Announcements

Kupuna Lei Day

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

Kupuna Lei Day

Read Aloud Correction

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

An urgent correction; the Read Aloud series on our calender that was listed at Kaunakakai on May 7, should instead be at its usual location at Kualapu`u at 5:45 p.m. on May 7.

Jet Ski Public Meeting

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

DLNR TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON JET SKI USE AROUND MOLOKAI

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold an informal public meeting on Molokai on Thursday, May 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center conference room to hear from community members regarding the use of jet skis (also known as personal watercraft or PWCs) around Molokai.

“We understand a petition is being circulated on Molokai to demonstrate public support for legalizing jet ski riding,” said Thielen. “The purpose of this public meeting is to hear directly from residents regarding concerns or questions they might have about the use of jet skis in Molokai waters.”

Residents can also provide comments in writing to the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, or at subsequent meetings.

Commercial or recreational use of controlled ocean sports equipment, such as jet skis, is currently prohibited around the islands of Molokai and Lana‘i.

“In recent months we have received complaints from island residents about noise and disturbance to reef animals from an increase in illegal jet ski riding in nearshore waters of Molokai,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “After our enforcement division officers followed up on these reported cases, we saw a decrease in jet ski use.”

A similar public meeting will be planned for Lana‘i in the near future.

Legalizing jet ski riding would require a change to the administrative rules of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. The process would involve public hearings on a draft rule change, approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources, review by the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Department of the Attorney General, and final signature by the Governor, before the new rules can take effect.

In addition, Hawai‘i Administrative Rule Chapter 13-256-16 requires all personal watercraft operators to be certified in the safe use of their watercraft, by completing a class offered through the University of Hawai‘i Community College System.

Under its administrative rules, thrill craft operations may be curtailed in certain designated areas as necessary, to avoid possible adverse impacts on humpback whales or other protected marine life; provide for increased public access; reduce user conflicts; and promote overall public safety.

Any person requiring accommodations for special needs (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print documents, etc.) may contact harbormaster Bernard Strehler at Kaunakakai Harbor (808) 553-1742 to make arrangements for assistance.

Island-Wide Aloha

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

Keiki make the 80th year of Lei Day one to remember.

By Brandon Roberts

“All leis are special, and we all have a favorite lei we like to wear close to our hearts,” Kumu Manuwai Peters said. Elaborating further he said that lei is a metaphor for the ones we love and hold dear in our lives. When a lei is created and presented, it is a gift that holds the mana and aloha from the maker, and is proudly displayed with this spirit.

The Molokai High School (MHS) theme for the 2008 Lei Day is; He Lei Pili i ka Pu'uwai (a lei close to one's heart). Each class gave song, hula and ho`okupu to this year’s Queen Pulamalani Hanaoka, and the packed gym. The junior class shared a tearful mahalo for the classmates that passed away this year.

Molokai Minute – Solatario, Skate Park, and Read Aloud America

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Mana`o

Monday, May 5th, 2008

In our continuing series with 'O Hina i ka Malama, the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program at Molokai High School, students play Friendly Isle planners. This is their mana`o on what ideas or creative businesses they believe would best benefit or sustain Molokai.

Ku`uleialoha Kahana-Kalua, 17

Kailana Ritte-Camara, 15

'O kekahi mea makemake makou e kukulu, 'o ia no kekahi kula kaiapuni no na haumana `olelo Hawai'i. He maika`i a `oi aku ka hau`oli, ina loa`a ia makou kekahi kula kaiapuni no makou a me na makua no ho'i!

'O kekahi mea a`e, makemake au e kukulu i kekahi hale a'o, he 'ano kula nui no na po`e i loa'a 'ole i ka hana a me na po`e e pono ai ka hana. Hiki ia lakou ke a'o i kekahi makau hou ma ia hale. A makemake pu au i kekahi hale nui no na keiki i hana`ino 'ia e na makua a me na 'ohana paha. He hale ho'omalu paha no ia.

If I had a chance to be a leader, I would like to build a Hawaiian immersion school for people who want to learn Hawaiian like parents, and for our current Hawaiian immersion students.

I would also like to see a training center that is built for people who need training or want to have training for jobs. I would also like to have a center that helps protect kids that are being abused or hurt in any way.

UPC Wind Announces Name Change to First Wind

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

UPC Wind Announces Name Change to First Wind

Boston, MA—May 1, 2008UPC Wind, an independent North American wind power company, today announced that it is changing its name to First Wind.  The name change will not have any impact on the company’s organizational structure or day-to-day operations.  The name change is effective immediately.

“Although our name has changed, our core values remain the same,” said Paul Gaynor, President and CEO of First Wind.  “As First Wind, we remain committed to our community partners, to seeking energy independence, and to finding environmentally sensitive solutions to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.  We look forward to continuing to bring these values to the development, construction, and operation of our wind power projects under the First Wind brand.”

