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New Council Members Sworn In

Monday, July 14th, 2008

The Lt. Governor pays a visit to the Friendly Isle to welcome new appointees.

Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. poses with the newly sworn in members of the Governor’s Molokai Community Advisory Board, (from left to right) Janice Kalanihuia, Jersula L. Manaba, Robert Granger and Marlene Purdy. 

By Zalina Alvi

Community members received a big welcome and mahalo from Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. as he officially swore in 21 appointees to several state boards and commissions last Tuesday.

The official ceremony took place at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs conference room and included a warm welcome from Jonah Kaauwai, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Lt. Governor thanked everyone for donating their time and effort to making a difference in the community, and stressed the importance of their continuing involvement.

The councils with new members were the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users and Advisory Board; the Health Planning Council, Tri-Isle Subarea; the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Maui Service Area Board; the State Council on Mental Health; the Island Burial Council, Island of Molokai; the Legacy Land Conservation Commission; the ‘Aha Kiole Advisory Committee; and the Governor’s Molokai Community Advisory Council.

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Independence Day Marlin Tips the Scales

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Captain Clay Ching and son Josiah share a catch that would have made Moby Dick's Ishmael proud.

Captain Clay Ching, a local charter fisherman, is known to get lucky when it comes to fish. This past Fourth of July he got 533 lbs. of lucky when his crew landed a beautiful Pacific Blue Marlin.

Ching, aided by his son Josiah, hosted a couple from Denmark, who booked the charter just a day earlier.

“We went out Friday morning to an area where I know there are Marlin and, hanapa`a! One strike, one fish,” said Ching.  An epic 3 hour and 20 minute battle ensued, leaving the crew with “the largest fish caught in this boat.”

But the fight wasn’t over. The fish was so heavy it had to be towed for several miles before the crew had regained enough of their strength to haul it aboard.

“Mahalo ke Akua", said Ching who was also grateful for his son’s help.

If you have fishing stories please let us know. You don’t have to divulge where or how you caught it; we just want you to share your catch with our readers. Please call Kanoe at 552-2781 and she’ll help you print your next ‘Catch of the Week’. 

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“Save Your Life with Chopsticks, Fork and Knife”

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

“Save Your Life with Chopsticks, Fork and Knife”

Partners in health, Carol Kanemitsu and friend Pastor Kurt Unglaub have worked together getting Carol 70 pounds lighter through healthier diet.

Carol Kanemitsu, well-known co-owner of Takes Variety Store, is no stranger to Molokai residents. When customers enter their new store on Mohala Street, one of the first things they notice is the “new” smaller version of Carol walking the isles or sitting behind the counter. Used to answering questions like, “Do you have any barbeque fluid?” she is now peppered with inquiries such as: “What’s your secret?”

Last fall Carol was hospitalized with a serious illness. During her treatment and recovery she learned she had high blood pressure, diabetes, and a heart problem. After recovering from this shocking news, she responded with her usual fiery determination, only now tempered by grace, “I aim to beat this thing with God’s help.” Carol admitted, “I’m a compulsive eater. I’d eat all day, down 6-7 cans of soda, and then come home and eat a big dinner.” But, that lifestyle is a thing of the past.

Over the last six months Carol’s total cholesterol has gone down 175 points, her triglycerides have plummeted 325 points, the diabetes and high blood pressure are under control, and she’s 70 pounds lighter. “What’s her secret?” Come to the first in a series of nutrition and cooking classes at the Seventh-day Adventist Church starting Sunday, July 27 at 5:30 PM and find out.

Taste meatless meatloaf, vegetarian stir fry, and tamale pie all guaranteed to satisfy the most epicurean of local palates. Participants will learn the secrets of reversing disease with chopsticks, fork, and knife. These free classes are open to all who desire the best of health and are willing to make a few simple, easy to follow, lifestyle and dietary changes to achieve it. For more information call Carol at 553-8373, or Pastor Kurt at 553-4202.

