Announcements

Animal Friendly Website Launched

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

New Molokai Humane Society center has served over 1000 pets.

By Marie Nowell 

A new Molokai Humane Society (MHS) website, at www.molokaihumanesociety.org, has been launched, sharing a wealth of information about the organization. Susan Savage, a Molokai resident, has generously designed the site at no charge.

The site hosts the mission and objective of the organization, adoption info, allows for tax-deductible donations. It also lists information on veterinarians and volunteers, MHS contacts, and MHS news.

The MHS clinic and office was established in January 2008 in Ho’olehua. Its mission is to educate the community and its children as to the care, protection, responsibility, and well being associated with animals.

Hana Highway Reopens Ahead of Schedule

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

Over 10  miles of the road remained closed for the duration of the stabilization work and drivers that did not heed roadway signs announcing the road closure were forced to turn around at Kipahulu and return to central Maui via Hana’s winding roads. 

“Educating drivers-- mostly visitors-- that there was no ‘through’ traffic on the eastern side of the island, proved to be one of the more challenging obstacles,” Tavares noted. “To the dismay of the residents, many drivers used private driveways in Kipahulu to turn around and park illegally, which added to the distress of the affected community. I’m sure these residents are relieved as well.  

“I took office three months after the earthquake and began to work with the two communities that were facing hardship in the conditions that the earthquake created,” Tavares continued. “We had to quickly gain an assessment and focus our work on completing the large-scale mitigation work as soon as possible. We also needed to be sensitive and mindful of the cultural and historical importance of the areas.” 

One business, the Kaupo Store, suffered significant losses when visitor travel around the eastern side of Haleakala through Kaupo stopped due to the post-earthquake road closure. “This local business had to endure the aftermath of a natural disaster, and I encourage people to stop by and support the Kaupo Store.” 

Nearly 150 people from the Kaupo and Kipahulu communities came together to celebrate the much-anticipated reopening at a rededication ceremony held today on the Alelele Bridge.  In attendance was Senator J. Kalani English, whose district includes the remote eastern side of Maui.

 “This highway is more than just a road”, Senator English told the crowd. “Growing up in Hana and traveling this road, I remember the stories of the place and how it brought families and friends together. I appreciate that Mayor Tavares held her ground and completed the work, despite certain agencies suggesting that the road not be reopened.” 

Cultural practitioner Kahu Lyons Naone, conducted the rededication ceremony and guests were treated to traditional Hawaiian luau food hosted by Janod Contractors, Inc., the final contractor of the multi-phased project. National Park Service Acting Superintendent Mark Rentz, representing Superintendent Marilyn Parris who was out of town, remarked on the exceptional partnership between Haleakala National Park and the County. The National Park Service owns portions of land in the area that were affected by the earthquake.

Molokai Educational Center Flooded

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

 Soaking cancels classes for two days.

By Marie Nowell

Signs announcing cancelled classes were posted outside the Molokai Educational Center (MEC) last Thursday due to flooding. A drinking fountain ruptured overnight causing up to several inches of water to accumulate.

The facility remained open only for students who needed to complete tests. MEC professor and coordinator Donna Haytko-Paoa and other staff discovered the leak when they arrived to work Thursday morning. By then, water had flowed into surrounding classrooms and hallways.

The main concern was flooding in the computer classroom. There was four inches of water found in the electrical boxes, which are located on the floors.

Most of the water was expelled using a borrowed pump. Soda machines and other materials had to be moved into other areas while fans were used to eliminate the smell and moisture in the carpet. Technicians said they would wait until Monday morning, before bringing the computers back online.

The MEC will celebrate its 10th year anniversary next August and, up until now, has not had much maintenance problems.

Other recent maintenance problems include a leaning light pole that had nearly fallen over over. MEC’s poles are held up by four bolts under a cap. After realizing the leaning pole was held in by one remaining bolt, MEC staff checked adjacent lights and said that attention will be given to those which need it.

Haytko-Paoa said that the school’s air conditioner also needs maintenance. In one wing of the building, the AC was not turning off as it is programmed to do over the weekends. MEC is trying to be energy efficient and is currently working on the problem.