Since its founding in the United States in 2002, the company has remained focused on wind farm development, ownership, and operation with projects primarily in the Northeast, the West Coast and Hawaii.  The company’s ownership is also not affected by the name change. 

In addition to growing domestic energy production and increasing energy security, wind power is considered cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity, such as oil or gas, particularly in First Wind’s key market segments.  Unlike traditional polluting sources of energy, wind has no fuel cost, therefore serving as a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices, which constitutes a significant portion of monthly electricity bills in most markets in the United States.  Wind power also emits no greenhouse gases or other damaging pollutants.

About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts.  First Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence.  For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.

Maui Electric to Talk Renewable Energy on Molokai

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

Governor’s Molokai Community Advisory Council to host energy discussion.

 

The Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Kūlana ‘Ōiwi, DHHL / OHA Conference Room, 600 Maunaloa Highway, in Kaunakakai.   The public is invited.

Representatives from Maui Electric Company (MECO) will discuss integrated resource planning for Maui County, including Moloka‘i. The presentation comes as the Lingle-Aiona Administration continues to make progress on the Hawaii Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented partnership between the State of Hawai‘i and the Dept. of Energy which aims to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s energy come from clean, renewable sources by 2030.  

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues on Moloka‘i.  The council also recommends potential nominees for state boards and commissions.

The members of the Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council are Robert Granger, Janice Kalanihuia, Jersula Manaba, Marlene Purdy and Weldon Wichman.

Anyone requiring special assistance or accommodations to participate at this meeting may call (808) 586-0034.  For additional information on Neighbor Island Community Advisory Councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.  

Molokai Mana`o

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Molokai Mana`o

With the economic uncertainties facing Molokai, I went to the Kula Ki`e Ki`e Hawaiian Language Immersion School at Molokai High to ask the students to play Friendly Isle planners. This is their mana`o on what creative businesses and ideas they believe would best benefit Molokai.

Kuulei Keliikuli-Peters

Ko`u manalo makemake wau ia kakou e ho`i ka malama i ka `aina. Hookanu hou na mea kanu a hooulu ka ulula`au. Pono kekahi mea lai pake malane`i, a he kokua keia no na po`e hou e ha`awi ia kakou i ko lakou mau kala.

I would like more people giving back to the island by rebuilding our fish ponds and replanting native plants to extend our forest and create more greenery for our island. And a restaurant with Chinese food would be a big help and our community and new-comers can give more money to our businesses.

Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola `O Molokai

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Leeward Kenpo Karate Ke Ola `O Molokai

Leeward Kenpo Karate (LKK) Ke Ola ‘O Molokai first got its start through the Kaunakakai Community Learning Center (KCLC) at Kaunakakai Elementary School with Alexa (Sausy) Dudoit.

On April 13, LKK Ke Ola ‘O Molokai competed in the 27th Annual Leeward Kenpo Karate Tournament which was held at Halawa Gym. This year, LKK Ke Ola ‘O Molokai brought 14 competitors. Under the supervision of their Sifu (teacher) Lori Nakamoto and Sibak Elroy Mollena (Assistant Instructor), the students brought home a total of 20 trophies as well as 3 fighting spirit awards.

Classes are held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays from 5:30-7:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Home Pumehana Senior Center. Call 646-0826 for more information or stop by before class.

Results of the Tournament:

Ichiro Asano – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 6-7)

2nd place Kumite (Novice boys 6-7)

Noel Tancayo – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice girls 6 and under)

3nd place Kumite (Novice girls 6 and under)

Courtney Winfrey – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice girls 7-8)

Jasmyn Davis – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice girls 9-10)

Makana Arce – Fighting Spirit Award (Novice boys 10-11)

Benjamin Aea – 1st place Kumite (Novice boys 10-11)

Nolan Nartatez – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Intermediate boys 12-13)

1st place Traditional Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 12-14)

1st place Kumite (Intermediate boys 12-13)

Misty Mollena – 3rd place Kenpo Kata (Novice girls 15-17)

Eric “Kalei” Sasada – 1st place Kumite (Intermediate boys 14-15)

Punohu Seitz – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 14-15)

3rd place Kumite (Novice boys 14-15)

Ryan Johnston – 3rd place Kenpo Kata (Intermediate boys 16-17)

1st place Weapons Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 15-17)

2nd place Kumite (Intermediate boys 14-15)

Kyle Macmillan – 1st place Traditional Kata (Intermediate boys and girls 15-17)

4th place Kumite (Intermediate boys 16-17)

Wendell “Iopa” Mollena – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Novice boys 15-17)

1st place Kumite (Novice boys 16-17)

Lance Haraguchi – 1st place Kenpo Kata (Men’s Novice Color Belt 35 and over)