Author Archives: Colleen Uechi

Molokai Getaway Package

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

 Makani Kai News Release

Hotel Molokai, in conjunction with Makani Kai Air and Molokai Car Rental is now offering an “Escape to Molokai” combination package. The package includes two nights’ stay at the Hotel Molokai, round trip airfare for two to Molokai from either Honolulu or Kahului, and a two-day car rental from Molokai Car Rental, all for $489, taxes and fees included.

“This combination package makes travel to our island affordable,” said Michael Drew, General Manager of Hotel Molokai. “We’re happy to do what we can to encourage Hawaii residents to come to Molokai and enjoy the open spaces and unspoiled environment.”…

Veterans Announcements

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

MVCV News Release

At the Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) Board of Directors meeting on May 13, it was decided to open the Veterans Center five days a week, Monday through Friday, instead of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So two more watch commanders are needed for Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Duties are answering the phone, and questions, greeting visitors, and being a goodwill ambassador. The certified kitchen at the Veterans Center is now open for business. Call Allen at 553-8387.

A reminder that there will be a VA workshop at the Veterans Center on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m.…

Ikehu Molokai Meetings

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Ikehu Molokai News Release

The Ikehu Molokai planning team is excited to be returning to Molokai and hope that you can attend an Ikehu Molokai renewable energy project community meeting. Community meetings are scheduled for the week of May 24.  The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 23, 3 to 4 p.m. Manae Goods & Grindz (at the picnic table), informal discussion Tuesday, May 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Kilohana Community Center Wednesday, May 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Maunaloa Community Center Thursday, May 28, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Kalanianaole Hall Friday, May 29, 11 a.m.…

Scholarship Luncheon

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Scholarship Luncheon

UHMCM News Release

On Thursday, May 7, students and staff at University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai (UHMCM) gathered at a scholarship awards luncheon.  The luncheon was held in honor of 17 students enrolled at the Molokai campus who all display great potential for academic and career success.

The number of scholarships distributed to Molokai students far exceeded any previous academic year.  More than $12,000 in funding to support these students education was awarded to these very deserving individuals who Molokai can be proud of.

Please join us in congratulating these students and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.  Student awardees:  Kuulei Alameida, Precious Asuncion, Michelle Bocon, Coral Gonzales, Barbara Haliniak, Kealohanuikalawaiamoku Helm, Ali Kaina, Stephanie Lauifi, Wendy Lindo, Alicia Maurizio, Tamara Michaelson, Amber Nakihei, Brianna Tangonan, John Theone, Vanessa Uddipa, Kade Yam-Lum and Briann Young.…

Veterans Corner

Thursday, May 21st, 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. Another Memorial Day will very soon be upon us. When the average American hears the words Memorial Day, they think, “oh great, a three-day weekend to camp or go to the beach or relax around the house.” The average American is apathetic to the meaning of Memorial Day, and their children see this and act accordingly.

If you ask a member or veteran of the U.S. military, you will get a totally different answer. “This is the day that we pay homage to the nation’s men and women who willingly gave their last full measure of devotion so we could live as free Americans and enjoy all the liberties of freedom.”…

Fire Task Force

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

The Molokai Fire Task Force held their quarterly meeting at Kaunakakai Fire Station on May 7. The meeting was attended by all of the major participants including The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety, The Nature Conservancy, the state Department of Transportation, the state Department of Forestry and Wildlife, the Maui County Police Department, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, the Molokai/Lanai Soil and Water Conservation District, Kawela Plantation,  Molokai Ranch and also community members.

The Task Force wants to remind the public that we are moving into wildfire season and it is now time and it is always time to take precautions by clearing overgrown brush and by making a defensible space around your home.…

The Secret Lives of Monk Seals

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

The Secret Lives of Monk Seals

A year and a half ago, scientists and community members wanting to learn more about endangered Hawaiian monk seals decided to try a new method of observation. Instead of continuing to speculate and make assumptions about the life and habits of monk seals – much of which happens under water – they decided to record it on video. Attaching satellite trackers and cameras known as “critter cams” to the backs of seals allows biologists, students and the public to gain insight into the largely obscured life of this endemic sea mammal.

Most people observe Hawaiian monk seals sleeping on the beach or feeding right off the shore, said Charles Littnan, lead scientist of NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program.…

Two Islands, One Goal

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Two Islands, One Goal

On a bright and breezy Thursday morning, two men from different parts of the world knelt over a pile of freshly netted weke. One was a Molokai born-and-raised fishpond keeper, the other, a Spanish-speaking Rapa Nui fisherman, each knowing just a few words of the other’s native tongue. Under a shady tree, they pulled out knife and fork and began scraping translucent scales from the fish in the same methodical style. Neither could say very much to each other, but they spoke the common language of men whose livelihoods revolve around fish.

It was this connection to the ocean, to kai, to el mar, that brought a conglomerate of Hawaiians and Rapa Nui together last month at Keawanui Fishpond on Molokai’s east end.…

Softball Seventh in State

Wednesday, May 20th, 2015

Softball Seventh in State

 

In the first game of last week’s state softball championships, Molokai sports fans had sinking feelings of déjà vu. For the third year in a row, the Lady Farmers faced Division II nemesis St. Francis. For the third year in a row, the Saints won. In the last two years after being defeated in the first game, Molokai lost a second to be eliminated from the tournament.

However, this year’s team wrote a different story. Despite falling 14-2 to St. Francis last Tuesday, the Lady Farmers turned around and beat Kalaheo 14-3 on Thursday and Konawaena 13-3 on Friday in the consolation bracket.…

7 Judoka Compete at States

Friday, May 15th, 2015

7 Judoka Compete at States

Molokai’s introductory course in judo is complete. The Farmers ended their first-ever judo season at last Saturday’s state competition, and while none of them took home a medal, the coaches were pleased to see how far their developing judoka, or judo students, have come.

“Considering that these guys just learned judo about two months ago, making it this far, winning some matches, getting to states, that’s real good pretty darn good,” said boys’ Head Coach Eli “Lihau” Maioho.

Three Molokai judoka were seeded within the top four in their weight classes going into the tournament. Senior Kaila`oe Cabanting (115) and junior Kui Han (285) went in ranked third, while freshman Ikua DePonte (145) went in fourth.…