Author Archives: Jessica Ahles

Molokai Represented at World Wilderness Congress

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Molokai Represented at World Wilderness Congress

Community Contributed

By Maile Naehu

Recently my husband Hano and I were invited to be delegates at the 10th World Wilderness Congress, or “Wild 10.” As we prepared for a presentation on Ocean Resource Management emphasizing fishponds, we had no idea what was in store of us in Salamanca, Spain.

On Oct. 1, we left our humble home to embark on a day and a half journey to Europe where the oldest university on the planet calls home. We arrived to a primarily Spanish speaking land until we met up with the other thousand or so delegates from around the globe.…

Cheers to the Masters

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Cheers to the Masters

There’s only one event in Hawaii that you’ll see teams of genies, clowns, American Indians, devils and cats jumping into outrigger canoes and paddling away along the coastline. It’s the annual Molokai Master Blasters, a race for older athletes featuring the sport of paddling, the art of drinking and the fun of dressing up.

“We’ve always wanted to do this — it was our goal race,” said one member of the Pu`uloa Puddy Cats of Oahu, participating in the 28th annual Master Blasters for the first time. This year’s race attracted 23 teams from around the state, including eight from Molokai.…

AT&T Expands 4G Network to Molokai

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

AT&T News Release

Telecommunications company AT&T has expanded fast 4G LTE speeds to Molokai, where the majority of its mobile Internet traffic now runs over enhanced backhaul – or the cables that connect sites to the overall AT&T network. The expansion provides customers with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

Customers in Maunaloa can now experience the benefits of 4G LTE speeds, enhancing coverage and capacity for the western half of the island. This advancement in mobile communication technology standards, known as “4G LTE,” ensures mobile ultra-broadband Internet access. With the expansion, residents and businesses can stay connected seamlessly, supported by efficient and reliable structured cabling infrastructure such as the structured cabling Dallas.…

Teachers’ Turn To Learn

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

One hundred of Molokai’s 120 Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers congregated at Molokai High School last Wednesday for a day of personal and professional development. While students around the island had the day off, teachers were busy learning in the classroom.

Called Teacher’s Institute Day 2013, the event allowed Molokai teachers a day to sit down with each other as well as representatives from the Hawaiian State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) teachers union and the National Education Association (NEA). Together they discussed teaching rights in Hawaii and how the state education system can progress looking ahead.

“Teachers don’t have enough time to talk to each other because they are so busy during the school day,” said Princess Moss, NEA executive board member. …

Honoring Sen. Inouye’s Legacy

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Molokai community members gathered last Wednesday evening to remember the legacy of the late Senator Daniel Inouye, who helped bring millions of dollars in federal funding to support a variety of Molokai programs. Inouye’s wife Irene, son Kenny and former chief of staff Jennifer Sabas visited the island as part of a Hawaii tour to say mahalo to his supporters and celebrate his legacy.

“We’ve been doing a series of thank you events to thank his many contributors and friends,” said Irene Inouye. The tour falls shortly before the first anniversary of Inouye’s death last December.

“This was one of his favorite islands,” said Billy Akutagawa, executive director of Na Pu`uwai and organizer of Wednesday’s event.…

Pumpkin Pickin

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Pumpkin Pickin

For the past five years, Molokai residents have had the chance to celebrate the autumn tradition of pumpkin picking thanks to the efforts of Heart of Aloha Church. The pumpkin patch in Kualapu`u, tended by church members throughout the summer, was filled families picking out their favorite bright, orange prize last Saturday. The Pick a Pumpkin Day also featured a wagon ride for keiki (pictured here), food for sale and free kids shoes being given away.

Church member Linda Ching said she brought the idea to Heart of Aloha after seeing families on Oahu picking pumpkins and wanting to bring a similar opportunity to Molokai.…

Freediving Safety Training for Molokai

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

FII and Ka Honua Momona News Release
With the goal of reducing breath-holding related injuries and accidents, Freediving Instructors International (FII) will be sponsoring three freediving safety trainings on Molokai Oct. 29-31. These trainings are made available free of charge to any Molokai resident who practices breath-hold activities. The only minimum entry requirement is for students to be at least 12 years and in good medical health.

The Molokai Freediving Safety Training event will be led by 13-time world record freediver Martin Stepanek and his team of FII certified freediving instructors. The instructors are donating their time and instructional expertise to share this education.…

Lions Roar

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Molokai Lions Club News Release

Two major events have occupied the Molokai Lions Club for the past several months. One has passed and one is fast approaching. The second annual Walk for Sight on Molokai was held on Sept. 28 and the Halloween Costume Contest will be held on Oct. 31st.

The Walk for Sight on Molokai was very successful, netting the club nearly $2500 to keep its vision programs on target. These programs include bringing the team of Maui doctors from Maui Optics to Molokai to help screen preschool and elementary students. The funding will also help the Retina Vision Van project and assist the community with financial aid in vision when necessary.…

Free Breast Cancer Screening Clinic

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Na Pu`uwai News Release

Na Pu`uwai is hosting a free breast cancer screening clinic on Saturday, Oct. 26. The clinic is sponsored by the Susan G Komen Foundation and will be held at the Na Pu`uwai Office at the Kulana Oiwi Complex from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary and walkins are welcome. Na Pu`uwai does ask that those who plan to come to the clinic allow at least half an hour to complete paperwork prior to their examination.

In addition, to the free breast exam, breast cancer educational opportunities are available as well as a lucky number drawing and snacks.…

Operation Christmas Child on Molokai

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Operation Child Christmas News Release

This year, Molokai was blessed to become part of the network of relay and collection centers for Operation Christmas Child.  As part of the larger, Samartian’s Purse Organization, Operation Christmas Child delivers shoebox gifts packed by caring people like you to hurting children around the world. Shoeboxes can be filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies then dropped off to our collection center where they will be sent on to a child in need.

For only $7, you will receive a colorful shoebox and postage paid labels so you can send your package to a child that needs your help.…