Community

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

The Golden Team

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

The Golden Team

Molokai robotics goes to nationals

Right now, six Molokai Middle School students are representing Molokai and the State of Hawaii in a national competition of brains, technology and teamwork. Noah Keanini, Erik Svetin, Caele Manley, Kaitlin DeRouin, Lily Jenkins, and Katy Domingo form a robotics team known as the Molokai Golden Eyes — the first team not from Oahu to ever win the Hawaii First Lego League championship.

They beat 52 teams from around the state to accomplish that feat in December. Now, they’re in California showcasing an innovative invention they designed and competing for the title of national champions.

“If people were to predict where the state robotics champions would come from, Molokai probably wouldn’t be on the list,” said Molokai Middle School (MMS) Principal Gary Davidson.…

Molokai Power Outage

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

Maui Electric News Release

At 9:40 a.m. this morning, Molokai experienced an island-wide power outage affecting approximately 3,200 customers. At this time, power to the majority of our customers on Molokai has been restored.

Parts of Kaunakakai were brought back on-line at 11:38 a.m. and Hoolehua, including the Airport, was restored to power at 11:43 a.m. Customers on Molokai’s west end were restored shortly thereafter at 11:51 a.m. and the Kualapuu area was brought back on-line at 12:03 p.m. Remaining customers in Kaunakakai were restored at 12:18 p.m.

At this time, customers on Molokai’s east end remain without power. Maui Electric crews are working hard to bring these customers back on-line as quickly and safely as possible.…

Woman Dies in Traffic Accident

Friday, May 10th, 2013

A 69-year-old Molokai woman died yesterday in a motor vehicle accident involving a motorized scooter and a van in Kaunakakai, according to police. A preliminary investigation indicated that the van hit the rear of the scooter. The woman operating the scooter, who has not yet been named by police, was taken to Molokai General Hospital, where she later died. The van driver, a 60-year-old man from Kaunakakai, was not injured, the police reported stated.

The accident occurred about 2:20 p.m. May 9, while both drivers were traveling east on Kamehameha V Highway near Kapaakea Loop.

The accident remains under investigation, and it is currently unknown if speed or alcohol were factors.…

Big Funds for Organizations Making a Big Difference

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

Big Funds for Organizations Making a Big Difference

 

Two Molokai nonprofit organizations have support to “pay it forward” in the community using awards from the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). Ka Honua Momona (KHM) and Kukui Ahi Patient Program at Molokai General Hospital each received $10,000 from HMSA as part of the health care coverage provider’s 75th anniversary celebration.

HMSA employees chose 10 organizations statewide to receive $10,000 each to make a difference in their communities, according to a press release about the HMSA Pays It Forward campaign.

“Our employees wanted to find a way to really stretch this gift and I’m confident this concept of paying it forward will accomplish that,” said HMSA CEO Michael Gold.…

County on Your Corner: Thursday on Molokai

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Alan Arakawa’s next “County on Your Corner” will be held on Thursday, May 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai, Molokai.

“It is important to connect with people face to face,” said Arakawa. “‘County on Your Corner,’ which is scheduled in a different location each month, is a good way for us to interact with the community on the issues that are of most interest to them.”

Joining Arakawa at this “County on Your Corner” event will be Councilmember Stacy Helm Crivello as well as members of Mayor Arakawa’s cabinet such as Housing & Human Concerns Director Jo-Ann Ridao, Mayor’s Executive Assistant Zeke Kalua, and Assistant Communications Director Ryan Piros.…

Increased Protection of Papohaku Dunes

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

DLNR News Release
The Papohaku Dune System in west Molokai has been identified as an important natural and cultural resource of the State of Hawaii. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) will hold a public hearing on Molokai on May 10 regarding a proposed subzone amendment to increase the level of protection for the dune system.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10 at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center.

OCCL is proposing to change the state land use conservation district subzone of tax map key (TMK): (2) 5-1-006:156 at Papohaku Beach, Kaluakoi, from the general subzone to the protective subzone.…

‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Learning

Monday, May 6th, 2013

‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Learning

Kaunakakai students build ukulele and ohana

Nearly 75 third and fourth graders at Kaunakakai Elementary School took a break from regular classes last week for three days. But far from slacking off, they were engaged in the learning experience of a lifetime — building their own ukulele.

“This is the coolest thing in the world,” said Lydia Clemens, mother of fourth grader Kayla. “We’re blessed to have this opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

Kayla, engrossed in using sand paper to smooth the unfinished wooden surface of her instrument, said she’s looking forward to playing it.

“I can say I made it on my own,” said fellow fourth grader, Marcus, proudly.…

Ka Hula Piko Celebrates Ohana and Traditions

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Ka Hula Piko Celebrates Ohana and Traditions

For the past 22 years, Ka Hula Piko has brought the Molokai community and ohana together, along with visitors from around the world, to celebrate Hawaii’s cultural traditions and identity through hula.

“It’s a gathering of ohana — that’s what it’s all about,” said Molokai kupuna Julia Hoe. “[Hula] is who you are and where you come from. You’re dancing your genealogy.”

Halau and Hawaiian music groups from around the state and as far as Japan shared their talents and traditions with hundreds of attendees at Saturday’s ho`olaulea event, held for the first time this year at Lanikeha in Ho`olehua.

“Remember, hula was here before Zumba,” Hoe laughed.…

Strong Finish in Honolulu 5K

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Community Contributed

By Sue Forbes

Molokai 5K team members from Molokai Middle and Kualapu`u Charter Schools placed first through nineth in their respective age group categories at the third annual Honolulu 5K for Kids on Sunday, April 28. Rafael Adolpho led the charge for the Molokai team, claiming first place in the boy’s 11-12 age division. Adolpho ran a personal record of 21:49 on the flat and fast downtown course.

Taking second and third for Molokai in the girl’s 9-10 category, Keahe Ross and Kapili`ula Naehu whipped through the course in 26:10 and 26:48, respectively. Fourth for Molokai in the boy’s 9-10 category, CJ Adolpho ran another P.R.…

National History Day State Competition

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Community Contributed

By Kainoa Pali

This year’s National History Day involved over 8000 students ranging from grades 4 through 12, from Oahu, Hawaii, Molokai, Kauai, and Maui. Throughout the year, these students work tirelessly to develop research essays, interpretive exhibits, performances, documentaries, and websites that ties into the annual theme: “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.” A few Molokai High students and their teachers attended a state competition on April 20 at the Windward Community College in Kaneohe, Oahu, and two received top honors.

The Hawaii Council of Humanities (HCH) wishes to acknowledge the Molokai students who participated at the 2013 National History Day State Competition.…