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Molokai Enterprise Community Plans to Cancel Public Elections

Friday, May 9th, 2008

(UPDATED 5/10/2008) KAUNAKAKAI, HAWAI'I:  On the eve of its tenth and final year of federal funding, the Moloka'i Enterprise Community (EC), Ke Aupuni Lōkahi, Inc., is taking final steps to exclude the community from its board by planning to cancel regularly held elections.

On April 17, in a meeting that was closed to the public, the board split 5-4 on the question of voting electronically to cancel the already over-due election, according to EC board member Bridget Mowat.

 

The organization's bylaws require annual elections.  This year's election was slated to be held in January or February of 2008, when the terms of office for four of the board members expired.  The EC board is required by federal law to have 55% of its members elected to their seats by the general public.  Six residents had announced their candidacies for the each of the vacant seats.

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Jet Ski Public Meeting

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

DLNR TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON JET SKI USE AROUND MOLOKAI

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold an informal public meeting on Molokai on Thursday, May 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center conference room to hear from community members regarding the use of jet skis (also known as personal watercraft or PWCs) around Molokai.

“We understand a petition is being circulated on Molokai to demonstrate public support for legalizing jet ski riding,” said Thielen. “The purpose of this public meeting is to hear directly from residents regarding concerns or questions they might have about the use of jet skis in Molokai waters.”

Residents can also provide comments in writing to the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, or at subsequent meetings.

Commercial or recreational use of controlled ocean sports equipment, such as jet skis, is currently prohibited around the islands of Molokai and Lana‘i.

“In recent months we have received complaints from island residents about noise and disturbance to reef animals from an increase in illegal jet ski riding in nearshore waters of Molokai,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “After our enforcement division officers followed up on these reported cases, we saw a decrease in jet ski use.”

A similar public meeting will be planned for Lana‘i in the near future.

Legalizing jet ski riding would require a change to the administrative rules of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. The process would involve public hearings on a draft rule change, approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources, review by the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Department of the Attorney General, and final signature by the Governor, before the new rules can take effect.

In addition, Hawai‘i Administrative Rule Chapter 13-256-16 requires all personal watercraft operators to be certified in the safe use of their watercraft, by completing a class offered through the University of Hawai‘i Community College System.

Under its administrative rules, thrill craft operations may be curtailed in certain designated areas as necessary, to avoid possible adverse impacts on humpback whales or other protected marine life; provide for increased public access; reduce user conflicts; and promote overall public safety.

Any person requiring accommodations for special needs (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print documents, etc.) may contact harbormaster Bernard Strehler at Kaunakakai Harbor (808) 553-1742 to make arrangements for assistance.

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“Gift to Landowners”

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Controversial Senate Bill 2646 passed the Senate last Thursday in a 14-10 vote. Supporters claim the bill is designed to preserve important agricultural lands and promote agricultural production. But opponents say the bill is a major “Gift to Landowners” that paves the way for development through expedited land reclassification, tax credits, and other incentives.

The bill now awaits the Governor’s approval which would put it into effect in July.

SB 2646 has drawn particular criticism for its reclassification incentive which allows landowners to swap classification of 15% of its acreage from agricultural to urban, rural, or conservation as long as they designate 85% of their acreage to “important-ag.”

A 2008 Senate report states that the bill’s explicit intent is “to create incentives that balance the State's interest and desire for the designation of important-ag with the landowners' need and desire for more development opportunities.”

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Molokai Minute – Solatario, Skate Park, and Read Aloud America

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

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UPC Wind Announces Name Change to First Wind

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

UPC Wind Announces Name Change to First Wind

Boston, MA—May 1, 2008—UPC Wind, an independent North American wind power company, today announced that it is changing its name to First Wind.  The name change will not have any impact on the company’s organizational structure or day-to-day operations.  The name change is effective immediately.

“Although our name has changed, our core values remain the same,” said Paul Gaynor, President and CEO of First Wind.  “As First Wind, we remain committed to our community partners, to seeking energy independence, and to finding environmentally sensitive solutions to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.  We look forward to continuing to bring these values to the development, construction, and operation of our wind power projects under the First Wind brand.”