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Krazy for Kolea Kontest

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

By Arleone Dibben-Young 

The fall migration of the kolea, the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva), will begin shortly with birds returning from their summer breeding grounds in the Alaskan tundra sometime around the end of July. The earliest observed birds are typically females that may have experienced a failed nesting attempt or perhaps did not bond with a mate for the breeding season. Adult males normally appear by the end of August, followed by juveniles in October.

The kolea is easily recognized by its bold black & white breeding feathers called “alternate” plumage, however this is lost by winter. Kolea are long-lived (20-plus years), territorial and annually return to the same grounds: Many Molokai residents have named their distinguished winter guests and note arrival and departure dates on calendars. Sightings are collected at Nene O Molokai and emailed to Mr. Peter Pyle, ornithologist, who then compiles this information for the Bishop Museum.

Koleas are swift flyers, performing an incredible non-stop transpacific migration to Hawaii in about 40 hours at speeds averaging 56 – 60 miles per hour. Some birds continue on to points as far south as Australia or as far away as Madagascar. In Hawaii the winter range of the kolea can include pastures and cultivated fields, coastal salt marshes and mudflats, the grassy borders of airport runways, athletic fields, golf courses, and residential lawns.

The kolea spends most of its daylight hours foraging and can be recognized from a distance by its peculiar feeding behavior of run-stop-run. Nighttime roosting sites are Molokai’s coastal fishpond walls or rocky points, parking lots, roof tops or other areas where distance visibility is good and predators can be easily sighted.

Kolea on their northern migration may have aided ancient navigators with the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, and the bird figured prominently in Hawaiian folklore: it was considered to be the embodiment of the god of healing, Koleamoku, and a messenger of high chiefs.

Report the return of your kolea to Arleone Dibben-Young at Nene O Molokai. Include date, time, and location. The observer of the first CONFIRMED sighting will win a Keep Them Wild! nene T-shirt. The first ten confirmed observations will receive a gift certificate for a scoop of ice cream at Kamoi Snack ‘N Go. In addition, any individual reporting a banded Kolea will receive $25. The sighting and location of each banded bird WILL BE CONFIRMED for this prize: Seven females were each banded on the left leg with a yellow band over a silver metal band. Three males were banded on the right leg in the same manner. Call 553-5992 or email nene@aloha.net.

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Annual Barge Reaches Kalaupapa

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Damien, airport upgrades, dump closure & archeology top news on Peninsula.

Kalaupapa residents will be working together to restore Father Damien's legacy, St. Philomena church in Kalawao in preparation for the many visitors and pilgrims who will visit.  

By Jennifer Smith

Kalaupapa’s July monthly meeting provided updates about upcoming developments on the peninsula including the recent barge arrival, next month’s visit from U.C. Berkeley archaeologists, and the upcoming landfill closure and increased recycling efforts.

Kalaupapa is currently in a transition to shut down its landfill by the end of December, and will begin a recycling program in November. Residents can begin recycling efforts on a small scale now, but it is not required. The National Park Service (NPS) recently received necessary materials to complete construction of the composting and recycling facilities on this week’s barge.

Barge & Airport
Three barges made their annual visit to Kalaupapa this week carrying resident requested items such as cars and appliances. Construction material including rock and trucks were also delivered to aid in airport improvements which include runway upgrades and fence maintenance, but not a firehouse, according to Michael McCarten, administrator for the Department of Health.

Several of the residents expressed their disappointment with the June 30 removal of firefighters from the airport. The airport received a waiver to remove the position after the Federal Aviation Administration ruled that airports servicing planes carrying less than 10 passengers are no longer required to have fire personnel present.

"We all agree we need the firefighter position here," McCarten said. National Parks Superintendent Steve Prokop said he filed a major complaint with the airport division concerning the need for the position at Kalaupapa's remote airport.

Residents also reiterated their frustrations with the peninsula's only air carrier, Pacific Wings. Customers have found unreasonable rate increases, and a general lack of schedule accommodations to be an ongoing problem with the airline. However, as long as the airline continues to provide services without a government subsidy, there is little legal action that can be taken.

Damien
An exciting announcement came from the Vatican just days before the July 8 monthly meeting: Pope Benedict XVI’s confirmation of Father Damien's second miracle will allow him to proceed to canonization.

