Announcements

County Boards and Commissions Open for Applications

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Maui County News Release

Applications are now being accepted for County of Maui boards, councils, commissions and committees. Responsibilities include hearing public testimony, reviewing policies and standards and making recommendations. On Molokai, the Molokai Planning Commission has openings and requires applicants.

Positions are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the County Council and have terms lasting two to five years. While no monetary compensation is provided for serving on a board or commission, the public’s participation helps provide an important government service. Anyone interested in serving on a Board or Commission may apply online at mauicounty.gov/Boards. The deadline for applications is Dec.…

Mitchell Pauole Center Construction to Move Forward

Monday, December 16th, 2013

A slew of proposed improvements to the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai have been approved and construction will begin next year. The changes include expanding the existing lanai and constructing a new freestanding lanai, as well as updating the facility’s kitchen and upgrading the entire building to current Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. The community center is currently scheduled to be closed for general use starting in February through the end of 2014. They find an aerial lifts service to help them with the construction. As one of the top civil construction companies in Sydney, CONO Services have a proven track record of successful projects across the city and beyond.…

Energy Festival Cancellation

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

IAM News Release

I Aloha Molokai (IAM) regrets to announce the cancellation of our third Alternative Energy Festival, scheduled for Jan. 14. We had hoped once again to host vendors, speakers, and vigorous public discussion of energy options for our island and our state. Recent confidential negotiations between Molokai Ranch, California wind developer Princeton Energy, Maui County and Maui Electric, however, have cast doubt on our ability to keep the Festival as transparent and neutral as the previous two.

These negotiations concern a proposed 25 megawatt solar farm with pumped hydro backup, to be placed on Molokai Ranch land above and below Manila Camp.…

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Arleone Dibben-Young, Molokai compiler

The 114th Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place on Molokai Thursday, Dec. 19. The nationwide event is an annual count that takes place in established areas during the same time period during the month of December. The information compiled over time provides a useful tool indicating population trends of bird species.

The topside Molokai count is divided into three routes: Seabirds and waterfowl via a northern pelagic route, forest birds at the Waikolu Lookout, and shorebirds and waterfowl along the south shore. The Kalaupapa peninsula is the fourth site in the count circle and requires advance reservations.…

Talking Business

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Kuha`o Business Center News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) is coming to Molokai on Thursday, Dec. 12 to talk story about the programs they offer, but more importantly to talk story with Molokai to see how we can better serve the island.

Each session will be approximately an hour and will be held in the QLCC Family Room at Kulana Oiwi.  We will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 6:30 p.m.  Topics include what is OED, how to be successful with county grants, county product enrichment program, workforce development, agriculture, business development/made in Maui County opportunity, opportunities through the Maui Film Office, and Ikehu Molokai Renewable Energy Project.…

‘Tonbo’s Amazing Adventure’

Friday, November 29th, 2013

‘Tonbo’s Amazing Adventure’

News release by Yamashita Ohana

Grateful for, awed and encouraged by Molokai’s tremendous response to her first children’s picture book, Marie Yamashita has published a second children’s book, “Tonbo’s Amazing Adventure.”

Tonbo, the little airplane at the Honolulu International Airport, sees huge jets thunder and roar off to faraway places in the world and wishes that he, too, could be a big jet like them. He gets his wish and goes off in search of a place no one has seen or heard of.

Amazing adventures follow. He lands in a magical place and is befriended by “wishers” like himself. A time comes when he longs to return home.…

Mobi PCS 3G Network Upgrade on Molokai

Friday, November 29th, 2013

Mobi PCS News Release

Mobi PCS has completed a 3G network upgrade on Molokai, significantly boosting performance of the company’s voice-and-data network.

Data download and browsing speeds are now more than 10 times faster. Voice-calling capacity during times of high usage has been doubled.

“I am proud to say that the Mobi PCS network is the most advanced on the entire island of Molokai,” said Phil Risken, vice president of engineering and chief technology officer. “As a local company that is only focused on Hawaii, we know that it’s important to provide our Molokai customers with exemplary product and services.”

The network enhancements allow Mobi customers to use their unlimited voice and data services with faster data downloads, fewer dropped calls and clearer in-building and outdoor reception.…

Pot and Plant Sale

Friday, November 29th, 2013

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) will be having an Open House and Pot and Plant sale at the Arts Center located in Kualapu`u, behind Coffees of Hawaii, on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.  to 2 p.m. After nearly two years in this location, the artists are all excited to share their space and talents with the island.

Everyone has been busy creating planters for the sale which is a fundraiser for the Center. There are pots of all sizes, some with plants, and some without. In addition, other items will be offered for sale including bird baths, ceramic plant tags, ornaments, garden luminaries, bird houses and even gift memberships for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list.…

Service of Feeling Good

Friday, November 29th, 2013

Service of Feeling Good

American Cancer Society News Release

Twice yearly, Haunani Kamakana, patient navigator at Molokai General Hospital, organizes the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good…Feel Better” class for Molokai ladies undergoing cancer treatments.  On Nov. 19, Haunani surprised class instructor, Suzette Kahana, with a special coffee hour attended by 15 former and current cancer patients of Molokai.

Anna Mayeda, senior pepresentative of community engagement for the American Cancer Society, presented Suzette with the Look Good…Feel Better four-year Service Award for her dedication to helping women with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments.  Suzette hopes to continue volunteering for this program for many more years as Molokai’s only certified Look Good…Feel Better facilitator.…

Ag Producer Development Opportunities

Friday, November 29th, 2013

Kuha`o Business Center News Release

The Kuha`o Business Center invites you to come talk story with representatives of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Market Development Branch on Thursday, Dec. 5. The event will take place in the OHA Conference Room from 1 to 4 p.m.

Discuss issues regarding growing and producing on Molokai and why value-added products are something to consider. Learn how to collaborate with others and about opportunities for grants, branding, tradeshows and organic certification reimbursement.

After the event at 4 p.m., meet Jennifer Young, Food Technology Center Director and Kenneth Yamamura, County Office of Economic Development Ag Specialist of the Maui Food Technology Center.…