Community

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

Molokai Battles Back Against Cancer

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

Relay for Life Molokai News Release

Walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer when the 2014 American Cancer Society Relay for Life Molokai gets underway with teams of residents gathering on August 8 at 6 p.m.

Relay for Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at the Kaunakakai Ball Park with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track at all times throughout the evening.  Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay, sporting chili plates/bowls, popcorn, glow sticks, and many more. …

Ige Visits Molokai on Campaign for Governor

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

Ige Visits Molokai on Campaign for Governor

State Senator and Democratic candidate for governor David Ige arrived on Molokai last week to talk story with residents before primary elections in November, challenging incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

Serving 28 years as a senator and a career in electrical engineering, Ige focuses on issues regarding education, economic development and the environment. Ige sat down with The Molokai Dispatch Friday to discuss issues relating to the Molokai community.

Question (Q): For you, what makes Molokai unique from the other islands?
David Ige (DI): This is my first time on Molokai in about 30 years. It is good to see that a lot of things have remained the same and a lot in Kaunakakai looks familiar since my last visit here.…

Kalaupapa: Wearing Of the Green

Saturday, March 29th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

March 17 dawned like any other day here in Kalaupapa. It was just another work day for the National Park personnel, whose workday begins at 6 a.m. For us whose day begins in church, it meant an early rising at 5 a.m. and the celebration of Mass at 5:45. Yet it was a little different for this Irish-born lad. It was the feast day of my patron saint and so I wore a loud shirt with Happy St Patrick’s Day splashed all over the front in vivid green. True to my heritage, I was wearing the green.…

Duo Dishes Out Aloha

Saturday, March 29th, 2014

Duo Dishes Out Aloha

If you’ve tasted a difference at Paddlers Inn lately, it’s probably thanks to sibling team, Tammy Smith and Kama Hoe, welcomed into the Paddlers family as of September 2013. Working as general managers, they are dedicated to not only improving the total dining experience, but also creating job security and supporting the community while they’re at it.

Before their parents, Herbert and Julia Hoe, left Oahu 20 years ago to start retired life on Molokai, they had instilled the importance of hard work, family and community into their children.

“I’d like to think we taught them well,” said Herbert. “I had this saying—I’ll leave you with no money, but I’ll leave you to be independent and with a good education.”…

Molokai Fitness: Benefits of Exercise

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

If you’ve seen my previous articles, then hopefully you started to drink more water. Last time, we talked about being aware of your breathing. Now it’s time for exercise!

Everyone knows how important exercise is, and what benefits it will bring you. So why do we so often choose to wait until we have to lose weight before starting exercise? Or why do we choose to go to the doctor and have to take pills? Why wait until it comes to this?

When you are exercising regularly, you can actually prevent many illnesses. And you will feel much better, think more positive thoughts, sleep better, feel stronger, and have more energy.…

Low Chill Temperate Fruits

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Low Chill Temperate Fruits

Community Contributed

By By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH CTAHR

Low-chill fruits are temperate fruit varieties developed for warmer conditions, such as parts of Florida and California, but many will set fruit even in the cooler parts of Hawaii. Varieties requiring 100 to 200 chill hours are the best bet in Hoolehua, while others up to 300 chill hours may fruit in Kalae and Maunaloa.

When exploring fruits suited for different climates, considering variety and nutritional benefits adds another layer of choice. From caramel-rich Medjool to antioxidant-dense Ajwa and buttery Mazafati, each variety offers distinct benefits. Discovering different kurma types like Safawi, Piarom, and Barhi expands your healthy eating options.…

Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council

Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Hawaii Meth Project News Release

The Hawaii Meth Project, a nonprofit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state, is seeking applications for its Teen Advisory Council for the 2014-2015 school year.

During their terms, Teen Advisory Council members will have the opportunity to lead and facilitate outreach in their schools and communities across the state. They will be charged with raising awareness about the importance of methamphetamine prevention, especially among Hawaii’s youth.

All high school students entering grades nine through 12 for the upcoming school year and attending public, private, and home schools statewide are encouraged to apply for one of 20 available positions on the council.…

Changes for Parks and Rec

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

In an effort to streamline the permitting process, create more consistency and improve preventative maintenance for facilities, the county Department of Parks and Recreation will be revamping its procedures in the coming months. From parks and public facilities to leagues and community sports, Parks and Rec is instrumental in running many activities, services and events on Molokai. If you’re in the market to book an event or organize a league, you may notice some changes in the process — all with the goal of making it simpler, quicker and more consistent.

Brianne Savage, deputy director of the department, explained the changes to Molokai residents last week.…

Welcoming FoodCorps Hawaii

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Welcoming FoodCorps Hawaii

Sust`ainable Molokai News Release

This past Friday, March 14, Sust`ainable Molokai welcomed the FoodCorps Hawaii state team to Molokai. The team consists of eight service members, with five from Hawaii Island: Jane Lee serving at Kohala Elementary, Julia Nemoto at Mala`ai Garden, Jessica Sobocinski at Honaunau Elementary, Kalu Oyama at Na`alehu Elementary and Leina`ala Kealoha at Kua O Ka La Public Charter Schools. Additionally, Tasia Yamamura is serving at Ma`o farms on Oahu and here on Molokai, Lacey Phifer and Simon Mendes are our service members. The state fellow is Amelia Pedini, and our host site leader from the Kohala Center is Nancy Redfeather.…

Entrepreneurial Empowerment Workshops

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

ONABEN News Release

A free, two-day workshop will teach business concepts for anyone starting up or running a small business. Held by RedWind and ONABEN hosted by Kuha`o Business Center, this small business development workshop will be provided in Kaunakakai at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) on Monday, April 7 and the Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center (QLCC) at Kulana Oiwi on Tuesday, April 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This workshop, one of 15 RedWind will hold this year, will cover business concepts indispensable for anyone starting up or running a small business. Instructors will also identify and help participants avoid common pitfalls.…