If all goes well, the pope is expected to announce an official date to declare Father Damien a saint during an annual gathering in February 2009 in Rome. 

"The real scoop is that it has happened," said Father Felix, Vandebroek. He said while the process began several decades ago, followers of the process need to remain patient a little while longer until Father Damien's sainthood can be confirmed.

"(It is) not only an honor for the Roman Catholic Church, but it is an honor for the whole community of Kalaupapa," Father Felix said. "We are thankful and we are grateful that we can live where he lived."

While waiting for Father Damien's sainthood to be confirmed, the church and the NPS are hoping to work together to restore Father Damien's physical legacy, St. Philomena church in Kalawao. Father Felix said they are expecting many visitors and pilgrims to the site, and hope to have it restored in time for celebrations to take place.

Archeology
A U.C. Berkeley team of archeologists will return to Molokai in August. The group headed by James Flexner will focus on Kalawao sites. Excavation work is intended to look at aspects of everyday life in the early days of the settlement.

All work will take place in areas believed to be home sites, and will not involve the study or disturbance of human remains. The team has a tentative date of August 26 set to have a meeting with residents, prior to beginning work.
The next monthly meeting will be on August 12 at 11:30 a.m., and will feature a visit from Senator J. Kalani English. He will visit the peninsula to read a resolution that offers an apology to the people who were forcibly quarantined in Kalaupapa between 1866 and 1969, after being diagnosed with Hansen’s disease.

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Keiki Hit the Waves

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Keiki Hit the Waves

Keiki Surf Meet brings out young and old to catch some waves for second round of competition

 These keiki don’t want to pose for a picture. They want to get into the water! 

By Patrick Mason

The second round of the triple crown-style keiki surf competition took place during another beautiful day of surf. Despite the high tide and less than desirable conditions, the keiki were there early, eager and excited as they practiced before their heats for the 19th year of the competition.

“The competition started with parents coming together to get their children out there and surf. It started as a community-oriented event and has remained that way even after the competition steering committee was formed. All the people involved are dedicated volunteers,” organizer Peter Angelsea said.
 
As Wanette Lee watched her niece and nephew catch some waves, she discussed the importance of the event. “This year there are more kids, especially local kids. It is a perfect event and great to see families coming together.” Her son Warren takes about 15 kids once a week to practice surfing.

 “The event is really good, as it inspires outdoor activities. The exercise is the most important thing, and so is keeping Molokai, Molokai,” added Phillip Kikukawa, a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Molokai Middle School.

Kikukawa has been surfing for 30 years, and has had two kids involved with the competition during the past four years.

Seven-year-old Michelle McGuire, who competed in the 5th heat of the 7- and 8-year-old division, commented on the day with, “Surfing is fun, although the high tide made it hard today. I like to paddle out and try to catch waves. I try to do spin and jump tricks mainly. Many of my friends surf, but I would like to see more come to the contest.”

The format of the competition consists of riders earning points throughout the surf series. There are four divisions: six and under, seven to eight, nine to ten, and eleven to twelve.

Riders who show up to each competition day potentially earn more points than those who miss out on one. Each heat was 10 minutes, and the number of heats per age group varied on the number of riders entered.

Next up, the results of each preliminary conclude and the semifinals begin, followed by the finals.

 “The format is meant to be static as an attempt to keep it familiar for kids, parents, and volunteers,” Angelsea said.

Judges scored riders on whether they could catch their own waves or had help from a parent, if there were any tricks pulled (spins, sitting, standing, Buddha, cockroach, walking up and down on their board, etc.), and were deducted points for interfering with another rider. The best three rides of each rider were judged and scored.

There are three judges at a time with others ready to rotate in for relief.

“The role of the judges is hectic. You have to watch and score people simultaneously, even if there are five riders dropping in at the same time,” said Angelsea.

“Their help is greatly appreciated,” he said of the Friendly Isle United Way, who has been generous in providing grant money for the competition.

When all was said and done, many people enjoyed the sense of community invoked by the competition for the keiki. A rain shower resulted in a few people leaving, but the riders and many of their families remained in the surf. The final event of the series will tally all of the riders’ points. Afterwards, goodies and awards will be given out during a potluck.

