Author Archives: Eileen Chao

Molokai Art Center Opens Its Doors

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

Molokai Art Center Opens Its Doors

Though the Molokai Art Center has been open for less than a month, the shelves are already laden with ceramic bowls and figurines waiting for the kiln. Along the bottom shelf sits a herd of chalky rabbits, shaped by some of Molokai’s youngest artists. They are a symbol of what the new Art Center is all about –a space where Molokai keiki and adults could experience “freedom and discipline in a nurturing environment,” according to the Art Center’s Board of Directors.

The blessing of the new community Art Center, currently located at the Coffees of Hawaii Plantation in Kualapu`u, took place last Friday.…

MIS files for Emergency Drought Declaration

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

Despite heavy rains three weeks ago, Molokai farmers are concerned that the summer may bring continued drought and adverse effects for agriculture. That concern motivated Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) board members to vote in favor of an emergency drought declaration for Maui County, which could bring government assistance.

Department of Agriculture (DOA) officials have filed the request for Gov. Abercrombie’s approval, and expect a response within a month to six weeks, according to DOA Chairperson Russell Kokobun, via video chat at last week’s MIS meeting. If the governor does declare a state of emergency for Maui County, the agricultural community may be able to access low-interest emergency loans if funds are available, according to the DOA’s Randy Teruya.…

Season’s First Stand Up Race

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Season’s First Stand Up Race

SUPAM News Release

Stand Up paddle Association of Molokai (SUPAM) had their first race of the this year’s series Makani Ikaika O Molokai, on March 10th, 2012. This event lived up to its name. The Molokai to Oahu leg of the Olamau canoe race was postponed to Sunday, March 11 due to high winds and big seas and therefore SUPAM did the same for the long course, Kamalo to Kaunakakai.

However, the short course was inside the reef and in shallow water so the short course – three miles from One Ali`i fishpond to Kaunakakai Harbor – continued as scheduled. The wind was howling and for the kids that entered this was quite the adventure.…

Paddlers Inn to Get an Addition

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Paddlers Inn to Get an Addition

Paddlers Inn News Release

Paddlers Inn will be getting an addition of a permanent roof over the lanai dining area and a landscaped park lot later this year. Construction is awaiting approval of permits.

General Manager Earl Gordon has directed the launch of the new Paddlers Inn. The project was made possible by the support of the island community for the reopen of Paddlers and the new Texas barbeque food format. The delicioussmoke house barbeque has been created with Leon and Blanche Howe bringing years of experience from their Las Vegas restaurant.

Paddlers Inn will go on to fulfill the promise of bringing excellent food and a local watering hole for the community.…

Micah G Coming to Molokai

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Micah G Coming to Molokai

Community Contributed

By Paulele Alcon

Molokai, I hope you ready for a night full of lover’s rock music. It’s going down this Saturday March 24 at the Official Micah G CD Release Celebration and “Rude Boy Love” music video shoot at Paddlers Inn, presented to you by Hawaii’s Finest. Get out your dancing shoes, favorite HI Finest shirt and get ready to represent Molokai in the Micah G and DJ Osna music video, which will be featured on a number of local TV shows and websites.

Micah G was one of the founders and lead singers of the band “The Next Generation.”…

Pitching a Homerun for Youth

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Aquafina News Release

The County of Maui Parks and Recreation will host a free Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run competition for Molokai youth. The event will take place on March 31 at the Kaunakakai Little League Ball Park at 9 a.m.

Pitch, Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball/softball skills.

Competitors are divided into four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the 2012 MLB All-Star Game®.…

Navigating College

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

EOC News Release 

Interested in college? Don’t know where to start? The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) can help!

The EOC can help make navigating the world of college easy. EOC’s goal is to increase the number of Maui County residents who enroll in college, especially those who face economic barriers, educational challenges, and those with military connections. We can help you with the college search, admissions advising including filling out admissions applications and finding out entrance requirements, financial aid services including assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), filling out scholarships and student loan requirements, registering for courses and much more for programs anywhere in the country.…

Farmers Sports Start Season Strong

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

The spring sports season is off to a strong start for the Farmers. The boys’ volleyball team triumphed over the Lunas at Friday’s home game, boys baseball defeated Lanai at their away games this weekend, and girls softball won against Seabury in Friday’s game, though were unable to hold out against the Spartans on Saturday.

Boys Volleyball
The team won their home game at The Barn on Friday against Lahainaluna. As of that game, Molokai is still undefeated this season (3-0). Coaches did not return calls after Saturday’s game.

At Friday’s game, the Farmers swept the first three sets in a row.…

Fire Promotions for Molokai Locals

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Fire Promotions for Molokai Locals

Two Molokai natives have achieved one of the highest ranks in the Fire Department. Long-time friends and fellow Maui County Fire Captains Travis Tancayo and Petro Garces were both promoted to Battalion Chiefs last week. The highly-coveted position requires many years of experience and training as a career firefighter as well as exceptional leadership skills.

Maui Deputy Fire Chief Robert Shimada describes both men as “honest, hardworking, smart [and] an asset to the department and community.”

They are also a credit to Molokai, according to Fire Inspector Rick Schonely.
“[They are] proof that our born and raised Molokai citizens can reach for the stars and achieve awesome goals,” said Schonely.…

Fuel Costs Rising, Worse to Come

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Fuel Costs Rising, Worse to Come

Molokai residents are used to some of the highest gas prices in the nation. But with an overnight jump of 25 cents last week – reaching $5.36 for regular unleaded – even locals were left in disbelief. While Molokai has seen higher prices before, experts predict record-breaking highs in gas prices by summer of this year.

In 2008, the Dispatch investigated just why oil prices were so much higher on Molokai than other parts of the state or nation. The conclusion was a combination of factors – first, supply-and-demand economics dictates that less consumption requires higher prices to turn a profit.…