Author Archives: Emily Sumners

Revisiting Kalaupapa History

Sunday, April 28th, 2013

Revisiting Kalaupapa History

There’s a new history of Kalaupapa, revealed through stories told by those with Hansen’s disease exiled to the peninsula. Over the past 40 years, historian and author Anwei Skinsnes Law explored photos, letters and lost sources. She shared what she found in her book “Kalaupapa: A Collective Memory.”

“We have to let the people of Kalaupapa be the interpreters of their own history,” Law said during a book signing at Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai April 24.

The individual stories intertwine throughout the book, just as she discovered them intertwining during her research. From the first exiles sent to the peninsula in 1866 to the last generation of patients who came after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, the book – and Law’s career – aims to debunk the myths surrounding the settlement.…

Lady Farmers Claim MIL Championship

Sunday, April 28th, 2013

Lady Farmers Claim MIL Championship

By MHS Athletic Department staff

The Molokai High School (MHS) Lady Farmers softball team pounded out a 13-3 win over the Lady Dragons of Hana April 20 in the championship game of the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II Tournament at Patsy Mink Field on Maui.

The win came after a crucial make-up game against the St Anthony Trojans that the Lady Farmers claimed with an 18-1 win.

A gritty, come-from-behind 7-6 win over Lanai in the semi-finals of the league playoffs put the Lady Farmers in position to claim the overall league championship and in line for a bye in the opening round of the state championships.…

Farmers Take MIL Title

Sunday, April 28th, 2013

The Molokai High School baseball team was down by four with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. It was the championship game of the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II tournament against Seabury Hall April 26. Five runs stood between the Farmers and the MIL title that would take them to States.

Coach Mike McCutcheon said the team was not nervous as they fought for the title in the final moments of the game, and they were not surprised when they claimed the victory.

“Our team stuck together,” he said. “We ended up rallying to score the five runs and win the ball game.”…

An Evening for the Earth

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

An Evening for the Earth

The community gathered at Mitchel Pauole Center Friday to explore Molokai’s natural wonders and celebrate the gifts of the `aina.  With information on conservation, plant life, wildfire prevention, clean energy and more, Molokai Earth Day featured an abundance of learning for keiki and adults. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has organized the annual event since 1995, and this year the organization recognized its 30th year on Molokai.

Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapu`u (pictured here), Kualapu`u Charter School’s Hawaiian Language immersion program, kicked off the night, which included music, prizes and food.  TNC Molokai program manager Ed Misaki received the Malama Kuleana Honua Conservation Award for his 30 years of conservation through TNC, including Kamakou Preserve and the East Molokai Watershed Partnership.…

Baseball, Softball Close Regular Seasons Strong

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Molokai High School Baseball and Softball teams both finished their regular seasons at the top of their league as they swing for a regional title.

Lady Farmers Softball won the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II championships last weekend and MHS Baseball will compete for the title this weekend on Maui.

The girls secured a spot at states thanks to an 18-1 win against St. Anthony’s School last Thursday that put the team at the top of their league for the season. They carried the winning streak into the MIL DII championship at the tournament last weekend and will return to Maui May 2 for the HHSAA State tournament.…

Duo Takes Tennis Title

Sunday, April 21st, 2013

Duo Takes Tennis Title

Molokai High School tennis players Pono Chow and Kamanu Pascua went into their final game of the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championship match last Saturday against King Kekaulike. With one win for each team and 300 spectators surrounding the court, this final game could put Chow and Pascua in the Molokai history books as the island’s first MIL tennis champions.

“I just kept telling myself and my partner that we have to win – we just have to,” said Chow. “We played hard to the end and we won.”

Boys’ tennis coach Pono Asano said when he met with Chow and Pascua before the final game, the first thing out of the players’ mouths was “I won’t quit.”…

MHS Students Qualify for National Competition

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Sue Forbes

Two Molokai High students, Paul Parker and Luke Kikukawa, have qualified for the national Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition that will be held in Nashville, Tenn. from June 25-30 this summer.  The teammates advanced to nationals after placing fourth in the recent HOSA state competition that was held at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu on Feb. 20-21.  Their competition category at the national HOSA event will be CPR and First Aid.

Molokai High mentor and health careers teacher, John Van Ornum, credited the two young men with their hard work and effort in this their second year of competition. …

Occupational Therapy Position Available

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Pakolea Rehab News Release

Jobs on Molokai are scarce, and unless you open your own business or work in agriculture, the future may seem bleak to the residents of our small island. However, there is a glimmer of hope for a dedicated individual interested in the healthcare field. Pakolea Rehab is offering a unique opportunity for a Molokai resident interested in pursuing a career in healthcare as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, or COTA.

Pakolea Rehab is offering a paid position upon graduation. We are looking for dedicated, caring, and hard-working individuals willing to attend Kapi`olani Community College in Fall 2013 to complete this two-year program for an Associates Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.…

Meth Project Hosts Community Forum

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

 

Former meth users stood before community members last Thursday night and shared how the drug affected them, what led them to recovery and how they are working to reduce the drug’s presence on Molokai.

Georgianna Decosta of The Hawaii Meth Project said she used meth until Honolulu police arrested her in the mid-1990s. Now she goes to schools across Hawaii, educating youth about the dangers of using meth, even just once.

“We’re all about the kids and saving the next generation from this horrible drug,” Decosta said about The Hawaii Meth Project. “When you do this drug, people are left to die.”…

CFL Bulb Recycling Protocol

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

CFL Bulb Recycling Protocol

Blue Planet & Sust `aina ble Molokai News Release

Over the past two years, Molokai residents who have participated in the “Go Green and Carbon Clean” program organized by Blue Planet Foundation and Sust `aina ble Molokai have been benefiting from the energy savings of highly efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which use 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

The nearly 40,000 bulbs installed in Molokai homes today represent an important first step in moving the island toward energy self-sufficiency. The project’s success was made possible by the collaborative efforts of students, teachers, businesses, and community leaders.

Blue Planet Foundation and Sust `aina ble Molokai want to ensure that the community is aware of the proper usage and disposal recommendations for CFLs.…