Author Archives: Jessica Ahles

New Permit Process for Fishpond Restoration

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

DLNR News Release

Navigating a complicated and time-consuming regulatory path for restoration of traditional fishpond systems in Hawaii should soon become more efficient and manageable, thanks to a proposed statewide programmatic general permit process. Statewide public hearings on this proposed process are being held to gather input. The Molokai hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Kulana `Oiwi Halau from 6 to 8 p.m.

Known as Ho`ala Loko I`a, this consolidated process is intended to provide cultural practitioners with a single application and permit, processed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL).…

Molokai Swimmers Headed for States

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Six Molokai swimmers are headed to the state competition this weekend on Hawaii Island to culminate a season of dedication and records.

“This is the best year since I’ve been coaching for four years,” said coach Jessie Ford. “We’re building on our successes and we want to build the momentum.”

The swimmers will be racing in two boys relay events, the 200 yard medley and the 200 freestyle. Medley competitors are Luke Kikugawa, Caulin Nelson, Nui Helm and Michaiah Soares, while Keao Ross and Conan Kawano will make up the freestyle team along with Helm and Soares, who are competing in both races.…

Molokai Science Students Shine

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Molokai Science Students Shine

Five Molokai students will be representing Maui County at the Hawaii State Science Fair later this spring after earning top results at the 55th Annual Maui Schools’ Science & Engineering Fair on Feb. 6. Molokai has established a strong track record at the state and county levels in recent years. This year, five of the 10 projects from Maui County advancing to the state competition are from Molokai, with three from MHS and two from MMS, according to Heidi Jenkins, Canoe Complex Area STEM Resource Teacher.

“As in previous years, we are very proud of our Molokai students and staff for their strong showing and performance at the Maui District Science Fair,” said Lindsay Ball, complex area superintendent.…

Girls Paddling Gets $1,000

Friday, February 14th, 2014

The Molokai girls paddling crew traveled to the state championships two weeks ago, earning fifth place out of 16 crews. While they finished their season strong, they also came home with a little something extra — a $1,000 award from the Oahu Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA).

“The Molokai people are so gracious we felt it was time to give back,” said OHCRA President Luana Froiseth. OHCRA sponsors the Molokai Hoe canoe race held annually between Molokai and Oahu. This passed year marked their 62nd race. “We appreciate all the help they give to us, their support all these years and we just wanted to give something back.”…

Betting on Butterflies

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Betting on Butterflies

Urban development in Hawaii has left native butterflies with dwindling habitat, but on Molokai, butterflies will soon enjoy a buffet in downtown Kaunakakai. A specially-designed garden in front of the Molokai Public Library, created last week through volunteer community efforts, offers butterfly flower favorites, beauty for passersby and an agriculture education for keiki.

“Just like bees, butterflies are important for agriculture because they’re pollinators and a lot of people don’t know that,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Molokai inspector Chevy Levasa, who spearheaded the project in her free time. “There is a real problem on Oahu and… Maui because humans are building condos and taking over [butterflies’] habitat.…

Kick-starting Scholarships

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

Kick-starting Scholarships

The Financial Aid Kick-Off event last Friday brought “one-stop shopping” to connect Molokai high school and college students with resources to assist them in pursuing their education. More than 30 different organizations from on- and off-island were represented under one tent at University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai, according to event organizer Nahiwa Naki, an educational specialist at the campus’ Educational Opportunity Center

“There are a lot of resources out there, and students just need to know where to look,” said Naki. “No matter what school you want to go to, it’s about the path to get there… and we want to get the most resources for our students.”…

Students Raise Funds for College Tour

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Nineteen of Molokai High School’s (MHS) students have made lofty goals, setting their sights on some the country’s top universities. In a collaborative effort with their parents and educators to form the Molokai College Career Tour Club (MCCTC), they are working to raise $65,000 for a week-long college tour this year and prepare for post-graduation success.

“Our commitment is to our students throughout their high school career,” said Ric Ornellas, co-advisor of MCCTC. “We are committed that by the time they graduate, they are on their way to achieving their career goals, and part of that is preparing them to enter one of the most competitive education institutions in the world.”…

Unattended Vehicle Causes Power Outage in Kaunakakai

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Unattended Vehicle Causes Power Outage in Kaunakakai

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Residents of Kaunakakai were left without power Friday night after an unoccupied truck crashed into a utility pole. The truck had been left in neutral on the hill near Molokai General Hospital, according to police. Shortly after 10 p.m., it careened backward, totaling the vehicle and toppling the pole.

Witnesses said they heard a loud crash followed by a big flash of light. No injuries were reported.

About 500 residents were without electricity for approximately an hour, and the utility pole was replaced the following day, according to Maui Electric.…

Playing, Fundraising and Homecoming for MHS Athletics

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Playing, Fundraising and Homecoming for MHS Athletics

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai High boys basketball won the last game of their regular season over St. Anthony, as well as celebrated Farmer Homecoming last Friday. Closing the night at the Barn with a 44-40 score, the team also honored their two seniors, David Rapanot, and Likeke Schonely. The boys will play in the MIL championship this weekend.

In an effort to boost homecoming attendance and raise money for the cash-short Molokai athletics department, stakes were raised for one lucky game attendee to win $10,000 by making a half-court shot. Shirley Rawlins of Rawlins Chevron and David Mikami of Molokai Drugs donated the money, and tickets for the drawing sold for $5.…

Ikehu Molokai Energy Project Update

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Ikehu Molokai News Release

Mahalo to the Molokai community for your many expressions of support for the Ikehu Molokai project. Thanks also for the many comments and feedback on the project.  Among other things, we have heard concerns about impacts on the Manila Camp neighborhood if the project is located there, visual and wildlife impacts from possible wind turbines in the west end, impacts on water from use of the reservoirs.

We have also heard that the basic goals of the project are very welcome on Molokai.  These goals include rate relief, grid stability, island self-sufficiency, leaving plenty of room for more rooftop solar, and energy emergency preparedness. …