Letters

‘Olelo Hawaii ‘Oe? Campaign

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Kanaeokana, the Kula Hawaii Network, would like to mahalo the organizers, vendors and community for participating in Molokai’s first ʻOlelo Hawaii ʻOe? campaign that was held on Saturday, June 3 at the Kamehameha Day Hoʻolauleʻa at Molokai Community Health Center. The purpose of the campaign was to engage all sectors of the community in using ‘olelo Hawaii for day to day tasks, such as shopping and browsing for food and merchandise at community events. 

Keiki to kupuna who came to the Hoʻolauleʻa to honor Kamehameha Day were encouraged to ‘olelo Hawaii to their best ability with each other and the many vendors at the Hoʻolauleʻa.…

Tree Butchering

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

God did not prepare me for what I saw as I walked to my once beautiful country road in Ho’olehua this morning. All the Koa trees cut down, strewn across the road like dead soldiers lined up in a trench. 

I had agreed, against my will, to let them trim the roads because they felt in case of emergency, some of the overhanging branches might be low. But what constitutes what they considered trimming? Butchering is a better word for what the county did. I am in shock and will be in shock till I die having to drive on my road, every day, 365 days a year and remember what the county left me. …

Vandalism at Kamakou

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

E malama i ka lako honua no na hanauna a pau. Take care of the resources for future generations. 

I was disappointed to hear that a fence in the Kamakou Preserve was cut and vandalized two weeks ago.  The fences of Kamakou Preserve protect some of the last and best native forests on Molokai and are home to species found nowhere else on the planet.  The native forest of Kamakou collects the water that is used by residents across the island, which includes Hawaiian Homes, county, private and other folks.  

We only have 13 percent of the native forest this island once had, pushed back miles inland by fire and hooved animals, now mostly at the tops of the mountains, such that many people now never see what a healthy forest looks like. …

Art of Life

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

Art of life is everyday of our life. Art of love, kindness, compassion, care, respect. Art of our everyday imagination, creativity, have a happy fun day, do good, beautiful things with our life, for the good of all life. Art of all human race to recognize our purpose, responsibility, mission for life, for the good of all life. Art is whatever we created with our own everyday life, that’s valuable to us, that makes us happy with a wonderful, beautiful smile of our new day, that doesn’t need anybody to approve or disapprove. We are all artists of life everyday. Enjoy the conversation. …

Mahalo, Wrestling Club

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

The Naeole ‘ohana would like to thank the wrestlers, coaches and parents  of the Aina Pa’a Wrestling Club for taking a weekend off from their busy training schedule to clear kiawe trees off of our fence line homestead lot. Big mahalos to Butah and Atoa for operating Porter’s machinery. To coaches Justin and Benny in keeping the team focused on the mission and not wrestling with my animals. To MoIokai Mini Mart owners, Ikaika and Dezi, for donations to the club for traveling expenses and wrestling supplies.

Mahalo plenty Aina Pa’a (land solid), may God Bless all of you to prosper as wrestlers and disciplined young adults in your future!…

Retirement Mahalo

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

I would like to direct this heartfelt message to my family and friends who made my retirement a very memorable journey. Much endearment to those who made every effort to make this special day and also those who were able to celebrate with my family and me. The showering of gifts, love, laughs and new memories were very much appreciated. 

Sincerely, 

Tony Ledesma…

God’s Grub Flourishing

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

A very special mahalo to those who have come forward to make God’s Grub even better! Mahalo to regulars Jim and Cindy, Cici and Dan, Wendy, and Julie and Willy for your hearts, your cooking skills and the love. Mahalo to Hearts of Aloha and Bishaw ‘ohana (music is always welcome), Liko and the Canoe Shack. 

God’s Grub began as a small way to help by feeding the hungry and homeless and has grown into a fellowship and dinner, helping to fulfill the needs of our Molokai family. 

All are welcome to come, eat and fellowship every Sunday at 4 p.m.…

Vandalism at the Library

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023

Our historic Molokai Public Library, built in 1937, is a wahi pana and pu’uhonua for our island. It is truly a hale, hosting guests and making people feel at home. We have all come to enjoy the cool comfort of its interior, an escape from the fierce Kaunakakai heat, the free WiFi provided both inside and out, the helpful staff who go above and beyond for our community members, and the plethora of information, community programming and valuable resources housed within. 

The Library’s lawn has hosted many special events and is home to the distinct “Pule Oʻo” copper sculpture by Bumpei Akaji, Nisei Veteran, installed in 1973.…