Announcements

Mele Kalikimaka

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

At this year’s Parade of Lights, several brightly and creatively decorated trucks, cars and even a boat rode by, shouting out holiday wishes and some tossing candy to the hundreds of people and families who watched the Christmas parade last Saturday. The police station, fire department, several Molokai businesses and Santa Claus and his elves were all well represented.

Christmas Tree
1st place Kabbie Bicoy ($200)
2nd place – Friendly Market Center ($100)
3rd place – Lori Higa ($75)

Christmas Ornament
1st place – Mele Hanohano ($100)
2nd place – Louise Iaea ($75)
3rd place – Barb Lombardi ($25)

Christmas Stocking
1st place – Mele Hanohano ($100)
2nd place – Louise Iaea ($75)
3rd place – William Casil-Dudoit ($25)

Christmas Dessert
Florence Shizuma ($100)
Punahele Todd ($75)
William Casil-Dudoit ($50)

Photos by Jeff Jumper.

Building the Future

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

After two years and helping build four houses, Cedric Alonzo was finally given the keys to his own house. Alonzo picked up the keys at the blessing and dedication of his home last week, built by Habitat for Humanity.

“This is the crying moment,” said Charlotte Seales, president of the Board of Directors of the Molokai Habitat for Humanity. “When I walk in [the house] I feel so much joy for the family.”

“It’s a little different working on this house. I was more comfortable working on others’ [houses],” Alonzo joked. His new four-bedroom house is one of the largest Habitat has built, and all of his new appliances are energy-star rated.

Molokai’s Habitat for Humanity is one of the greenest of all the Habitat organizations. The organization is the only in Hawaii with HERS (Home Energy Rating System) ratings, and in January will be the first with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Their next step is to set up ‘rehabs,’ or rehabilitated homes – instead of building brand-new houses, Molokai Habitat will upgrade run-down houses for qualified applicants.

“It’s reducing our carbon footprint, and helping someone to stay in their house,” Noordhoek. “We’re rolling on a new track.”

Their “new track” also includes partnering with the Homesteaders association to put on educational workshops for all residents interested in energy consumption and financial literacy. Noordhoek said they hope to get the classes started in January.

“Molokai is one of most economically challenged island, with [high] unemployment, and paying the most in energy in the U.S. and the other islands,” she said.

Noordhoek said they are still accepting applications for both new houses and rehabs. More information can be found at their office, the Lanikeha Center in Hoolehua, or calling 560-5444.

The results for these applicants are rewarding.

“It’s a sense of pride, having a direct hand in the construction of your home,” Alonzo said. “Just knowing that it’s a home that I can afford.”

High Surf Warning for Maui County

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

West Coast Jams

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Two Molokai musicians tour Oregon and California.

Molokai musicians invade the mainland

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Molokai musicians Eddie Tanaka and Rick Schonely are currently in California at the mid-way point of a week long tour of the west coast. Tanaka and Schonely, who regularly play around the island, will play two more shows this weekend before returning to Hawaii.

Earlier this week The Eddie Tanaka Band opened for the world famous Makaha Sons at the Aladdin Theatre in Portland, Ore. Schonely said they had a great time at the Aladdin and received great reviews across the board.The duo then took a few days off to enjoy Portland by catching a Trailblazers game and a KISS concert.

Aloha from Iowa

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Although he has lived in Iowa since he was four years old, Chris Keahi has often felt homesick for what he feels is his real home: Hawaii. His father, Leonard Keahi, was born and raised on Molokai, and his mother a native Iowan. To deal with the homesickness of his fatherland , and to keep the aloha spirit alive among other relocated Hawaiians in Iowa, Keahi’s efforts won him the Governor’s Volunteer Award back in July.

Igniting Worry

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

A few weeks ago, a random fire sparked concern for handicapped rights for one Molokai resident.

Dacuycuy told Thompson he heard a noise, like what a barbeque fire sounds like after gasoline or accelerant is added before it is lighted. Thompson called the Fire Department the next morning, but because the fire was already out, no truck was dispatched.

Molokai Detective Eugene Santiago said damage of the golf cart has been estimated at $2,000, and a nearby car also suffered minor heat damage. He said the police department does not know if the fire was accidental or intentional, and there are no leads to its cause at this time. If the fire was found to be intentional, the perpetrator would be charged with second degree arson, a class B felony, with a maximum 10 years in prison.

Arson is not a common crime on Molokai.
“As far as my experience as a patrol officer or an investigator, [arson incidents are] more of the exception rather than the rule,” Santiago said, who has served Molokai for nearly 26 years.

Thompson has been recently been renting a house in Maunaloa temporarily, due to issues with use of the golf cart. The current rules of the West Molokai Resort AOAO (Association of Apartment Owners) stipulate that only security and maintenance are allowed to use golf carts. Thompson said she believes this rule should be changed, because other residents like her need personal motorized vehicles to get around.

Jeff Kant, president of the West Molokai AOAO, said he were unable to comment due to the ongoing investigation of the incident.

But eventually, “someone’s going to brag,” Thompson believes. She has set up a $750 reward through Bank of Hawaii for information leading to a suspect.

“Whoever did this, it impacts access for all of us, it impacts the handicapped people who live there,” she said. “What they have done is limited my enjoyment. But I refuse to be a victim.”