Alex’s paddling grounds proved to be the most fun with some epic glides and dolphins riding the bumps alongside them.…

Veterans Corner: Grand opening to be a day to remember

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Aloha all my fellow veterans and residents of Molokai, old Jesse here with all the veterans news and upcoming events. Time is really short, just two days until a day to remember for all veterans and people of Molokai — of heck, for all Hawaii — Aug. 14, the dedication and grand opening of the Molokai Veterans Center. That will truly be a great day for all the people of Molokai, not just veterans, it’s a day that all of Molokai has been waiting 10 years for. I’m sure that everyone will want to bring a camera to get lots of pictures and on this day there will be lots of talking story and everybody should really have a wonderful time.…

Breaking Ground for Science Labs

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Breaking Ground for Science Labs

By the end of next year, Molokai High School (MHS) is set to have a 4,500-square-foot, cutting-edge science facility. For a school whose science students have earned county, state and international honors over the past year—all with no science labs—it’s well deserved, and a long time coming.

Since it split from the middle school in 2004, MHS hasn’t had its own lab facilities. However, this month construction began for a two-classroom science building on MHS’s campus.

“It’s really great that you guys … basically get a brand new, state-of-the-art lab,” said Duane Kashiwai, Department of Education public works administrator. “This is being designed according to the latest sustainability requirements that we have.…

Giving Small Businesses a Leg Up

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Giving Small Businesses a Leg Up

When you’re a small business owner on Molokai, it can be a challenge to find time to gain enterprise know-how and inspiration. A businesses conference last week brought it all together in one place for one day, with speakers specializing in technology, taxes, customer service, business planning, and other topics. Additionally, for entrepreneurs seeking financial support, the event provided valuable insights into options like the ” how to Access Capital to help fuel their business growth. Entrepreneurs who are looking to improve their current strategies may consider getting help from a digital marketing company that can provide customised growth plans.…

Kilohana Welcomes New Principal

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Kilohana Welcomes New Principal

At Kilohana Elementary School, the principal’s new office occupies a space that used to be the maternity ward of `Ualapu`e Hospital.  For incoming principal Terri Simms, it’s a sign of a fresh, exciting start.

Simms, who ran a hospital while in the Army, is now leading the little elementary on the east end, after former principal Richard Stevens retired in May.

While Simms is a newcomer to the Molokai school system, she’s been working within the Hawaii Department of Education’s “Canoe Complex,” which includes Molokai, Lanai, Hana and Lahainaluna, for 12 years.

“She’s not brand new to administration,” said Complex Area Superintendent Lindsay Ball.…

Mel Paoa: A Legacy of Humility and Humor

Wednesday, August 12th, 2015

Mel Paoa: A Legacy of Humility and Humor

Last week, Molokai lost a beloved waterman, paramedic, Hokule`a captain, mentor and family man. Melvin “Mel” Paoa, Jr., who dedicated his career to saving lives as the island’s first certified paramedic, was known around the island and the world for his quiet, aloha spirit.

Shortly after noon last Saturday, Molokai firefighters responded to a report of a boat floating unattended near Kamalo Wharf. Witnesses said they last saw Paoa, 62, tying up his 26-foot-catamaran in the area, according to fire officials. Rescue crews found him unresponsive, floating about 300 yards offshore and downwind from the wharf. After unsuccessfully trying to resuscitate him, he was  transported  to Molokai General Hospital, where he  passed away.…

Careers in Community Health

Friday, August 7th, 2015

UH Maui College News Release

Prospective students interested in community health can take advantage of two new short-term certificate programs launching this fall at the University of Hawaii Maui College. The certificates can be earned in one or two semesters, with class schedules designed for participants already balancing work and family obligations.

The new Community Health Worker/Health Navigator 1 Certificate of Competence requires 15 credits, and will allow participants to finish in less than a year. New distance learning options will be also be available for Molokai, Lanai, Hana, and Lahaina.

Community health workers (CHWs) in Maui County hold job titles that include outreach specialist, wellness navigator, program assistant and health aide.…

Grant Supports Youth Training in Sustainable Ag

Friday, August 7th, 2015

Sust`ainable Molokai News Release

Sust`ainable Molokai (SM) recently received a $17,434 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of SM’s Molokai Agricultural Youth Leadership Development Program.

The Youth Leadership Program aims to train high school and college youth in sustainable agriculture and permaculture practices through an ongoing mentorship program. The mentees will gain knowledge in the areas of traditional Hawaiian agriculture, professional business skills, hands-on experience, and will be encouraged to find their own unique way to contribute to food sovereignty in their community while earning a stipend upon the completion of the program.…

Molokai Half-Marathon

Friday, August 7th, 2015

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u School is hosting Molokai’s first-ever half-marathon and relay on Saturday, Aug. 15. Start time is 7 a.m. at Papohaku Beach Park. Runners and walkers can choose to solo the 13.1-mile distance or compete as a relay team of three.

Relay leg distances are 4 miles, 4.7 miles, and 4.4 miles. Leg one is Papohaku to Dixie, let two is Dixie to Kulawai Loop to Papohaku and leg three is Papohaku to Pa Loa Loop to Papohaku.

Race entry fee is $30 for solo runners and $45 for teams ($15 per team member.) All entry fees go to expand Kualapu`u School Parent Involvement and Family Support at the school.…

Veterans Corner

Thursday, August 6th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Aloha all my fellow veterans and residents of Molokai, old Jesse here with all the veterans news and upcoming events. The biggest upcoming event for veterans on Molokai will happening next week. The dedication and grand opening of our Veterans Center is on Aug. 14 and the closer it gets, the more excited I am, like a kid waiting for Christmas. Every veterans on the island must feel extremely proud, I know I do, and my only wish would be for all the veterans who helped to get this center were still here to enjoy it.…