Community

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

60 years of Family Service

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Friendly Market celebrates 60th anniversary

Jeff Egusa swore he would never come back to Molokai to work in his family’s grocery business. But more than 30 years later, he calls the decision to continue the legacy of Friendly Market Center the best decision of his life.

It all began when his dad, Alex Egusa, was fired from his job working in the grocery business operated by the Y.K. Yuen family, which owned four stores on Molokai in the early 1950s. Jeff said a group of fellow employees quit when his dad was let go after a difference of opinion, and shortly afterward, they decided to open their own store together in 1953.…

Hotel Kitchen Approved for Repair

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Hotel Kitchen Approved for Repair

A year after a fire destroyed Hotel Molokai’s kitchen , Hula Shores restaurant and bar is one step closer to repairing and reopening its dining facilities. Hotel Molokai was approved for repairs at the June 26 Molokai Planning Commission meeting, securing their ability to begin construction soon. The Special Management Area (SMA) minor permit approved repairs to the Hula Shores kitchen and the hotel’s storerooms, laundry and second floor guestroom, all of which was demolished after an accidental fire June 19, 2012.

The Maui County Planning Department set a June 30, 2014 start date for construction and completion within a year after that.…

Supporting the Island’s Caretakers

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

From the Middle School to the Molokai Land Trust, local organizations and nonprofits work year-around to ensure the success of the island’s youth, environment, community and culture. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) offers financial backing and other supporting resources to many of these groups, and when trustees got a chance to hear from local leaders two weeks ago, they found that their investments have paid off. At a community forum, the OHA board of trustees listened for nearly four hours as community members shared the successes they’ve enjoyed, as well as the struggles they face.

Environmental Efforts
I Aloha Molokai (IAM) president Kanoho Helm discussed the progress the organization has made since its establishment four years ago to oppose wind turbines and the undersea cable on the island.…

Hokulea to Visit Molokai This Week

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Hokulea to Visit Molokai This Week

A vessel representing thousands of years of Hawaiian culture and history will soon dock on Molokai. The Hokulea, a replica of a traditional Hawaiian wa`a kaulua, or double-hulled voyaging canoe, was completed in 1975 and set sail on its first voyage to Tahiti a year later. The vessel has come to represent a cultural awakening of Native Hawaiian seafaring as well a message of aloha aina (love of the land) and the importance of caring for each other and our resources.

“I sailed in 1976 but my real voyage began after that — to apply the lessons we learned to better myself and my community, and to be a better steward,” said Penny Martin, Molokai resident and one of Hokulea’s original crew members.…

Playing with the Pros

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Playing with the Pros

Young Molokai football players hit the field with some National Football League (NFL) professionals and scored tips on training, conditioning and playing their best game. Oakland Raiders linebacker Kaluka Maiava and New York Jets linebacker Jojo Dickson shared their insider secrets with the Molokai High School football team June 26. The team, going into its second season, was ready to stretch their ability to condition and practice for games.

”The team is still in its infancy, so we’re still learning,” said Farmers head coach Mike Kahale. “No need to reinvent the wheel. We’ll just get the experts to come out and show us what to do.”…

Little League, Big Accomplishments

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Little League, Big Accomplishments

Molokai’s Little League All Stars fought for the district champion title June 25, taking on teams from across the county in the first tournament Molokai has hosted in seven years.  But these 11 and 12-year-olds are more than just baseball players; they are local heroes, bringing the community together one swing at a time.

“These 14 individuals – young men and women – took on a great challenge,” said Molokai Little League President Minky Hoopai Young. “They were looked at like warriors, and they battled really hard.”

They battled on the home front, allowing the community to see their All Stars in action.…

Keiki Showcase Livestock

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

Keiki Showcase Livestock

Acey Reyes knows how to steer her steer. At 11 years old, this 4-H member raises cattle for showmanship and market competitions. Her most recent exhibition was last weekend in Kaunakakai at the annual 4-H Livestock Expo.

Saturday afternoon she sat in the pen with her steer, nerves racing before she took him into the ring for the showmanship competition. Acey’s companion, Chuck, a Brangus Cross, is eight times her size. She had to guide the animal through the small ring alongside two other competitors’ steer, all while being watched and judged.

“It takes confidence,” said Acey. “You have to work with the animal and make sure he’s tame enough to compete.…

4-H Livestock Expo This Weekend

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

4-H Livestock Expo This Weekend

4-H Molokai News Release

This week, Molokai youth will have a chance to show off their livestock and agricultural efforts, while community members will enjoy educational demonstrations, live auctions, food and other entertainment. The 4-H Molokai Livestock Expo is slated for Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 at the Kaunakakai Ball Field.

4-H Molokai is partnering with The Hawaii Farm Bureau to educate the youth of Molokai about the many benefits of the 4-H programs established on island and across the U.S.

Friday will feature a small animal weigh-in, oral reasoning competition, vendor exhibits, 4-H parade and walk in the park followed by the Market Goat, Swine and Steer Competition.…

Property Appraiser on Molokai

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui will have an appraiser from the Real Property Assessment Division available to talk story and answer questions regarding property values, agriculture use and exemptions at the Mitchell Pauole Center in front of the Real Property office on Friday, June 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information please call the Real Property Assessment office on Molokai at 553-3221 or toll free at 1-800-272-0117 and ask for the Real Property Assessment Section.…

OHA Trustee Meetings on Molokai Tonight and Tomorrow

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

OHA News Release

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular meeting scheduled by the Board of Trustees. The community meeting is designed for OHA officials to listen to concerns and highlight efforts to improve conditions within Hawaiian communities. Both meetings are open to the public. Here are the specifics: 
Community Meeting
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Külana ‘Oiwi Halau, Kalama’ula
600 Maunaloa Highway, Kalama’ula, Moloka’i

OHA Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, June 20, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Külana ‘Oiwi Halau, Kalama’ula
600 Maunaloa Highway, Kalama’ula, Moloka’i

For more information, visit oha.org…