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Business

Bill Advances to Reduce Molokai Shipping Costs

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

State of Hawaii News Release 

Last week, a bill passed another hurdle on its way to establishing a working group to explore options for reducing shipping costs from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu. House Hill 2380, Relating to Shipping, passed the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce with unanimous testimony in support of the measure. 

Molokai homestead farmer and rancher, Lynn DeCoite submitted testimony in strong support of House Bill 2380 HD1.  “The island of Molokai feels that this bill is critical to the survival of our economy," she said. "We have been crippled with nowhere else to turn.  We need options, not a monopoly."

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New Programs and Staff for MCHC Dental

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

MCHC News Release

The Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) has expanded its ability to serve the Molokai community.  After a successful move to the new MCHC Oceanside facility, the Dental Department has added a third dental chair.  A new hygienist, Heather Sluss, has also been brought on board. Sluss is a graduate from Indiana University, Fort Wayne with a degree in Dental Hygiene.  

"Being from a small town myself, I really wanted to work in a rural under-served area where I could feel like a part of the community," said Sluss. "I'm really enjoying Molokai."  

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Harbor Security Relaxed

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

The wharf was relatively empty and quiet at the Safari Explorer’s last port call to Kaunakakai last Tuesday, with only about a dozen residents holding protest signs. For that, officials thanked Molokai, and said it will be the last time a security zone is enforced for the yacht’s dockings through May, if all goes smoothly.

“We thank the community for showing the correct amount of balance at the pier [on Jan. 21],” said Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) Chairperson William Aila. 

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Teas of Hawaii

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Teas of Hawaii

Herbal tea made from the dried fruit of the coffee plant is a Molokai product that’s spread its wings over the past two years. Originally produced by Coffees of Hawaii (COH) in Kualapu`u, the business has now been sold as Teas of Hawaii to COH employee Jessie Ford, who initiated the product’s development on Molokai.

“Tea is a passion and has been a dream of mine since I discovered it in my early days of college. I am very excited for this new company and adventure,” said Ford in a COH press release last week.

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Molokai Irrigation System Gets $1.25 Million

Monday, February 6th, 2012

The Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, has received $1.25 million for system improvements, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week. The funds are part of $13 million in Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) statewide for investment in local agriculture industry and water irrigation system upgrades.

“Much of the state’s agricultural infrastructure is decades old,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture, in a press release from the governor. “…It is important to maintain and upgrade them and keep them in service to Hawaii's farmers, growers and ranchers, now and for the future.”

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Makani Kai Begins Service to Kalaupapa

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Kalaupapa residents have a lot to celebrate at their airport this month. With air service into the peninsula now provided by Makani Kai Air Charters at a fraction of what residents were charged by Pacific Wings last year, patients and staff are now “traveling in large numbers,” according to Mark Miller, Department of Health (DOH) Kalaupapa administrator.

“It has changed the character of the community knowing we can come and go,” he said.

Makani Kai is providing regular twice-daily round trips from Honolulu and three round trips daily to topside Molokai – a service made affordable thanks to a federal subsidy awarded to the carrier in December.

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Yacht to Continue Molokai Visits, For Now

Monday, January 9th, 2012

American Safari Cruises (ASC) is resuming scheduled two-day stops to Molokai later this month after company officials, local protesters and state and federal authorities reached an agreement. The 36-passenger yacht temporarily ceased docking on Molokai in early December after residents raised concerns about local protocol not being followed in allowing the boat to add Molokai to its Hawaii itinerary."We are grateful to the wonderful people of Molokai for their true aloha spirit. We hold tremendous respect for their unwavering desire to preserve their traditional lifestyle for future generations," said Dan Blanchard, ASC CEO.
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American Safari Cruises Cancels Another Molokai Stop

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Statement from Dan Blanchard, CEO and principal at American Safari:

We are continuing to work with state, federal and local representatives in Hawaii on concerns brought forth in the last community meeting on Molokai.  In respect for the continuing discussions, the Safari Explorer yacht will not visit Moloka’i as planned on its next voyage, Dec. 16 and 17.  We are committed to our vendors and supporters on Molokai. We look forward to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution and our peaceful return to Molokai soon. Mahalo.

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Yacht Docking Canceled This Weekend

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

American Safari Cruises (ASC) owner Dan Blanchard announced yesterday that the Safari Explorer yacht will not dock on Molokai as scheduled this weekend. The cancellation followed a community meeting Wednesday night, which was attended by over 300 residents.

While residents testified both for and against the yacht’s Molokai stop, Blanchard said enough residents voiced concerns that the company decided to postpone docking until the company could talk to more community members.

“We are committed to further dialogue and will respectfully work with leaders in the community,” Blanchard said via email Thursday.

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Yacht Blocked by Protestors

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Yacht Blocked by Protestors

A group of protestors on small boats and surfboards physically blocked an American Safari Cruises’ (ASC) yacht, the Safari Explorer, from docking at Kaunakakai Wharf last Saturday morning.

to stop his cruises and sit down and talk to us,” said Ritte. “That was the deal from day one. We’re not going to give in.”

A community meeting set up by ASC will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center.

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