Announcements

John Torres Has Done It Again!

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

This week, Torres won second prize in the Hawaiian Veterans Art Contest, a competition which he has entered for the past five years – and has won prizes for each year. As a Vietnam War veteran, the competition has more significance than the other awards which he has attained.

But war is far from the scene when it comes to subject matter: Torres specializes in portraying everyday details of Hawaiian life. His latest award-winning work “The Kalaupapa Trail” can now be seen in the Molokai Fine Arts Gallery.

Torres began studying art at Waianae High School after his form tutor Mr Allen caught him sketching during class and enrolled him in the art program. Torres was later awarded a scholarship for a summer program at Honolulu Academy of the Arts but was delayed in his studies by a call to war. Years later, he was able to complete Art School at Ventura College in California, which he remembers fondly as having inspirational and talented mentors.

Despite the setback of a serious stroke in 1992, which necessitated a change from right to left handed work, Torres has a diverse range of medium to work with. Critics who debate whether his finest works are in acrylic or oil based paints, woodwork, pastel or inks will soon have more to contemplate. John Torres plans to release his first abstract later this year.

Sustain Hawaii – Balancing Present & Future Needs

Monday, March 26th, 2007

Help Make Hawaii Sustainable.

Communities across Hawai`i are confronting many quality-of-life challenges that accompany rapid growth. At the same time our elected leaders are struggling to make informed decisions about local agriculture, economy, environment, land-use, housing, education and energy-decisions that will affect all of our futures.

In 2005, the Hawai`i State Legislature created the Hawai`i 2050 Sustainability Task Force to review the current state planning process and to create a sustainability plan that will guide future policy to ensure a desirable and sustainable environment, community and economy in Hawai`i for future generations.

During February and March, the Hawai`i 2050 Sustainability Task Force is engaging as many residents as possible to participate in meaningful discussion to develop this plan for a sustainable Hawai`i.

If you are concerned about the future of Hawai`i, please take a moment to share your ideas with the Hawai`i 2050 Task Force. Everyone is invited to provide input into the development of the Hawai`i 2050 Sustainability plan.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:1. COMPLETE the online survey available at: http://hawaii2050.org/survey.php

2. ORGANIZE a group of your friends, family or colleagues and host an event to share and gather ideas about how to ensure a sustainable Hawai`i for generations to come. A toolkit for hosts is available from your island coordinator or on line at: http://hawaii2050.org/images/uploads/2050_TemplateRevlr2.pdf

For more information, please visit the Hawaii 2050 website at: http://hawaii2050.org . If you have any questions or would like further assistance in hosting an event, please contact  Glenn Teves at 567-6932 or email at tevesg@ctahr.hawaii.edu 

Thank you for your participation!

Reviving Hawaii’s `Aha Moku

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

A new bill proposes to manage local resources the old fashioned way

Reviving the practice and idea regional stewardship with which Hawaiians once managed their island resources has recently come one step closer to reality.   

On Friday, March 9, a bill to create `Aha Moku councils and to create an integrated system of natural resources management has passed its first hearing in the Hawaiian State Senate.  With origins on Molokai, the only non-private island with a population that is over 50% Native Hawaiian, the bill involved collaboration from kupuna (wise elders) of each island.

The bill would establish a Commission to assist in the formation of regional `aha moku councils, which would advise on all matters regarding the management of the state's natural resources.  It would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to seek advisory assistance from the `aha Moku Councils in developing a comprehensive set of practices to utilize, balance and sustain the resources of Hawaii.

Crisisline Molokai: Immediate Response to Sexual Assault: Launches Monday, March 12

Tuesday, March 6th, 2007

Call 1-866-553-5997

There is a hidden crime which is present within all communities but which often remains undetected. It is stigmatized, a taboo subject which feeds on shame and vulnerability, often happening inside the family home. But strong communities can talk about sexual abuse and Molokai is confronting it head on as Maui County Area Health Education Center (AHEC) launches its new, on-island crisis response system.

Crisisline Molokai is a free and confidential phoneline for victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault. Run by and for people of Molokai, it is the single number to call when an incident has taken place and has drop-in offices in downtown Kaunakakai. Treatment services from Molokai Community Health Center can be provided and medical insurance is not necessary.

COLLEGE TRANSFER WORKSHOP:

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

The University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu in partnership with the Moloka‘i Education Center will be hosting a College Transfer Workshop on Thursday March 8, 2007 from 9:30am-10:00am at the Moloka‘i Education Center. 

Information about the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration – Accounting or General Business Administration, Social Sciences – Applied Track or Early Childhood Education, and the Certificate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies or Health Care Administration, as well as, admissions assistance, program information, and basic financial aid information will be provided.

Ku Ka Lau Lama – Aka`ula Dinner Benefit Auction

Tuesday, February 20th, 2007