“The building is starting to show its age”, said Haytko-Paoa.

Haytko-Paoa noted that the “staff has been great and they are keeping the students out for health and safety reasons.”

Maka’s Korner Opens for Business

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

 A New Family Restaurant Keeps Busy

 By Marie Nowell

Owner Maka Lee and employees have been really busy with the opening their new saimin shop, Maka’s Korner. So busy that they had run out of food within the first two days of operation.

After opening the doors for the first time last Wednesday, Lee said she is still trying to “get the feel of the restaurant business.” It has been a two year process to open the family business which is employed by friends and family members according to Lee.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6 am – 2 pm. The basic menu includes steak, burgers, and fresh saimin noodles imported from Shiro's Saimin Haven in Honolulu.

If your appetite craves something more, Lee says the restaurant will soon feature daily specials. There are also plans to be open on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., serving only saimin to those who are out late-night.

Maka’s Korner would like to acknowledge Lee’s mom and dad, Kui and Curt Lester, who are the owners of the building. If it wasn’t for them, the business would not have been able to open.

More than $11,000 donated to Friendly Isle United Way

Monday, September 29th, 2008

More than $11,000 donated to Friendly Isle United Way

Press Release

Bank of Hawaii’s Kaunakakai Branch Manager Cindy Manaois (pictured left) and Maui Island Manager and Senior Vice President Kevin Baptist (right) recently presented a check for $11,250 to Glenn Izawa, (center) President of Friendly Isle United Way.

Bank of Hawaii Corporation is a regional financial services company serving businesses, consumers and governments in Hawaii, American Samoa and the West Pacific. Bank of Hawaii has 72 branch locations and 446 ATMs in Hawaii, the largest number in the state, with locations on all the major islands.

There’re New Pumps in Town

Monday, September 29th, 2008

There’re New Pumps in Town

Rawlins’s new pumps are part of Chevron’s statewide upgrading and image refreshing program. Now all pumps are self-serve, and offer features for faster and more convenient service, such as intercom for customers to communicate directly to the cashier from each pump. “We haven’t had new pumps since we bought the station over 20 years ago,” says Rawlin’s owner Aunty Shirly.

Kiaha Wins 2008 Falsetto Title

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Kamakani Kiaha celebrates top honors with falsetto legend Richard Ho`opi`i.

Submitted by Manuwai Peters.

Eighteen year old Ho'olehua resident Kamakani Kiaha was the first place winner at the 2008 Richard Ho'opi'i Leo Ki'eki'e Contest on Friday, September 12 at the Maui Arts and Culural Center. The event, now in its 7th year is a part of the new Festival Aloha Maui Nui Style! celebrations. 

Kamakani competed with nine other contestants for the coveted title that comes with a recording contract with Hula Records.  His winning number, Puna Ku'u Aloha, was written by Katherine Maunakea and made famous by the late falsetto legend Dennis Pavao.

Kamakani is the child of Ada and Kirk Kiaha of Mo'omomi Avenue, Ho'olehua and is a 2007 graduate of Molokai High School.  Contestants in the competition must be male and at least 18 years old by the time of the competition.  Kamakani will be performing at Festivals of Aloha Molokai Ho'olehua on Saturday, October 4 at Mitchell Pau'ole Center.

County Workers Count

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Molokai employees honored at luncheon.

Detective Eugene Santiago (center) receives the Molokai Employee of the Year award from Mayor Charmaine Tavares (second from left). They are joined by Assistant Chief of Police Wayne Ribao (far left), Captain Jody Singsank (front right) and fellow members of the Molokai Police Department.

By Catherine Cluett

Detective Eugene Santiago doesn’t work normal nine to five days; nor does he devote a normal amount of energy to his job. A reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty has earned Santiago a distinguished title: 2008 Molokai Employee of the Year.

“Detective Santiago worked 201 cases between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, with investigations including drug and firearm related cases, burglaries, forgeries, arson, sexual assaults, criminal property damage and computer crimes,” said police Captain Jody Singsank in her nomination speech for Santiago.

“He is always looking at ways to improve himself as an investigator, supervisor, manager and leader,” she continued. Santiago is the only detective on the island.