Since its founding in the United States in 2002, the company has remained focused on wind farm development, ownership, and operation with projects primarily in the Northeast, the West Coast and Hawaii.  The company’s ownership is also not affected by the name change. 

In addition to growing domestic energy production and increasing energy security, wind power is considered cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity, such as oil or gas, particularly in First Wind’s key market segments.  Unlike traditional polluting sources of energy, wind has no fuel cost, therefore serving as a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices, which constitutes a significant portion of monthly electricity bills in most markets in the United States.  Wind power also emits no greenhouse gases or other damaging pollutants.

About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts.  First Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence.  For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.
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Maui Electric to Talk Renewable Energy on Molokai

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

Governor’s Molokai Community Advisory Council to host energy discussion.

 

The Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Kūlana ‘Ōiwi, DHHL / OHA Conference Room, 600 Maunaloa Highway, in Kaunakakai.   The public is invited.

Representatives from Maui Electric Company (MECO) will discuss integrated resource planning for Maui County, including Moloka‘i. The presentation comes as the Lingle-Aiona Administration continues to make progress on the Hawaii Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented partnership between the State of Hawai‘i and the Dept. of Energy which aims to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s energy come from clean, renewable sources by 2030.  

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, Marlene Purdy and Weldon Wichman.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call (808) 586-0034.  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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May Day

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

May Day

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Ho’omau 2008

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Ho’omau 2008

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Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola `O Molokai

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola `O Molokai

Leeward Kenpo Karate (LKK) Ke Ola ‘O Molokai first got its start through the Kaunakakai Community Learning Center (KCLC) at Kaunakakai Elementary School with Alexa (Sausy) Dudoit.

On April 13, LKK Ke Ola ‘O Molokai competed in the 27th Annual Leeward Kenpo Karate Tournament which was held at Halawa Gym. This year, LKK Ke Ola ‘O Molokai brought 14 competitors. Under the supervision of their Sifu (teacher) Lori Nakamoto and Sibak Elroy Mollena (Assistant Instructor), the students brought home a total of 20 trophies as well as 3 fighting spirit awards.

Classes are held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays from 5:30-7:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Home Pumehana Senior Center. Call 646-0826 for more information or stop by before class.

Results of the Tournament:

Ichiro Asano – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 6-7)

2nd place Kumite (Novice boys 6-7)

Noel Tancayo – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice girls 6 and under)

3nd place Kumite (Novice girls 6 and under)

Courtney Winfrey – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice girls 7-8)

Jasmyn Davis – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice girls 9-10)

Makana Arce – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice boys 10-11)

Benjamin Aea – 1st place Kumite (Novice boys 10-11)

Nolan Nartatez – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Intermediate boys 12-13)

1st place Traditional Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 12-14)

1st place Kumite (Intermediate boys 12-13)

Misty Mollena – 3rd place Kenpo Kata (Novice girls 15-17)

Eric “Kalei” Sasada – 1st place Kumite (Intermediate boys 14-15)

Punohu Seitz – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 14-15)

3rd place Kumite (Novice boys 14-15)

Ryan Johnston – 3rd place Kenpo Kata (Intermediate boys 16-17)

1st place Weapons Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 15-17)

2nd place Kumite (Intermediate boys 14-15)

Kyle Macmillan – 1st place Traditional Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 15-17)

4th place Kumite (Intermediate boys 16-17)

Wendell “Iopa” Mollena – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 15-17)

1st place Kumite (Novice boys 16-17)

Lance Haraguchi – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Men’s Novice Color Belt 35 and over)

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Not-so-Great Cancellation on Friendly Isle

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

My husband and I have visited Molokai for 13 years and have found the people and the island beautiful.  We stay on the west side because of the golf course.  We have also enjoyed the movie theatre, grocery store and Lodge in Maunaloa Town.  Everyone we came into contact with on the island was so very nice to us.  Molokai is truly the ‘Friendly Isle’. 

We had already secured a condo for next year and had planned to stay much longer this time. We have been following the events in the last few weeks with great sadness. 

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