Community

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

Energy Festival Nixed Over Renewable Project Concerns

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Amid recent concerns over proposed renewable energy project Ikehu Molokai, I Aloha Molokai (IAM) has cancelled its third annual Renewable Energy Festival that was scheduled for January. The nonprofit feared the event would act as a showcase for Ikehu, falsely implying IAM’s endorsement of the project. While IAM leaders say they feel the project has potential for Molokai, they are not ready to support it based on what they consider to be a lack of public input.

“We do not want [the energy festival] to be used to help push a process that does not have community buy-in yet,” said Kanohowailuku Helm, president of IAM, a local nonprofit that supports community-based energy solutions, in an email to Maui County officials.…

Proposal Would Bring 100% Renewable Energy

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

A proposed renewable energy project for Molokai combines solar and stored hydroelectric power with the goal of 100 percent renewable energy for the island and lowered electric rates for local customers. The project, called Ikehu Molokai, is still in the early stages of discussion. It would be a joint endeavor between California-based Princeton Energy Group and landowner Molokai Ranch.

If completed, Molokai would become the first grid in the world to be converted completely to renewable energy, said Princeton CEO Steve Tabor.

“We were on sidelines for the Big Wind project [that proposed industrial wind turbines on Molokai], but we were kind of offended by the project — it was way out of scale,” said Tabor. …

GMO, a Powerful Technology

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Community Contributed

Opinion by Dennis M Karpiak, MD

Walter Ritte represents a highly vocal activist movement staunchly opposed to GMO foods for various undisclosed reasons that have no scientific basis. The most relentless of these groups are at the forefront of anti-science advocacy using any means at their disposal to disrupt agribusiness and use third party funding to support their activities.

This activism prevents lifesaving foods from reaching market because activists continue to call for more tests, overly precautionary regulations and there are confirmed cases of crop study vandalism (Aug 8., Philippines). The activists impede this product demand by consumers and farmers by constantly demanding “more research” and intimidating politicians along the way.…

Business Careers: Career and Tech Education

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

UHMC News Release

The Business Careers program at University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) Molokai offers various levels of opportunity.  Certificates of Competence are designed for students and community members who wish to quickly acquire or upgrade their skills and knowledge.  Earn a certificate in as little as one semester!

A one-year Certificate of Achievement in Business Careers provides essential skills and knowledge in business, communications, writing, and mathematics.  A two-year Associate in Applied Science in Business Careers prepares students for the four-year business programs at UH West Oahu, UH Manoa, UH Hilo, and other institutions in conjunction with the Associate in Arts degree program.…

Share Your Love with a Dove

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Hospice Hawaii Molokai News Release

Once again during this holiday season, Hospice Hawaii Molokai is partnering with Bank of Hawaii to host a special Dove Memory Tree. You may honor the memory of a departed friend or loved one by writing their name on a paper dove, and hanging it from the tree. Donations to Hospice Hawaii in support of our organization’s services for patients and their ohana on Molokai will also be accepted at that time.

Hospice Hawaii Molokai staff and volunteers will greet all visitors in front of the bank on the afternoons of Friday, Dec. 13 and Friday, Dec.…

90 Years of ‘Smiling Through It All’

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Rev. Jean Taloa

“Smiling Through It All” by 90-year-old Molokai resident Lillian Faker is a new book in town. Its purpose is to bring laughter and joy to all its readers.

Many years ago, Lillian began writing about the happenings in her life. Her children were growing and accomplishing new goals. Her life was a pleasure and Lillian wanted to share it with her friends. She bought a computer to put all of her stories on, but she didn’t have the patience to learn how to operate it. So Lillian caller her granddaughter, Barbara, and said, “Will you please come and get this monster out of my house before I pitch a brick at it?”…

Vocalist Returns to Molokai

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Vocalist Returns to Molokai

Molokai native and award-winning vocalist Melveen Leed sang for a packed house at Paddlers Inn last Saturday night. Hula group Na Kupuna O Moana opened for and accompanied the singing legend throughout the night.

“Tonight is wonderful,” said Raquel Dudoit, kumu hula for Moana’s Hula Halau. “It’s crazy that this many people are here and it’s nice to see everyone.”

Dudoit said Na Kupuna O Moana practice every Tuesday for over an hour and have more performances each year than she can count. They have won hula competitions around the state.

Leed has been good friends with Dudoit since childhood. She has been performing for 54 years and can sing in 18 different languages she said.…

Talking Business

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Kuha`o Business Center News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) is coming to Molokai on Thursday, Dec. 12 to talk story about the programs they offer, but more importantly to talk story with Molokai to see how we can better serve the island.

Each session will be approximately an hour and will be held in the QLCC Family Room at Kulana Oiwi.  We will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 6:30 p.m.  Topics include what is OED, how to be successful with county grants, county product enrichment program, workforce development, agriculture, business development/made in Maui County opportunity, opportunities through the Maui Film Office, and Ikehu Molokai Renewable Energy Project.…

Fish in the Net

Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

Fish in the Net

Community Contributed

By Royden Abafo

Editor’s Note: Royden, a middle school student at Aka`ula School, originally wrote this in the school’s Nov. 15 newsletter. It is reprinted in its entirety here.

Right there! Look at the ripples! Are you ready? Throw it! On yeah, fish in the net. Monday, Nov. 11 in the late afternoon, my brother and I were out on the reef throwing net. We caught a lot of small fish. Then, when the bucket was full, we dumped all the fish back in the water so they could grow bigger. We continued to catch more fish. The most fish I caught in the net at once was four.…

Human Services: Career and Technical Education

Friday, November 29th, 2013

MHMC Molokai News Release

The Human Services program at University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai is designed to prepare students to work with people of all ages.  The curriculum is organized around a core of courses that provide skills and knowledge needed by human service workers.  In addition to the General Human Services degree, there is an Associate in Science (AS) degree specialization in Substance Abuse Counseling, and multiple certificates.  s

Come to the college for full details or call us at (808) 553-4490 option 5.…