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Community

General news which affects the Molokai community in one way or another.

Fall Canoe Races Cancelled

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

OHCRA News Release

The spirit of aloha continues to permeate our Hawaii communities as we champion making difficult decisions to support one another and care for the safety and health of our people and visitors. Many have had their lives change overnight and businesses, as well as individuals, continue to feel these effects as we transition into the next phase of our statewide COVID-19 response efforts.

As our state has been tremendously impacted by the global reach of this pandemic, the Board of the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) together with the organizing committee of Na Wahine O Ke Kai, regretfully announce the decision to cancel this year’s championship canoe races — Hawaiian Airlines Na Wahine O Ke Kai, scheduled for Sept.…

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Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

When this year’s Molokai High School senior class left for spring break, they had no idea they’d never have a class on the Molokai High campus again, get to have a traditional graduation ceremony in the Barn, or even hug each other after receiving their diplomas. But after the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, they became the first class to ever be handed their diplomas at arm’s length in front of the school steps as their families looked on from their vehicles.

“As a class we won’t be able to experience what it would be like to have a traditional graduation in the Barn,” said class president and salutatorian Kayla DeRouin in her speech.…

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Second Phase of Reopening Parks

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

County of Maui News Release

Additional County parks and beach parks reopened on Saturday, May 16, Mayor Michael Victorino announced. The reopening of parks facilities includes select tennis and pickleball courts. Players of both tennis and pickleball may invest in essentials and equipment such as rackets, paddles, tennis and pickleball scoreboards, etc., to improve their plays. County parks and beach parks will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those looking to join events or leagues, the padelfast signup process offers a convenient way to get started and stay connected.

“Many of these parks are neighborhood parks, which give our families more options for exercise near home,” Mayor Victorino said.…

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Molokai Middle Winner in Video Contest

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

‘Olelo Community Media News Release

Schools from across the state were named winners in the 17th Annual ‘Olelo Youth Xchange Student Video Competition last week. Top prizes went to Maui High, Wai‘anae Intermediate and Moanalua High, and Molokai Middle School students won the Free Speech Middle School category.

The competition is the state’s oldest and largest contest of its type. Over 900 video submissions this year were created by elementary, middle and high-school students who attend 71 public, charter and private schools statewide. Winning videos were from across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai and Molokai.

The 54 award winners will receive high-definition Sony digital video cameras as prizes.…

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The Historical Trauma of Infection

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

By Dr. Landon Opunui, ND

The island of Molokai has a long-standing history with infectious diseases. Molokai is known around the world for Kalaupapa’s history and the enduring spirit of all those affected by Hansen’s disease. Although our current pandemic is caused by a virus as opposed to a bacterial microorganism, there are parallels that bridge this infectious disease’s past with the present.

The first wave of imported diseases came to Hawaii with Capt. James Cook in 1778 when his sailors introduced tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. About a quarter century later, the first recorded epidemic occurred in 1804 when the cholera outbreak known as maʻi okuʻu killed more than 15,000.…

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Food Packages

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

On April 17 and May 1, the Molokai Youth Center/MCSC and Maui Food Bank provided food packages to the community. We’d like to send a mahalo to those who volunteered their time: Aunty Honey Girl English, Ekolu Ah Yee, Ui’lani Smith, Sybil Lopez, Ashlynn Kaulili, Shae Pualihau, Whitnelle Phifer, Gwendolyn Dudoit and MCSC staff, Karen Holt, Katie Juario, Shaye Lauifi, Lilinoe Bush, Kalola Kaulili, Ali Kaina and daughters, Rose Pettigrew, Ashleigh Dudoit-Polido, Darlynne Mollena. For the generous donations, Kualapu’u Ranch donated two cows that provided 5 pounds of hamburger packages, Molokai Livestock, Josh and Harmonee Pastrana, Mike and Nani Kahinu, and other generous supporters.…

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Hunting or Killing?

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Definitions of hunting can include the activity of pursuing wild game for sport and food harvest. I grew up in a hunting family, and for me, hunting is filled with anticipation, excitement, and challenge, along with the possibility of eating the best, healthiest meat on Earth. Hunting isn’t just about the harvest for me; it’s also about observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Tools like a starlight scope have enhanced my experience and helped me score some of my best hunts. My son and I have often sat together for hours, watching deer, goats, or pigs enjoying life in their natural environment.…

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County Budget First Reading Now May 26

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Maui County Council News Release

To allow for the inclusion of additional funding from the state and federal government, first reading of Maui County’s fiscal year 2021 budget has been moved to May 26, Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced.

The budget was initially set to be heard on May 22, Lee said. The delay will allow the council to consider appropriating more than $66 million from Coronavirus Relief Fund, approved by Congress in the CARES Act, and additional money in transient accommodations tax revenue, she said.

“With the help of our partners at the state Legislature, we will be able to receive and appropriate tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue,” Lee said.…

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Nurse of the Year

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Nurse of the Year

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

In a surprise announcement at Molokai General Hospital last Thursday morning, Jeanette Oshiro, BSN, RN, OCN, was named Queen’s Molokai Nurse of the Year.

The award is given annually from Queen’s Health Systems and Molokai General Hospital.

In her nomination, Oshiro was called an “outstanding leader, professional, mentor to staff, and colleague, [and]… an outstanding nurse.”

“Patients, families and the healthcare team consistently benefit from Jeanette’s wisdom, caring and creativity,” her nominator wrote. “Jeanette inspires everyone at Molokai General Hospital to strive to provide innovative, evidence-based care, and to pursue excellence every day. She is a strong patient advocate and has a strong desire to continuously improve systems with simplification in mind….…

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One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Teachers, along with parents and students, have had to work through a lot more challenges than anyone bargained for this year. School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have meant learning has had to take place virtually — and for Molokai Middle School immersion teacher ‘Iolani Kuoha, it’s been an experience that’s required her to “get creative.”

She converted her garage into a virtual classroom and for several hours each day, she uses the video chat program Zoom to engage her students — and their families. She shares language and cultural lessons, guest speakers, lei making, ukulele lessons, cooking classes, career readiness, learning contests, and even physical education.…

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