Author Archives: Colleen Uechi

‘Kumu Hina’ Film Looks at Tradition in Modern Hawaii

Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

Alu Like Native Hawaiian Library Molokai News Release

It’s been a long-time coming, but two films that bring Hawaiian culture to life in powerful new ways are finally going to screen on Molokai.

“Kumu Hina” is a film produced by Pacific Islanders in Communications about the struggle to maintain traditional culture and values within the Westernized society of modern Hawaii.  The film’s entertaining stories are told through the perspective of Hina Wong-Kalu, a remarkable native Hawaiian mahu, or transgender, teacher who inspires a young girl to claim her place as leader of the school’s all-boy hula troupe as she searches for love and a fulfilling romantic relationship in her own life, so she can enjoy intimacy with her partner sometimes learning from sex toy blogs for this purpose.…

The Molokai Hoe: Battle of the Paddle

Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

The Molokai Hoe: Battle of the PaddleInside a Molokai crew’s voyage across the Kaiwi Channel

6:05 a.m.

On the morning of the 63rd Molokai Hoe, Bozo Dudoit scans the water for clues. The sluggish clouds and sloppy ocean are less than promising to the veteran paddling coach and steersman.

“We were hoping for some bumps and I think it’s gonna be flat today,” says Dudoit. “But we’re gonna go out there and give it our best shot. We’re ready for anything.”

In two hours, Dudoit and eight other Molokai men will paddle a fiberglass outrigger canoe 42 miles across the Ka`iwi Channel to Oahu. The legendary race, first won by a Molokai crew in 1952, is the longest and most grueling of the season.…

Legislators Face Molokai Issues Firsthand

Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

Legislators Face Molokai Issues Firsthand

Last week, House Finance Committee members visited Molokai for the first time in years to get an up-close picture of problems facing island residents.

State House Representative Lynn DeCoite (Molokai, East Maui, Lanai) said she felt legislators needed to hear her native island’s concerns in person and urged the committee to make the trip.

“It’s just a matter of having my colleagues understanding what we’re going through,” said DeCoite. “… They have their own districts to worry about. But they came, they wanted to support, they wanted to see what we’re facing.”

Committee members spoke with residents at Home Pumehana and met with homestead farmers at Lanikeha.…

Kaalekahi Shoots Second, Davis Third at MILs

Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

Kaalekahi Shoots Second, Davis Third at MILs

Molokai High School’s Keaa Davis saved her best for last.

At last Saturday’s Maui Interscholastic League air riflery championships, the senior shooter finished in a season-high third place with 500 points in the girls’ individual competition. Teammate Jershon Kaalekahi placed second with 504 points for the boys, as reported by The Maui News.

Cody Nip joined Kaalekahi on the medal podium in third place. Nip posted 501 points and the second highest prone total at 188. Josh Cabreros’ 477 points tied him for ninth place, while Edwin Greenleaf came in 46th with 353 points to put the team in fourth overall.…

Two Shooters Charged with Attempted Murder

Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

Two Molokai men were arrested and charged with first degree attempted murder for shooting two men in Ho`olehua last Wednesday, Oct. 14. Thirty-two-year-old Chad Kaipo Naehu of Kaunakakai and 26-year-old Travis Torres of Ho`olehua turned themselves in to the Molokai Police Station at about 10:15 p.m. that night, according to police. Both are being held on Maui on $1 million bails.

The two men they shot were hospitalized after each sustained a gunshot wound. A 52-year-old man was shot in the neck and was transported to Oahu in critical condition. The second victim, a 37-year-old man, was shot in the rear and also flown to Oahu, in guarded condition.…

Veterans Corner: Military suicide rates drop

Friday, October 16th, 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. Marine Lance Cpl. Victor Padilla never dreamed that his best friend would try to kill himself. Padilla and a fellow Marine and best friend were on a fishing trip together. Padilla, who is stationed aboard the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, South Carolina, said his friend was looking forward to meeting up for dinner when they returned to the barracks. By that time, Padilla said his friend’s mood had changed, he seemed upset, and was moving around quickly.…

12 Molokai Businesses at County Product Show

Friday, October 16th, 2015

KBC News Release

At this year’s second annual Made in Maui County Festival, we have 12 booths occupied by Molokai businesses. The Kuha`o Business Center (KBC) is excited to not only have businesses returning to the festival from last year, but to be adding to the list of Molokai businesses that will be represented. The festival takes place Nov. 6-7 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului.

The event will boast a larger format with more products, more vendors, more food trucks, and more reasons to buy local. Nearly 140 product vendors and food trucks are confirmed for this year.…

Homestead Gardening Program

Friday, October 16th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves

The next round of the Hawaiian Homesteaders Gardening Program will start in late November. The purpose of this educational program is to increase homestead families access to fresh vegetables. Participants will be taught all aspects of establishing and managing a garden, and growing vegetables adapted to Molokai.

This program is open to all Hawaiian homesteaders residing on Molokai, and participation will be limited to 15 families. Classes will be held two to three times each month from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with occasional workshops. The choice of a Tuesday or Thursday meeting date will be determined by participants.…

Getting the Point in Kalaupapa

Friday, October 16th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

The story goes that the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, Confucius, was teaching his class one day on his Silver Rule, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” Evidently the class was not responding to his message in the manner he had hoped for and desired, or perhaps just did not get it. So wishing to get some positive reaction, he raised his voice a decibel and said, “He or she who sits on tack gets the point.” Almost immediately one young student rose to his feet and said, “Yes, Master Confucius, and rises to the occasion.”…

Revelation of Hope Seminar Follow-up

Friday, October 16th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Pastor Robin Saban

Good news to both those who were able to attend and those who missed the Revelation of Hope Seminar conducted by Keoki Gandeza Aug. 22 to Sept. 5. We will have follow-up video presentations conducted by Taj Pacleb, an evangelist who conducts evangelistic seminars at least seven times a year all over the world. He was born and raised in Hawaii, and it is his passion to preach the prophetic truths contained in the books of Daniel and Revelation and the whole Bible.

The presentation is ongoing, and you are invited to attend, together with those who may not have attended it yet.…