Community

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

Farmers Coach Off to College

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Farmers Coach Off to College

Matt Helm to coach volleyball at Whitman College

Molokai High School girls’ volleyball coach Matt Helm has had a career filled with successes. The only coach ever to guide a Maui Interscholastic League team to a state girls’ volleyball title two years ago, Helm was also voted coach of the year in the state that year. Now, after eight seasons of coaching the MHS team, during which he led the Farmers to four MIL titles, six state appearances and the 2010 Division II state crown, Helm is taking the next step in his career. He was recently named the head girls volleyball coach at Whitman College, an NCAA Division III school in Walla Walla, Wash.…

“Today My Life Begins”

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

“Today My Life Begins”MHS’ class of 2012 graduates

“Your life is made up of the sum total of the choices that you make,” said Molokai High School (MHS) commencement guest speaker Randy Manley. “Choose wisely.”

That was the message MHS graduates were left with last Saturday at their commencement ceremony. Dressed in Farmer green gowns, the 87 members of the class of 2012 stood in front of friends, faculty and families who have supported them.

In a teary address, senior class president Leenell Hernandez shared one of her favorite quotes with departing classmates. “The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same, yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”…

Backyard Poultry Production Workshop

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

UH Molokai Extension Service News Release

Do you have poultry and ever wondered why they aren’t laying eggs, or why their eggs’ shells are thin? Ever wondered about raising them on pasture? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, this may be the workshop for you.

The Hawaiian Home Lands Agriculture Education Program will hold a Backyard Poultry Production Workshop on Wednesday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm/MCC Farm (next to Kumu Farms). The workshop is geared toward backyard poultry production on the homestead.…

Energy Assistance Available in June

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

MEO Molokai News Release

Low income families who need a helping hand paying their energy bills have a chance to get assistance next month. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program through Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) that assists low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The program is available only once a year in June.

Applications on Molokai will be accepted June 1 through June 30 only. Eligible residents can qualify for either electric or gas payment assistance, or energy crisis intervention.

To apply, you will need to bring the following documents to the office: photo ID, most current gas or electric bill, proof of residence, social security number verification, proof of age for household members 60 and older and 5 years and younger, proof of income, and proof of assets.…

Help Develop the Historic Preservation Plan

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is holding community meetings statewide in May on all islands to provide opportunity for public input on the development of the State Historic Preservation Plan for the next five years. The meeting on Molokai will be held on May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Molokai High School Cafeteria.

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawaii’s citizens and visitors.”…

One Local Leader

Friday, May 18th, 2012

One Local Leader

IAM President Kanoho Helm to run for Senate

After the legislature’s controversial last-minute passage of Senate Bill 2785, which created the regulatory framework for an interisland undersea electric cable, I Aloha Molokai (IAM) President Kanohowailuku Helm felt the need to fight. The Molokai local recently filed with the state Election Office to run as an independent for Hawaii’s 7th Senate District seat, and said he’s after one simple policy: honesty and transparency in government.

“It’s not anything I ever thought I would do, but I’m pushed to do it because I love my people…It’s time for [my generation] to step up and bring a change,” Helm said.…

May Day 2012

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

May Day 2012

May Day, known as Lei Day in Hawaii, is celebrated annually by Molokai schools. Every school features a May Day court of student representatives of every island, wearing the colors symbolic of each.  Here are a selection of photos from the various celebrations.…

Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Laugh with Us at MCHC Dental

Community Contributed

By Boki Chung

Thanks to the generous donation made by Maui Lodging and Hotel Association (MLHA), Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) dental department was able purchase a new nitrous oxide system (laughing gas). This will allow us to see even more patients, and refer fewer cases off-island.

Nitrous oxide can help make you comfortable during certain dental procedures. Inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen to help you relax. You will breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you start to feel calm. You may feel light headed or a tingling in your arms and legs.…

Maui County Gets Natural Disaster Designation

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

USDA News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County and Kalawao County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by a an ongoing drought that began January 1, 2012, and continues.

“Assistance at this point and time is critically important for producers in Hawaii, especially in helping them keep their farmland healthy for the remainder of the year,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I realize that during this time of disaster, federal assistance will be needed until conditions improve and farmers strive to recover from their losses.”

All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.…

Molokai Ranch: New Leadership, Fresh Perspectives

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

New leadership at Molokai Ranch hopes to get a fresh start with the community as they bring sustainability to the forefront and develop and share their ideas for the island.

Former Castle & Cooke director of engineering and development Clay Rumbaoa took over as Molokai Ranch executive director from Peter Nicholas in November 2011. Now, Nancy Schmicker has taken the position of new Ranch Project Manager, and together, Schmicker said they hope to turn over a new leaf for Molokai Ranch and the community.

“Doing what’s right in the community is a huge part of our approach,” she said, after a visit to the island two weeks ago.…