Author Archives: Colleen Uechi

Chaminade Nonprofit Seminar

Friday, November 20th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Barbara Haliniak

We invite you to take advantage of an opportunity to be educated on nonprofit matters and network with other on island nonprofits. Chaminade University has offered to do a nonprofit seminar on Molokai, similar to the ones they offer annually on Oahu.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the OHA Conference Room, Kulana `Oiwi. Normally the seminar costs $185 per person. However, in partnership with other local nonprofits, we are able to bring the seminar to Molokai free of charge to participants. Handouts will be provided by Chaminade.…

Hale Kealoha Unveils New Menu

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

After debuting its pupus last month, Hotel Molokai’s recently restored restaurant expanded its menu to include breakfast, lunch and dinner last week.

Hale Kealoha, the first full restaurant service at the hotel in three years, is now open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Owners and siblings Tammy Smith and Kama Hoe called it the restaurant’s “soft opening,” a chance to get the staff comfortable and work out any kinks before the restaurant’s grand opening on Dec. 5.

“It’s a beautiful place, so come on back and create the memories of what used to be,” said Hoe.

Breakfast at Hale Kealoha now includes classics such as pancakes, French toast and oatmeal.…

Rule Proposed to Protect Sea Cucumbers

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

After a commercial operation was discovered overharvesting sea cucumbers earlier this year, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking to regulate the catch and consumption of the marine creature throughout the state.

Previously, there were “no rules at all” protecting sea cucumbers, which serve an important purpose in the ocean, said Russell Sparks, aquatic biologist with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).

“The … thing that concerned us is the role these animals play on the reef,” Sparks explained. “They’re kinda like earthworms on land. They gotta turn the sediments over and clean it.”

Last week DLNR officials held a public hearing on Molokai to discuss proposed regulations with community members.…

Elections for Hawaiian Convention Underway

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

A historic and contested election is taking place this month for Natives Hawaiians that could help determine the direction of self-determination. Starting Nov. 1 for 30 days, about 100,000 Hawaiians registered with the Kana`iolowalu Native Hawaiian Roll Commission can cast their ballot for candidates in their district who would represent them at an upcoming constitutional convention of 40 delegates.

The Molokai ballot has three candidates who are among more than 200 candidates statewide. One of them will represent both Molokai and Lanai at the convention, to be held between February and April of 2016. According to the Roll Commission, just under 3,000 Molokai residents are registered.…

Little League Throws First Pitch

Friday, November 13th, 2015

The Molokai Little League had their opening ceremonies last Saturday for their T-ball and coach pitch leagues. Games will be played during the week at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. until mid-December.

There are eight teams this year: the Ho’olehua Cubs, Kaunakakai Giants and Kaunakakai Angels have both T-ball and coach pitch teams. The Maunaloa Tigers and Kaunakakai Mets only have only T-ball teams. The League president is Pinky Gaspar and vice president is Briann Starkey.

Photos by Rick Schonely.…

Veterans Corner: Veterans Day

Friday, November 13th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Aloha all my veterans, and residents of Molokai, old Jesse here with all the veterans news and upcoming events. Today is Wednesday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day, and to all my fellow veterans, I wish to commend you for your courage, your honor, and most of all for your unselfish sacrifices in times of peace as well as war. Please accept my sincere thank you, as a fellow veteran who has the utmost respect for your love of our country and your eagerness to server here, you all are truly American heroes in my eyes.…

‘Sons of Halawa’ World Premiere

Friday, November 13th, 2015

‘Sons of Halawa’ World Premiere

Quazifilms News Release

On Monday, Nov. 16 in Honolulu, “Sons of Halawa,” a locally produced 60-minute documentary, will have its World Premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). The Molokai Premiere is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. under the tent at Hotel Molokai.

The story takes place in Molokai’s Halawa Valley and revolves around the life of Pilipo Solatorio. Now in his 70s, Pilipo is the last of his generation living in the isolated valley. The film follows him for two years as he searches for a successor to replace him as the carrier of Halawa’s cultural practices.…

Molokai Joins in Christmas Donation

Friday, November 13th, 2015

Operation Christmas Child News Release

This month, Molokai Baptist Church will serve as a Molokai collection site for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many Molokai residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement.

“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone on Molokai can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world,” said Hawaii Operation Christmas Child director Jennifer Trevithick.…

$88K for Cultural and Environmental Education

Friday, November 13th, 2015

$88K for Cultural and Environmental Education

MMS News Release

Molokai Middle School, `O Hina I Ka Malama, Ke Kula Waena, Hawaiian Language Immersion Program received a $88,213 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a project titled “Promoting Cultural Based Knowledge and Practices through Environmental Stewardship and Preservation.” The grant’s duration, August 2015 through August 2016, is being lead by Molokai Middle School Hawaiian Language Immersion Program Teacher and Principal Investigator, `Iolani Ku`oha.

“Our goal, through meaningful science-based outdoor experiences for students, is to instill the need for engaging in culture based knowledge that reflects community efforts on Molokai,” said Ku`oha. “In addition, we hope that increased science investigations that are relevant to students will help to increase their achievement on the Hawaii State Science Assessment.”…

3rd Annual Art Show

Friday, November 13th, 2015

3rd Annual Art Show

MAC News Release

Molokai Arts Center (MAC) will present its third annual member show Nov. 18 through Dec. 9. Hosted at the Molokai Public Library, there will be an opening reception from 5 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 18.

This year’s entries include art work from members, as well as volunteers, students from UHMC classes, the kupuna class and a group project from the keiki class.

Some works will be available for sale at the opening reception with a portion of the proceeds going to the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be provided at the opening reception. The public is encouraged to come and enjoy the unique handcrafted art work created by members of the Molokai community.…