Author Archives: Colleen Uechi

Tutu’s Corner

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

Community Contributed

Mathematical thinking: same or different

By Keshia Adolpho, Tutu and Me Travelling Preschool

The concepts of “same and different” are two stepping stones to higher mathematical thinking. In fact, these two concepts are important to all areas of learning: reading, science, social studies, the arts, and physical and social development. For example, in reading, a child would have to know the concepts of “same and different,” to know that “cat and cat” are the same words, and “cat and bird” are different words.

Children appear to learn the concept of “sameness” more readily than the concept of “difference.” For this reason, “sameness” seems to be a good concept to begin with.…

Celebrating Our Kupuna

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

Community Contributed

By Kauinohea Kapuni Manera

On Sept. 30, ALU LIKE, Inc.’s Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna program for seniors celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was special to see kupuna of Molokai mingle with each other, reminiscing of days gone by, remembering the ones we have lost and looking ahead as to what the future may bring.

On that one day, we all managed to unite in aloha and acknowledged our community supporters, remembered Aunty Hannah Rodrigues Moritz’ hula “Ke Aloha,” welcomed the Na Puuwai daycare kupuna and witnessed the kihei ceremony of our na lei hulu mamo. Seven of our eldest Molokai kupuna were honored that day: Julia Flores Siu, Katherine “Kitty” Akutagawa, Lydia Noe Cluney, Alexander Bishaw, Violet Rodrigues, Clara Sabas and Elizabeth Kauila Reyes.…

Alii’s Life Story Through Hula

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

When Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali`i and his halau started gathering stories about Kamehameha the Great, they simply wanted to save their Hawaii Island community’s history before it was lost.

Now, what began as a cultural revival has been channeled into a hula drama called “Hanau Ke Ali`i: Born is the Chief,” which combines hula, chant and Hawaiian martial arts to reenact lesser known details of Kamehameha’s life. After performing on six islands, Waimea-based Halau Na Kipu`upu`u is completing its tour on Molokai this Friday at the high school gym.

“It’s based on the life of Kamehameha as told by his descendants,” said Kamohoali`i.…

Man Dies in Gunshot Accident

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

A 24-year-old Molokai man from Maunaloa died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun in Kaluakoi on Oct. 5. Marianito Alavazo was with two friends at the time, according to police. He was treated at the scene by emergency personnel, who received a 911 call from a Molokai resident reporting the accident just before 4 p.m.

Alavazo was flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, and he died the following day.

Molokai police recovered the gun that was involved, though they have not released details surrounding its discharge. The police department is continuing an investigation into this case.…

Upcoming Veterans Events

Friday, October 9th, 2015

MVCV News Release

Our Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans (MVCV) are looking forward to Tuesday, Oct. 13, when our Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C., will be coming to our center from 9:30 to 11 a.m., to inform our veterans and discuss any concerns. Clay Park, who is a board member of the Governor’s Veterans Committee and founder of the Uncles and Aunties Program, will also be here to provide VA updates and assist with any VA issues.

On the same day, Yvonne Geesey, health promotion disease prevention program manager with Department of Veterans Affairs, will be at our center from 8 a.m.…

Molokai Island Energy Project Update

Friday, October 9th, 2015

Princeton Energy News Release

Aloha! Princeton Energy Group and Half Moon Ventures want to express our gratitude to the Molokai community for welcoming us once again with great hospitality and warmth this past May. It was wonderful to visit with old friends, as well as develop new relationships on the island, as we continue to work together as partners on the Molokai Island Energy Project (formerly known as Ikehu Molokai). We held extensive community meetings throughout the island and received valuable feedback from residents. We continue to believe that the Molokai Island Energy Project will be accomplished by a long-term collaboration between community groups, residents, and the planning team.…

Upcoming 100K Bike Race in January

Friday, October 9th, 2015

Upcoming 100K Bike Race in January

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u School invites all local cycling enthusiasts to start getting ready for this year’s Molokai Metric events. Two races are planned this year. In addition to the 100K ride, race organizers are staging an Uphill Prelim on the Kalae Highway. The Uphill Prelim is five miles in length climbing from Holomua Junction to Kalaupapa Lookout. This event opens the Martin Luther King weekend of activities. The Uphill race begins Saturday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. from the Surf Shack. Afterwards, riders will be taking a group ride to preview a 12-mile section of the following day’s Molokai Metric course.…

Continuing Success for Robotics Teams

Friday, October 9th, 2015

Continuing Success for Robotics Teams

MMS STEM Robotics News Release

Molokai Middle School’s STEM Robotics Team 434 opened their 2015-2016 VEX IQ Robotics year, bringing home first, second and third place finishes in the first two tournaments of the season on Oahu and Maui.

On Sept. 5, Team 434K Kalo Farmers and Team 434M Menehune Farmers traveled to Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei, Oahu for the 2015 aio Aloha VEX IQ Tournament. After the qualifications round, Team Kalo Farmers was ranked sixth while Team Menehune Farmers was ranked eighth. Going into the finals round, the Kalo Farmers were partnered with fifth place Mililani Masters while the Menehune Farmers were partnered with seventh place Castle Knights.…

Grief Support Group

Friday, October 9th, 2015

Hospice Hawaii Molokai News Release

When a person experiences the death of a loved one, their life is forever changed and the journey can be an emotional roller coaster. Knowledge about grief can help a person understand the emotions and know what is normal grief and mourning. A grief support group through Hospice Hawaii Molokai is for anyone in the Molokai community who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

The new closed support group begins Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and every Wednesday for 12 weeks at the Hospice Hawaii office (next to Dave’s ice cream).…

Child Abuse Prevention Scenarios

Friday, October 9th, 2015

Consuelo Foundation Molokai News Release

Though Molokai is a small community, we’re not immune from child abuse. Education is an important step in prevention. Parents, don’t be afraid to talk to your children about staying safe and healthy. Here is an activity to do with your children ages 5 to 10, but it can be discussed at any age.

Talk about grown-ups they trust. Have your child think of several trusted grown-ups, they are comfortable talking to. Along with your child, identify and draw pictures of three grown-ups who will help if they have a problem. It is important to make sure to communicate with these adults about their role as a trusted person.…