Community

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

Lanai Being Sold – UPDATE

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Lanai Being Sold – UPDATE

Updated June 24, 2012

The island of Lanai, owned mostly by Castle & Cooke, is being sold to Lawrence Ellison, co-founder and chief executive officer of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s leading enterprise software companies. Castle & Cooke (C&C), headed by billionaire David Murdock, owns about 97 percent of the island’s 141 square miles. The transaction is subject to final government approval.

The 89-year-old Murdock has owned the island since 1985, and his company loses up to $40 million a year, according to Forbes.  Ellison is the third richest American, with an estimated worth of $36.5 billion.

“Exploring the possibility of new ownership of my Lanai holdings was not a new or an impulsive decision,” said Murdock in a statement.…

Molokai Mom on a Mission: Eating Organic

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Community Contributed

 Opinion by Mercy Ritte

What does “organic” mean?
There are basically three ways that crops are produced: using agro-biotechnology, conventional techniques and organic methods. Comparing the three will give us a better sense of what “organic” means.

1. Agro-biotechnology involves genetically engineering or modifying a living organism (GMO) by inserting it with a new gene from another species. This method of farming also uses chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to produce crops.

2. Conventional farming may not use GMO seeds. However chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are used to manage plant growth, pests and weeds.

3. Organic farming uses manure and compost to fertilize the soil, beneficial insects, birds and traps to manage pests, rotate crops, hand weed or mulch.…

Tension Headaches Got You Bothered?

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Community Contributed

By Jon Mikami, RPh, and Kelly Go, RPh, Molokai Drugs Inc.

It’s the rare person who doesn’t experience an occasional headache. But if you’re plagued by frequent tension headaches, you might think there has got to be something you can do beyond regularly reaching into your medicine cabinet.

Sure, pain relievers can work wonders, and I’m here to steer you to some good options. But fortunately there are a lot of other things you can try to prevent headaches or to nip them in the bud once they’ve begun. Relaxation and stress management are key. One effective way to destress and relax is playing UFABET เข้าสู่ระบบทางเข้า.…

First Keiki Surf Meet of the Summer

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

First Keiki Surf Meet of the Summer

Community Contributed

Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai News Release

The first surf meet of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai had 44 surfers ages 2 to 13. They surfed their way through the day with a rising tide, light trade winds and the sun shining. Great surfing tricks were displayed by the opi`o; switch-foot, the coffin, nose rides and the stinkbug. Ohana and friends helped the kids catch the best waves and after the ride, get back out to catch another. Lots of families stayed to enjoy a surf session with the kids at the end of the day, either watching from the beach or out in the water.…

Independent Voting

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Independent Voting

Community Contributed

By Kanohowailuku Helm, District 7 Senate candidate 

My campaign for State Senate District 7 is kicking off with two new films this week. They are available on Facebook and YouTube by searching Helm for Senate. The first is images of my life. These will be familiar to Molokai people, but should be helpful to voters in other parts of the district.

While film is no substitute for talking story face to face, the unique challenge of District 7 is to reach voters scattered across three islands and also protect Kaho`olawe. Over the next two months, I will be introducing myself to voters on Lanai, in Hana and upper and lower country Maui.…

Catching Venus

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Catching Venus

Around the world on June 5, especially in the Pacific region, viewers watched entranced through telescopes as one of the rarest planetary alignments took place– the transit of Venus across the Sun. On Molokai, retired astronomer Pat Jones set up his telescope in front of Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai while community members took turns catching glimpses of the historic sight. This image was captured by Kalele owner Teri Waros.

“It was great to see people of all ages and walks of life participating in this once in a lifetime event,” said Waros.

If you didn’t catch the event, you’re out of luck.…

Molokai’s Bright Energy Future

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Community Contributed

By Peggy Lucas Bond

“Solar is the strongest renewable energy resource for Molokai,” concludes the just-released Life of the Land report, “Wayfinding: Navigating Hawaii’s Energy Future,” by Henry Curtis. “Today Molokai has all of the resources it needs to become energy self-sufficient and to stop exporting cash for transportation fuel and electricity.” Solar water heaters for every residence should be the first step, the report states, followed by concentrated solar power and photovoltaic panels supplemented with micro-wind and hydroelectric.

The Molokai chapter of the report has been posted on the I Aloha Molokai (IAM) website, IAlohaMolokai.com. It suggests that Molokai could sever its relationship with MECO by creating a Molokai Energy Cooperative, or by following the Kauai model and becoming its own county and establishing a municipally-owned utility (MOU).…

Bracing for Summer Fire Season

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Bracing for Summer Fire Season

Officials are predicting a potentially dangerous fire season on Molokai this summer. With little rain last winter and ongoing drought conditions, the island has been called a hotspot in the county. Firefighters have responded to four fires in the past week, all of which are considered suspicious, according to Fire Inspector Rick Schonely.

“The conditions for fire are extreme with drought and fuel load but if we don’t have anyone setting fires, we can make it through the summer without a big fire,” said Schonely. “If anyone is setting these, they have to realize how dangerous it is, not only to themselves, but to… the whole community.”…

Beefing Up Local Business

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Beefing Up Local Business

Molokai Livestock Cooperative processes grass-fed meat for the islands.

Molokai Livestock Cooperative (MLC), the island’s only slaughterhouse, is fostering a shift in the way people think about the meat on their plates. Whereas mainstream meat products come from notoriously cruel feedlots that bolster their cattle with grains and growth hormones, MLC only processes grass-fed, hormone-free animals — making them part of a national trend driven mainly by consumer awareness, as there are many companies and contractors out there which can use reputation management for contractors to help their business as well.

While the average meat-packing plant on the mainland will process between 3,000 to 5,000 heads per day, MLC averages about seven per week.…

Farming for the New Age

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Farming for the New Age

Waialua PermaFarm’s unique approach to agriculture

Tucked away inland among the forests in Waialua Valley exists a farm that claims no fields, no pests, no weeds and yet still produces over 50 varieties of produce on only one acre of land. While many would call this place a myth, Waialua PermaFarm owners Dano and Robin Gorsich simply call it home. With thoughtfully designed Farm Sheds providing organized storage and shelter for tools and harvests, the property runs smoothly and efficiently while maintaining its natural charm.

Permaculture Theory

A permafarm is an embodiment of permaculture, a growing movement that pursues the development of sustainable ecological design.…