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Molokai Girls Volleyball Finishes on Top

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

The girls of Kime Ka La outplayed 16 teams to capture the gold medal at the Aloha State Games Women’s B division on June 29. 

By Kimberly Helm 

June turned out to be a winning month for the Molokai Girls Volleyball Club. Playing on Oahu, which hosts the largest club region in the state, Kime Ka La came out on top in two of the three largest, most competitive and highly respected tournaments in the state.

On June 7 to 9, the club played in two competitive Aloha Region Juniors Tournaments. On the first day's tournament, the club experienced high caliber competition, playing against some of the toughest 18's club teams in the state. Although the club did not make it to the top pool, it stayed competitive throughout the tournament. The second day's tournament was an open junior’s tournament that also included two boys’ teams. Kime Ka La went on to win the tournament with a perfect record of 6-0.

With only a week to prepare, the club returned to Oahu on June 20 to 22 to compete in the Aloha State Games Women's A Division. The division featured current and past collegiate club players. Pool play merged the A division with the open division and the club quickly realized that these women could still play at a very high level. Kime Ka La went on to capture the bronze medal.

The club returned to Molokai for three days of practice and returned to Oahu to compete in their final club tournament on June 27 and 29. The Aloha State Games Women's B division featured 16 teams from across the state. Being that the club is the defending Haili Women's B champions, Kime Ka La's youthful club was the target for teams to beat. After placing second (5-1) in the first day of pool play, Kime Ka La was ready to step up to the challenge in the second day of competition. The team returned to the tournament and played flawless to complete pool play at 6-0, finishing 25-15 in the final to win the gold medal.

Earning the respect in the world of club volleyball is not an easy task and these girls faced the challenge and represented their community of Molokai with humility, dignity and pride. The club members gained meaningful learning experiences that will prepare them well for high school and college competition.

On behalf of the club, coaches Kim Helm and Cheryl Ramos would like to thank the many people and organizations who have made donations, supported their fundraisers and made the time to help them prepare for their season.

“Our successful season reflects the positive environment our girls have had the privilege to be surrounded by,” said Helm.

To Julyn, Alana and the Kaupu Ohana thank you for your wonderful hospitality, you gave us a home away from home (Yah Pearl City!). We would like to thank our parents & families for supporting our philosophies of hard work, respect, discipline and dedication. Thank you for being so understanding and supportive of our passion for the game of volleyball.

Dana, Becky, Darren, Ross & Gramps Takashima Steve, Kulia, Lihau & Kamalu Keliikuli-Peters Va'ai, Naomi & Jericho (Uso) Seumalo Tiare, Tom, Keola, Nanea & Kamaki Ritte-Manangan Michael, Mele, Mikey, & Tristian Hooper Maria, Larry, Melani, Hale, Mahea, Buddy, & Kolu Rawlins Kathy & Walter Mendes Shane, Puanani, La'a, Kea, & Pueo Surmanap Jim Boy & Jalyn Duvauchelle Scarlett, Ka'o, & Da TItas Ritte-Camara Dan, Cheryl, Amber & Michael Sterner Bill, Esther, Braddahs & Sistahs Torres-Umi Tammy, Norman, Tiana, Taupou, & Kaili Levi

Your daughters are a true reflection of careful parenting, unconditional love and pure heart! We are truly and sincerely thankful! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

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Go Clover Lopers!

Monday, July 7th, 2008

 

  

Molokai families traveled to Maui to participate in the annual parade that draws hundreds of spectators every year.

By Viola Wichman 

Yawhoo! Molokai’s 4-H Clover Lopers were out in numbers as 14 kids and 10 adults ventured to Maui to participate in the 43rd Annual Makawao Paniolo Parade. 

Our group's ages ranged from 5 to 16 years old. We marched in four lines with adult leaders bringing up the rear. 

This year marks the second time the Clover Lopers were able to participate in this wonderful experience (thanks to support from our community).Next year we’re going back – this time on horseback. Brian Kramer of Kula Kai Farm, our gracious host, has invited us back and will be providing our mounts, yeehaw.

