Business

95 Years of Misaki’s Grocery

Friday, September 29th, 2017

This year, Misaki’s Grocery and Dry Goods celebrates 95 years, having served great grandparents, grandparents, parents and children of Molokai residents in a family-operated business that itself spans four generations.

“I’m the third generation, it’s really weird when you think about it, when we look at old pictures,” said General Manager Kevin Misaki. “It’s almost unbelievable… We found an old bill… 300 pounds of poi from old poi shop… it was $15. Considering how long we’ve been doing this, it’s kinda crazy how the prices have changed over the years.”

Prices may have changed, but many aspects of running a small community business have remained the same.…

Posted in Business, Community, History

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Friendly Farm Bread Meets a Molokai Knead

Friday, September 29th, 2017

Here on Molokai, Friday afternoons are all about winding down and getting ready for the weekend. But for Gene and Beverly Ferguson of Friendly Farm in Puko`o, Friday afternoons are when things really start to heat up. They start pulling large strap pans of their coveted organic sourdough bread out of their convection oven and lay them out on the rack to cool, in preparation for Saturday morning’s farmers’ market in Kaunakakai. Demand for their fresh-baked bread is great enough that many customers have put in their orders each week before the dough has even risen, and the Fergusons have become accustomed to their new moniker: “The bread people.”…

Posted in Business, Community

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Molokai Ranch for Sale

Monday, September 11th, 2017

1/3 of the island listed for $260M

Thirty-five percent of Molokai — 55,575 acres — owned by Molokai Ranch, is up for sale for $260 million. The property went on the market Thursday, Sept. 7, and includes more than 300 parcels on the island — making it one of the top five privately owned properties in the state. The decision to sell by Singapore-based land holder owner GL Limited comes almost a decade after the company shut down its Maunaloa lodge, theater, golf course and other operations in 2008.

Scott Carvill of Carvill Sotheby’s International Realty, the broker listing the property, said GL is looking for a legacy buyer rather than a developer.…

Posted in Business, Community, Community Development

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Ohana Reduces Molokai Flights

Friday, September 8th, 2017

Ohana by Hawaiian, an inter-island flight service of Hawaiian Airlines, will be reducing its flights to Molokai this month. Many residents say the changes will cause hardship for kupuna who need the wheelchair accessibility of Ohana’s larger aircraft not offered by the two other smaller airlines serving Molokai.

“I’m concerned about ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliance, we don’t have the ferry,” said Rep. Lynn DeCoite of Molokai. “My concern is now, do we have to airlift guys out of there?”

In addition to wheelchair accessibility, the smaller aircraft operated by Mokulele Airlines and Makani Kai Air have weight limitations of 350 pounds maximum per passenger, so some residents are limited to travel on Ohana’s larger aircraft.…

Posted in Business, Community, Government, Transportation

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100% Renewable Energy for Molokai by 2020

Friday, April 7th, 2017

Hawaiian Electric Companies has rolled out a statewide plan that sets a goal for Molokai of 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. Over the next three years, the electric utility is proposing 1.4 megawatts (MW) of additional photovoltaic energy to be added to the island’s existing 2.3 MW of energy coming from rooftop solar panels, as well as 5 MW of wind energy. The plan also calls for a transition to biofuel for “some” of the island’s 12 MW of energy currently being generated from diesel fuel.

“Molokai will serve as a blueprint to increase the cost-effective use of renewables for the remainder of the state and help us obtain real–world experience in running an island grid with 100 percent renewable energy,” states the report, filed with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) last December and recently presented at the fourth annual Maui Energy Conference.…

Posted in Business, Community, Community Development, Energy, Government, Sustainability

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Hotel and B&B Proposed for Town

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

Two upcoming projects slated for permitting represent firsts of their kind on Molokai. A two-story hotel and commercial space planned for downtown Kaunakakai would offer eight rooms for rent and retail storefront. The island’s first potentially permitted Bed and Breakfast is also seeking approval from the Molokai Planning Commission this month.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the integration of AI concierge services presents an exciting opportunity for enhancing guest experiences. By implementing virtual concierge services, hotels can offer personalized assistance around the clock, ensuring that guests have access to information and support at their fingertips.

Whether it’s booking a restaurant, arranging transportation, or providing local recommendations, AI technology streamlines these processes, allowing staff to focus on delivering exceptional service.…

Posted in Business, Community, Community Development

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Molokai Burger Closed After Fire

Sunday, February 19th, 2017

Molokai Burger’s grills will remain cold for two months, following a fire during the night of Monday, Feb. 13. The blaze and smoke caused significant damage to the building’s interior and equipment, and the island’s only drive-through is closed while repairs are made.

Smoke was reported by a community member at 11:19 p.m., while the building was vacant. Three minutes later, firefighters were at the scene and found heavy smoke and active flames in the back kitchen area of the restaurant, according to the Fire Department. The fire was under control within 10 minutes and was fully extinguished around 1 a.m.…

Posted in Business, Community

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New Ownership for Friendly Market

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017

After 63 years under the ownership of the Egusa family, one of Molokai’s largest stores is changing hands this week. As of Feb. 11, Friendly Market Center will continue operation under the leadership of another family of grocers — the Okimotos of Waianae, Oahu.

The change comes after careful consideration over the last few years, said the Egusas of their retirement and business sale. Having a long working relationship with the Okimoto family as fellow independent grocers, FMC co-owner Jeff Egusa said they feel good about the transition. They also plan to invest in financial seo to ensure a smooth transition and maintain visibility for their expertise in the industry.…

Posted in Business, Community

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Trail Access Threatens Mule Ride

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017

The Sproat family, owners of Molokai’s legendary mule ride, say they’re worried land access issues may prevent the business from continuing operation.

The Kalae barn that serves as their base of business — home to the mules that make daily guided trips down the rugged Kalaupapa trail — is on land owned by R.W. Meyer Ltd, leased by the Sproats. R. W. Meyer also owns the land at the trailhead by Kalae Highway, through which mules and hikers must pass to access the settlement.

The late Buzzy Sproat operated the mule ride for more than 40 years, and his family has owned the business for 25 years.…

Posted in Business, Community, History, Kalaupapa, Transportation

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Unemployment Office Closing

Thursday, January 19th, 2017

Molokai’s Unemployment Insurance office is slated for closure at the end of this month because of federal budget cuts. The office has been open since the 1970s and has helped residents through the closure of many island industries. Now, officials say the community can still access services online and by calling the Maui office.

“All of the usual services and benefits of the Unemployment Insurance office will still be available to the residents of Molokai,” said Linda Chu Takayama, Director of the Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Face to face is always preferable but it has to be balanced with the economic situation.”…

Posted in Business, Community, Community Development, Government

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Business

95 Years of Misaki’s Grocery

Friendly Farm Bread Meets a Molokai Knead

Molokai Ranch for Sale

1/3 of the island listed for $260M

Ohana Reduces Molokai Flights

100% Renewable Energy for Molokai by 2020

Hotel and B&B Proposed for Town

Molokai Burger Closed After Fire

New Ownership for Friendly Market

Trail Access Threatens Mule Ride

Unemployment Office Closing

Submission Deadlines

Advertising

Content

To print on:

Business

1/3 of the island listed for $260M

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