Author Archives: Eileen Chao

Dogs Kill Over 100 Native Birds at Mo`omomi

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Dogs Kill Over 100 Native Birds at Mo`omomi

Community Contributed

By Ed Misaki, TNC Director of Molokai Programs

For the second summer in a row, dogs have invaded the Uau Kani, native wedge-tailed shearwater nesting site at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Mo`omomi Preserve and have killed 109 nesting birds to date. Wedge-tails are most commonly known to help fisherman detect schools of fish at sea. Wedge-tails live their entire life in the sea, and only come to land to nest.

The event took place between June 7-9, 2012 and eye witnesses report that there are two dogs responsible for the kills. One dog is described as a pit bull type, while the other is described as a “hound” looking.…

The Last Wave In

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

The Last Wave In

Molokai Surf Shop closes

After 20 years of operation, the Molokai Surf Shop that has provided the island a local venue to purchase surfboards, surf gear and surf-brand clothing is permanently shutting its doors.

“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful experience, watching kids who used to come in in their hanabata days now bringing in their own kids,” said Aunty Caroline Jones, who has worked at Molokai Surf Shop for the past 18 years.

“All the visitors [to the store] give you so much love. They’re not customers, they’re family,” she said.

Owner Jerry Leonard said talks of closing shop – largely due to lack of sales in a faltering economy – have been buzzing around for a few months.…

A Fond Farewell

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

A Fond Farewell

Friends of Cami Naehu share memories

Just past mile marker 18 on the east end, fresh flowers decorate a section of Kamehameha V Highway in remembrance of Cami Naehu, 33, who died in a motorcycle accident last Saturday. The Molokai native is survived by two sons.

“Her forgiving heart has taught me so much about life, more than she will ever know. She isn’t just my best friend, she is my sister, she is my ‘homie,’” wrote friend Liza-Kay. “She will always be here with me. Cami lived her life to the fullest; she always had a smile on her face with no worries at all, ready for anything.…

Appeal of Ranch Water Rates Denied

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

In an attempt to aid west end Molokai residents paying some of the highest water rates in the nation, Maui County filed an appeal last year in the state Intermediate Court of Appeals against the utilities of Molokai Properties, Ltd. (MPL), better known as Molokai Ranch. That appeal was recently denied, leaving ratepayers struggling under rates that have been called outrageous.

The appeal, filed last March, contested the Public Utility Commission (PUC)’s decision to approve permanent water rate hikes for hundreds of residents on the west end served by one of the Ranch’s subsidiary utilities, Wai`ola O Molokai. Wai`ola customers in Maunaloa, Kualapu`u, Kipu, Manawainui and the Molokai Industrial Park areas are left paying rates almost five times higher than their bills a few years ago.…

Meet 2 of Keiki Surf

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Community Contributed

Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai News Release

Early morning rain and clouds did not keep away 50 keiki surfers, who participated in the second summer surf meet on June 23 at Waialua beach. It was a bit challenging, with conditions including an extremely low tide, a huge sidelong sandbar and the chilly waters of Waialua stream. But the kids all took turns showing their skills riding waves; some catching their own waves, getting rides to the beach and doing awesome tricks. Participants were treated to a bunch of stickers, a bar of wax and even some birthday cupcakes.…

Molokai Grads to Study at Technical Institute

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Molokai Grads to Study at Technical Institute

Community Contributed

UTI News Release

Three Molokai grads are headed to the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Avondale, Arizona after receiving financial assistance from the UTI Foundation. Jordan Gorospe, Kailen Inouye and James Corpuz are following in the footsteps of another Molokai graduate, who attended UTI last year and took a job in a Louisiana oil field.

The three students will begin classes on July 9. The opportunity will allow them to obtain careers as technicians. The grant was made possible through Hawaiian Island Fund, a relatively new funding program for Hawaiian students, according to Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation.…

New Vending Machines

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

New Vending Machines

Travelers frequenting the Ho`olehua Airport will greeted by two shiny new newspaper vending machines recently installed by The Molokai Dispatch. Both machines are coin-operated and dispense papers for $.50 each.

“The vending machines are a step forward for us. They offer our travelers a convenient way to access the paper and at the same time, offer our advertisers increased visibility,” said Dispatch Publisher Todd Yamashita.

The papers will continue to be distributed free to the airport and elsewhere around Molokai. However, papers at the free locations tend to run out quickly, while vending machines should remain stocked throughout the week, according to Yamashita.…

First Uke Ohana Molokai Gathers

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

First Uke Ohana Molokai Gathers

Community Contributed
By Duncan Berry, submitted by Lonomusic

Ukulele and hula lovers from around the world gathered at Pu`u O Hoku Ranch this past week to share the spirit of aloha during the first annual Uke Ohana Molokai event. Participants from Oahu, California, Oregon and Australia spent five days immersed in traditional old style Hawaiian ukulele music and culture led by local folk singer Lono and the dancers of the Hula Halau Mele Nei (Sheri Shults with Kim and Richard Markham). On Friday, the entire group brought lei to the kupuna at the Hotel Molokai and played and danced with the islands finest.…

Calling Natural Honey Producers Statewide

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Community Contributed

Big Island Beekeepers Association News Release

The Big Island Beekeepers Association (BIBA) invites natural (raw) honey producers state-wide to participate in the Third Annual Hawaiian Natural Honey Challenge. The challenge was begun in 2010 to showcase the quality of the unprocessed, unfiltered honey produced by local beekeepers statewide.

The challenge consists of two parts — a formal judging and a public tasting. At the formal judging the entries are categorized by nectar source and type (liquid, solid, comb), and evaluated by judges recruited for their refined sense of taste and knowledge of honey. Top scorers by category receive awards in this contest.…

MHS Grad Recognized as Scholar Athlete

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

MHS Grad Recognized as Scholar Athlete

HMSA News Release

A Molokai student took top honors at last week’s HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship program that recognizes scholar athletes around the state. Charisse Manley of Molokai High School was one of our distinguished Kaimana Scholars and took home a $5,000 scholarship.

“The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is the only program in the state that rewards academics and athletics as well as sportsmanship and community service,” said Robert P. Hiam, HMSA’s chief executive officer.

The program started in August 2005, recognizes all-around accomplishments by high schools, rewards individual student athletes with scholarships, and supports coaches education. The program is sponsored by HMSA and administered by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.…