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Molokai Is…

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Is it a poor and backwards place mired by in-fighting, poverty and activism – a place that is lacking or resisting much of what the rest of world has to offer? Or is Molokai a community that is striving for a better future while celebrating and perpetuating its culture and history – a place where wealth is measured by generosity?

What is Molokai? Although the question usually sparks much debate, most who call Molokai home have the island clearly defined by something they feel. For some, the feeling is love, for others, frustration.

However we feel there is great importance for us to talk about it. If we do not accurately define Molokai for what it is, others will surely attempt to define this island for what it is not.

The act of defining a community by what it lacks is called deficit thinking. In concentrating on that which we do not have, we can become distracted from nourishing the great things that we do have. In the process we run the risk of weakening and dividing our community.

Anyone can point out problems – it’s easy. However, it takes the dreamers and leaders who can build something meaningful from a place of positivity and inclusiveness. In this spirit, the Molokai Dispatch asks you: What is Molokai?

Molokai Is…
Win $50 Gift Certificate to Kualapu`u Cookhouse

Enter the ‘Molokai Is…’ contest now! Answer the question “What is Molokai?” using between 1-150 words, poetry, or photography for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Kualapu`u Cook House.

Details: One winner per week selected by Molokai Dispatch staff. Each submission must include the full name, phone number, and photo of the contestant. Kids, ask your parents or teachers for permission. The Molokai Dispatch reserves the right to edit and print all submissions. Submit entries via email (Editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com), in person at our Kaunakakai office (Moore building suite 5 – we can take your photo), or by snail mail (PO Box 482219, Kaunakakai, HI 96748). Mmm, mmm – thanks Kualapu`u Cookhouse!

Samples

Molokai is Maika`i

By Kanoe Davis

Ka'ana 
Darkness consumes the night. Ole pau illuminates the sky. Kukui lights the path where once Lehua flourished. Trek the path of the pueo. Shadows gather upon the puu ahead.

An unveiling occurs. Her sillouette reveals soft curves. His night sends chills through the known ravines. The pueo call into the night. Blind in the darkness, hearing is heightened. Soft sounds of the animals moan at dawn.

Puunana stands erect. Laka & Kapoulakinau await their arrival. Sounds of the mo'o click in unison as an army. Guardians of the hill. Our presence is known. Calm are the winds. We are at the piko. A lei embraces us. Kapoulakinau, Kapikoowakea, Olohe, Kaneikaulanaula, and Mooheleia.

Hookupu are shared amongst those present. Olohe in the distance. Tall on puuholehua. I see you. A ball of light rises above kamakou. Hina peels her fire. Return is eminant.
 
Hold true to the path of our kupuna. Ho'i i ka po.

Parishioners Mourn Loss of St. Sophia’s Church

Monday, February 15th, 2010

It wasn't the way parishioners wanted to bid aloha to their beloved Catholic church, but to some, the loss of St. Sophia's Church to a fire last Wednesday may come as a blessing.
 
"I don't think anybody ever imagined the chapter of Sophia closing this way," said Maria Sullivan, a long-time parishioner who has led fundraising efforts. "But when I looked up and saw the cross, it looked untouched ? like a pillar of strength."
 

," Guerreiro said. "It's sad because of all the memories here ? the marriages, sacraments, communions."
 
The parish council called an emergency meeting Thursday night to determine where Saturday's and Sunday's Mass, along with Ash Wednesday, would be held. And while “generous” offers poured in from other churches and one nonprofit in Kaunakakai, the council chose to hold future church services and activities at the former Pau Hana Inn ? recently taken over by the Molokai Community Health Center.
 
 "We're going to utilize this site until further notice," said Leoda Shizuma, parish council member.
 
Before Wednesday night's fire, St. Sophia's Church, built in 1937, was slated to be demolished and replaced later this year with a new worship structure named St. Damien Church, in honor of Father Damien, who was canonized just four months ago.
 
The Molokai Catholic community has been raising funds to contribute to the $3 million project since 1995.
 
"It should advance our progress," Guerreiro said.
 
While the new church’s design plans are being reviewed by the Maui County Planning Commission, the parish hopes to celebrate Christmas Mass 2011 in the new St. Damien Church.
 
"We're sort of homeless right now," Sullivan said. "It's important that people come through for us financially."
 
While plans to rebuild excite some, the loss of St. Sophia's Church is still difficult to fathom for others.
 
"My heart hurts," said Kanani Negrillo, long-time parishioner who was born only a year after the church was built. "I was born and raised in this church ? there are too many memories."
 
"We feel loss, we feel sorrow," Shizuma added. "But you can also see the beauty in it ? the community coming together and asking, 'How can we help?'"

Happy Chinese New Year!

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Molokai celebrated the Year of the Tiger last month when the Chungs’ organized the island’s first Chinese New Year Parade. But according to Chinese astrologists, Chinese New Year will take place on Feb. 14, 2010.

Kenneth Nip, a Molokai Public Library volunteer and one of the kupuna honored at the parade, set up a display at the library (pictured above), as he has for the past several years.

“It’s to let people here on-island know what Chinese New Year is all about,” Nip said.

The display has information on ‘tigers,’ or those born in the Year of the Tiger, as well as about Chinese traditions around this holiday. The display will be up until Sunday, Feb. 14 for everyone to check out.