Community

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

Catholic Parish Gets New Priest

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Catholic Parish Gets New Priest

As a high school student in Arizona at the age of 16, Father William Petrie read a biography of St. Damien in school. That’s what started the priest’s journey in the Catholic faith, which has culminated in his installation as pastor of Molokai’s St. Damien Parish last Tuesday.

“That book inspired me so much that I decided I was going to become a priest and work with leprosy patients,” he said. “And it all came true.”

He entered seminary and joined the order of the Sacred Hearts, of which St. Damien was a member. Sixteen years after he felt called by the saint from Molokai, he went to India to work with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose mission was to serve those with leprosy, where he lived for 25 years.…

Stacy Helm Crivello for County Council

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Stacy Helm Crivello for County Council

County Council candidate and Kalama`ula Homestead resident Stacy Helm Crivello lives by the mantra: “Bringing back to Molokai.” Whether that means jobs, resources or community programs, Crivello insists that one of her top priorities is to ensure the Molokai community thrives.

Crivello describes this community as a “sharing and caring” one, for which she is thankful to be a part of. She believes serving as a council member would be a chance for her to give back to the community, and in April, she filed as a candidate for the Molokai seat on the Maui County Council, currently held by outgoing Council Chairman Danny Mateo.…

4-H Youth Steering the Herd

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

4-H Youth Steering the Herd

For youth in the Molokai 4-H club, raising and showing animals takes months of patience, preparation, and care. But participants at the organization’s annual Livestock Expo last weekend proved that all the work is worth it. Youth proudly showed off their animals large and small, while the community got to engage in their learning process and enjoy farm market goodies, raffles and auction prizes.

For senior 4-H-er Kainoa Kamakana, seven years of participation culminated in taking first place in the market steer showmanship competition on Saturday.

“It feels good [to win] – all the hard work paid off,” said Kainoa. “I encourage every child to join 4-H – it teaches a lot, [and you’re] better set for life from the skills you learn.”…

Manuwai Peters for County Council

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Manuwai Peters for County Council

While many on the Friendly Isle know Manuwai Peters as a kumu and the founder of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (HLIP) on Molokai, less may know that he is a candidate for the Molokai seat in the Maui County Council.

“I am running in this race because it is my time to step up and apply my skills to making Molokai a better place for residents,” Peters said, via email.

The Kalama`ula homesteader said he is grateful to call Molokai home. He first started the HLIP on Molokai in 1992, and since then has helped to create immersion programs at Kualapu`u School, Molokai Intermediate School and Molokai High School.…

Ekolu Kalama Runs for House of Representatives

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Ekolu Kalama Runs for House of Representatives

Molokai-born Ekolu Kalama wears many hats –world champion stand-up paddler and surfer, celebrated musician who just released his first full-length album, owner of surf and lifestyle brand “EK,” father and husband. To add to his already long list of accomplishments, Kalama, who now lives on Maui, has filed for candidacy to run for District 12 (Spreckelsville –Upcountry Maui) of the Hawaii House of Representatives.
Kalama is running as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Kyle Yamashita.

Though Kalama has no formal experience in government or politics, he said he hopes to use this opportunity to “get [his] feet wet and learn the system.”…

Little League Hits It Big

Sunday, July 15th, 2012

Little League Hits It BigMolokai All Stars advance to state championships

The 13 boys of the Little League Majors, ages 11 to 12, came off the Maui Ferry Thursday night celebrating as District 3 champions. Having defeated defending state champion Central East Maui at the district tournament at Kalama Park, the Molokai All-Stars knew they would be headed to the state tournament.

This is the first time Molokai has made it to the state level since 2006, and it wasn’t easy.

After suffering a 13-1 loss to Central East Maui on Wednesday and the district championship title hanging in the balance, no one knew if the Molokai All-Stars would be able to turn things around.…

Blessings from the Barge

Sunday, July 15th, 2012

Blessings from the BargeKalaupapa receives long-awaited annual barge delivery

The normally calm demeanor of the Kalaupapa settlement was replaced with hustle and bustle on Saturday morning as residents chatted excitedly about what many have dubbed “Christmas in July.” It marked the once-a-year barge that hauls in essential supplies like building materials, fuel, vehicles and other goods from Oahu to the isolated settlement.

Hawaiian interisland shipping company Young Brothers Ltd. currently has a five-year contract to bring in the barge, which costs $200,000 every year, according to Kalaupapa DOH Administrator Mark Miller. This is the only vessel in the state that’s small enough to fit in the remote harbor, and timing is critical.…

Monk Seal Crittercam Talk Story Session on Monday

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Monk Seal Crittercam Talk Story Session on Monday

Community Contributed

By Charles Littnan, Lead Scientist, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA Fisheries Service

A team of biologists, NGOs, filmmakers, and community members are developing a new research project to use National Geographic Crittercams to build on existing knowledge of the feeding behavior, diet, and habitat use of monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands.

To discuss the project with Molokai residents, there will be a talk story session at Mitchell Pauole Center this Monday, July 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The cameras, which are attached to seals for short periods, were a valuable scientific tool used to understand some of the factors contributing to the species decline in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.…

Skating By the Rules

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Skating By the Rules

With faces frozen in concentration and feet teetering for balance, local keiki got to explore the art — and challenge — of riding a skateboard. For some younger youth at the Molokai Skate Jam held at the Kaunakakai stake park, it was a first attempt, while others worked to perfect their skills in friendly competition. Over 130 keiki participated in this year’s sixth annual Molokai Skate Jam on Friday, an all-day event sponsored by Maui County that spread across the skate park, ball field, pool and gym in Kaunakakai.

Participants ages 5 through 13, including those from the summer PALS program and the Youth Center, were not only able to develop their skateboarding skills, but they also learned about the importance of wearing safety gear and the proper use of park facilities.…

Pair-a-medics

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Pair-a-medics

For 30 years, Lyle Likua has been responding to emergencies on Molokai as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic. But it was a high point in his career when he was joined on the job by his son, Keku Likua, last week — the first time they worked side by side on the same shift as licensed paramedics.

At age 22, Keku is currently the youngest paramedic in the county, having received his promotion from EMT in April. Now stationed in Kahului, he was assigned to fill in a shift on Molokai last week, making it a proud day for his dad.…