What an exciting and educational time we had at Kula Kai from mucking out stalls to dummy roping lessons, to the best BBQ grinds, and the most breathtaking view of Maui. This was Hawaiian hospitality at it’s finest. Our Mahalo to Brian, Shawn, Yod and Jackie.

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Students Get Glimpse of High Tech Future

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Super computers and top secret observatories visited.

Students use 3D glasses to watch satellites circle the Earth in real time at the High Performance Computing Center in the Maui High Tech Park.


 

 

 By Howard Selnick

You would not believe the amount of doors that were unlocked for our Molokai middle school team to participate in a three-day technical career program held on Maui for students throughout this school district. The Maui Economic Development Board created this program, in part to expose our students to job opportunities on Maui in the field of computer technology.

Our first day's activities that were held in the Maui High Tech Park in Kihei introduced our students to a panel of young adults now working in various companies located within this complex. These panelists, including a team from Akimeka LLC (which was started by a “Molokai boy”), shared their personal stories about working in this profession. They also invited our students to ask questions and answered them with very personal comments designed to help our students ease their way into this professional world.

The panelists all agreed that they had no idea they would be able to stay at home on Maui and work in such an interesting and exciting career.

We were taken on tours throughout the High Performance Computing Center in the Maui High Tech Park to see, first hand, some of the programs being run there, including one that tracks about 9,000 satellites and other pieces of space garbage every hour in real time, another that runs a detailed inventory of all medical resources throughout the world and a third that keeps track of injured U.S. military personnel.

The Maui High Performance Computing Center is the 11th most powerful computer system in the world. And it is within our reach as a place of employment.

Our last day on Maui provided us with extreme points of view. During a tour of a restricted area controlled by the Air Force at Haleakula, we saw a top secret cluster of observatories that are linked to various universities and U.S. military facilities throughout the world.

We also were able to pay respect to cultural integrity during this tour. We participated in a discussion that showed us the need for cultural respect no matter where we go. How do we respect and treat the "aina"? The military director explained that a $1.6-million facility was abandoned because an endangered Silversword plant was found growing next to the site. The facility, which was greatly needed to resurface one of the telescope’s multi-million-dollar, 8,000-pound mirrors, had to be relocated. In fact, the entire staff that works atop Haleakula must go through a cultural training program to become aware of Hawaiian protocol and the past problems faced by new workers as they arrive in Hawaii.

So we now come full circle to this activity. For it is the purpose of the Middle School Tech Career program to help eliminate cultural and economic problems.

Our student group has toured these facilities to experience what it would be like to work in the High Performance Computing lab and the observatory complex atop Haleakula. They are the next generation of specialists to work at this complex. And it is, in part, up to our Molokai community to support our students by opening this door for them.

Most of the people we met working on our tour had smiles on their faces. The average salary there is about $70,000. Our students have been there, and they now know what they can achieve given their efforts in studying are supported. This is the primary purpose of this activity, to show our students there are exciting, high-paying jobs here on the island that are waiting for them if they are willing to stop saying “I hate math,” “I hate language arts” and focus their attention.

The cost of our two-and-a-half-day tour on Maui was in the thousands of dollars. It is with great appreciation that we say Mahalo nui loa to the Maui Economic Development Board for planning, arranging and financing this program for our Maui district students.

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Governor’s Advisory Council Meeting

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

To discuss conservation and resource management for Kawela and East Molokai.

The Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. at the K?lana ‘?iwi, DHHL / OHA Conference Room, 600 Maunaloa Highway, in Kaunakakai.  The public is invited.

Representatives from state, county and federal resource conservation agencies will discuss possible solutions to prevent flooding and erosion as well as potential actions to mitigate property and environmental damage in the Kawela Stream area.

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues on Moloka‘i.  The council also recommends potential nominees for state boards and commissions.

The members of the Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council are Robert Granger, Janice Kalanihuia, Jersula Manaba, and Marlene Purdy.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call (808) 586-0001.  For additional information on Neighbor Island Community Advisory Councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

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