Community

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

Relay for Life 2013

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Relay for Life Molokai News Release

On Aug. 9 and 10, the American Cancer Society will be holding its seventh annual Relay for Life of Molokai. The effort began in 1985, when one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, walked, jogged and ran around a track for 24 hours raising money for his local American Cancer Society unit. Today, it’s a worldwide movement to eliminate cancer that now takes place in more than 5,100 communities in the U.S.  and in 20 other countries around the world.

Nearly 4 million people participate in the life-changing event, which raised a total of more than $4 billion to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission.…

Molokai 4 Molokai Race

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Molokai 4 Molokai Race

Community Contributed

By Clare Seeger Mawae

With the Maui to Molokai World Cup of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) race on Saturday, July 13, the idea of the Molokai 4 Molokai (M4M) race the following day was born just eight weeks ago. Its goal was to keep paddlers over on Molokai another day, stimulate the local economy and inspire youth.

With only a short time to throw something together, it almost felt like an impossible task. Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai (SUPAM) and Youth in Motion made M4M a success with a huge boost from sponsors who came in at the last minute, along with the organizers of the Maui to Molokai race, pledges from the racers and community, local, state and international competitors who believed in the concept.…

Seed Savings – Part II

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH County Extension Agent

Many seed varieties developed in Hawaii and passed down through generations are difficult to find today, such as Lualualei pole beans, and Kulanui and Kauwela lettuce. These varieties were stress-tested and adapted to our specific climatic challenges. Saving and sharing seed helps to preserve these special varieties not only for the next season, but also for generations to come.

Some seeds, such as beans and inbred corn, are among the easiest to save. Allow them to dry on the plant, and remove them from the pod or husk and screen out misshapen or damaged seed.…

Kawela Bridge Construction on Hold

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

For years, residents of east Molokai have been waiting on improvements to Kawela Bridge to prevent flooding during heavy rains that leave nearby yards filled with debris and the highway occasionally impassible. The estimated $8.4 million project began last summer and completion was expected this January. Now, state permitting delays likely mean construction will continue through next summer, according to officials at Goodfellow Bros., the company contracted for the project.

Work on the bridge has been on hold since early March, said Todd Svetin, Goodfellows project manager. That’s when a state permit relating to water quality expired, according to Caroline Sluyter, the public information officer for the state Department of Transportation (DOT).…

Anointed With Hope

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Thousands of pounds of free food and goods and dozens of services were given away on Molokai last weekend during what has been called the largest humanitarian event in the island’s history.  But more importantly, organizers of the Weekend of Hope said the event was a celebration of fellowship, unity and helping your neighbor.

The Weekend of Hope, held Friday through Sunday at the Kaunakakai Ball Park, was the culmination of months of planning and the efforts of 11 local churches as well as organizers nation-wide. The weekend included three major events: the Convoy of Hope that provided a host of free food and services; the Concert of Hope, featuring well-known musicians from around Hawaii and the country; and the Message of Hope on Sunday morning — a unified church service that spoke directly to the true intention of the weekend’s events.…

Kamehameha Schools Molokai Grads

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Kamehameha Schools Molokai Grads

Kamehameha Schools News Release

Congratulations to the Molokai Class of 2013 Graduates of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus.  Commencement exercises were held on Sunday, May 26 at the Neil Blaisdell Arena.  Molokai was represented with 16 graduates who lived as boarders on campus, some entering as seventh graders and some as ninth graders.
Graduates include Mika Lindo, Poki`i Apiki, Kiaka Lima-Mollena, `Ioane Teves, Namakana Pa-Kala, Houston Hiro, Crysten Kalua, Briann Young, Dara Naeole, Lisa Dudoit, Keolewa Puhi, Nanea Manangan, `Olana Chow, Kawaipuna Kalipi, Ka`ulu Apuna and Railyn Young.

Congratulations, graduates, on your accomplishments and especially for your dedication and commitment to your education while living away from home all these years.…

Breaking the Silence

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Breaking the Silence

Vigil Remembers Malia and Kaimana Kahalewai

“I want to be the last mother standing here,” said Mary Jane Kahalewai, as she stood before community members — each holding a lit candle — remembering the lives of her children Malia and Kaimana.

A vigil gathering was held last week in their honor and other victims of domestic violence.

“God can take what is deadly… what is wrong… and something good can come out of it,” said Pastor Robert Sahagun on the Molokai Public Library lawn at dusk last Wednesday. “And that is why we’re here.”

“For us, it’s about awareness, giving aloha to the family and [letting people know] we’re available if anyone needs help,” said Wanette Lee, Program Director of Hale Ho`omalu Women’s Shelter and the Alternatives to Violence Program.…

Oceanic Internet Upgrade

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Oceanic Time Warner Cable broadband Internet customers on Molokai have waited for years, filed dozens of complaints and wrung their hands in frustration as hundreds streaming Netflix movies failed to load — all because of Internet speeds many called substandard. Finally, the wait is over and YouTube videos can buffer in an instant. Last week, Oceanic upgraded Molokai service from microwave technology to fiber optic — effectively doubling Internet speeds to its approximately 1,000 island customers, according to Oceanic President Bob Barlow.

Last week, Oceanic notified its Molokai customers of the upgrade through an automated telephone message. Barlow said no interruption in service occurred, and despite their preparation for potential technical issues, none were experienced.…

Brother Dutton Statue Gifted to Molokai

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Molokai is already home to two saints — Damien and Marianne — and if efforts continue, the island might be known for a third: Brother Joseph Dutton. Dutton worked alongside St. Damien and Marianne to serve Hansen’s disease patients in Kalaupapa, but he is just as known for his rocky past before becoming a Catholic. Thanks to Oahu benefactor John Perreira and a few local residents, including the late Larry Helm, a statue of Dutton will soon arrive on Molokai to help tell the story of a transformation from soldier to would-be saint.

A Relatable Life
Dutton served in the Northern Army during the Civil War and climbed the ranks for his loyal service.…

Sharing the Hokulea

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Sharing the Hokulea

Last week, nearly 500 Molokai residents, students and visitors got the chance to step foot on the Hokulea — a replica of the traditional Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe — docked at the Kaunakakai Wharf. The vessel is touring Hawaii before embarking on a three-year Worldwide Voyage that will span three years, 46,000 miles, 21 countries and at least 65 landfalls.

More than 20 crew members — some of whom are from Molokai — sailed the Hokulea from Lanai on Monday, July 8. During the Worldwide Voyage, an average crew of 12 to 15 will navigate the canoe on its journey as ambassadors of the aloha spirit and spreading a message of care for the environment.…