County employees were honored for their service to the community in a recognition luncheon last Tuesday. Council Vice-Chair Danny Mateo welcomed those present and extended his gratitude for Molokai residents’ services to the community and the county.

County officials presented service awards to those who had served for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years, as well as those with perfect attendance records for the year and those retiring from their positions this year.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares spoke at the event about the spirit of cooperation of Molokai, and the challenges the Ranch has placed before the community. “It’s not right,” she said. “The Ranch has no business being in business and treating the people of Molokai the way they have.”

“The County of Maui is behind the people of Molokai,” she added.

Council members Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Council Chair Riki Hokama, Council Vice-Chair Danny Mateo, and Council Members Gladys Baisa, Joseph Pontanilla, Michael Molina, and Michael Victorino were all present at the luncheon.

Below is a list of the awards and recipients:

Employee of the Year: Eugene Santiago, Department of Police
Other nominee: Guy Espaniola, Department of Parks and Recreation

Service Anniversary Awards
10 yrs: Thomas K. Arce, Kanoa K. Haake, and Dennis M. Meyer, Sr.

15 yrs: Renee K. Kaulili, Herold-Lee R. Manaois, Benito S. Piros, Nazario G. Ragonton, Jr., Georgiette W. Tancayo, Wendi-Liz P. and Tancayo-Mebille

20 yrs: Mark K. Aveiro, Rogelio Cabanting, Isaac I. Kan-Hai, Rick K. Schonely, and Justiniano Venenciano

25 yrs: Michael A. Sabas

35 yrs: Steven R. Arce

Retirees: Carl W. Puhi with 32 years, Wren W. Wescoatt with 28 years, Earl N. Paleka with 24 years, and Artemio T. Trinidad, Sr. with16 years

Perfect Attendance: Ella L. Alcon, Steven R. Arce, Jimmy C. Casino, John C. Foster, Timothy K. Gapero, Elpidio E. Gorespe, Cal-Jason K. Hoopai, Gregory E. Jenkins, Dennis W. Meyer, Sr. , Timothy K. Meyer, Leonida L. Molina, Wade H. Nakayama, Nazerio G. Ragonton, Esmerelda E. Salinas, Oran A. Satterfield III, and Justiniano Venenciano


Vet Visits Molokai Humane Society

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Dr. Tina Gaines provides care for the island’s animals. 

Dr. Tina Gaines, visiting veterinarian at the Molokai Humane Society until Sept. 12 

By Catherine Cluett

Dr. Tina Gaines is a visiting veterinarian on Molokai until Sept. 12. Gaines says she has been performing mostly spaying and neutering operations on cats and dogs on Molokai, but is ready to perform any services necessary.

Gaines graduated from Ross University in St. Kitts in the Caribbean. She has worked previously on two other Hawaiian islands, completing her residency training there. When she’s not working as a visiting vet, Gaines specializes in ultra sound, and is currently based in New York. She says her previous experience working on islands has prepared her well for working on Molokai.

Gaines would like to stress the importance of bringing in cats and dogs for regular vaccinations to fight diseases common on Molokai, as well as spaying and neutering animals of all ages.

The Molokai Humane Society is located on Kamehameha V Highway near the airport. Gaines expects to have walk-in hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. until her departure on Sept. 12.

The exam cost for walk-in patients is $30 (cash only) with other fees set by the veterinarian. Appointments can be made by calling the Molokai Humane Society clinic at 558-0000.

Halau Postpones Festival Trip

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Group will represent Molokai in 2009 in Kona.

Molokai’s own award-winning Na Kupuna O Moana Hula Halau is postponing its entry into the 2008 Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival due to changes required in festival programming. The Halau’s recent successful fundraising campaign will be used to support the halau’s entry into the 2009 Festival held each year in late September in Kona.

Na Kupuna O Moana Hula Halau has been awarded major recognition at past festival events and looks forward to representing Molokai in 2009. The halau is indebted to the many individual supporters and business donors in the community who have given their aloha and generously contributed to the halau’s fundraising efforts.

Kumu Moana Dudoit said, “We cherish the aloha that the community gives to us and next year, in 2009, we’ll come back bigger winners than ever.”