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Community

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

Save the Trees

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

This is from an outraged member of the community regarding the cutting dawn of healthy, beautiful trees at Kaunakakai Elementary School. Two years ago, they cut down several trees; one was a gorgeous Magnolia tree. When the wind blew one way it became a shiny, silver green. The other direction revealed a beautiful, soft rusty brown.

 Today, I watch with a broken heart as the tree butchers cut down two of the healthiest trees anywhere around, and the other day they “trimmed” a tree that’s been dying for years and is just barely alive yet still standing.

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Killin’ It

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Killin’ It

More often than not last weekend, when Leenell Hernandez went up for a kill, it was coming down on St. Anthony’s side of the court.

The outside hitter led Molokai High School (MHS) to a pair of wins over the visiting Trojans, tallying 19 kills Friday night in a 3-0 win (25-8, 25-13, 25-23) followed by 12 kills in a 3-1 victory Saturday afternoon (25-20, 25-13, 19-25, 25-16).

is a great start to a young team,” head coach Matt Helm said of the weekend’s wins. “These younger girls are improving with every match, every play. It’s a great environment for competition.”

After a non-league match against host Baldwin Thursday night at 4 p.m., the Lady Farmers will face Seabury at 6 p.m. Friday before heading to Maui Prep Oct. 1. Helm said he and the players look forward to the Maui trip as they continue defending their state championship crown.

“I’m just excited to see what we’re gonna look like at the end,” he said. “There’s a lot of potential here with these girls, and we’re pretty excited.”

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A Crossing to Remember

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

A Crossing to Remember

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Veteran’s Corner

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Veteran’s Corner

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events.  Each year, the fourth Sunday of September is Gold Star Mother’s Day, honoring women whose children died in service to the U.S.  Why does a gold star symbolize their sacrifice? During World War I, some families hung service flags, or banners, in windows to show their devotion to the nation.  Blue stars on the flags represented family members serving in the military, and gold stars signified members who died in the line of duty.  Mothers of fallen troops eventually came to be known as “gold star mothers,” according to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 1928 for mothers of fallen troops to comfort one another, help wounded veterans and keep alive the memories of their loved one.

During the month of October I will be running an essay contest asking veterans and community members, “What does it mean to be American?” The contest is open to U.S. citizens 18 years and older. The essay must be 300 words or less and will be judged based on originality and ingenuity. The winner will receive pizza and soda from Molokai Pizza Café and must agree to have the winning essay and photo printed in the paper. Send entries post marked no later than Nov. 1 to P.O. Box 482219, Kaunakakai 96748 or email editor@themolkaidispatch.com. Good luck!  

Please remember that Joe Thompson will be at the veteran’s center on Friday, Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and John Candello will be at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Oct. 6 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 1p.m., by appointment.  Please call 553-3611 to make an appointment.  Either Joe or John can help you file a claim with the VA.  Please remember all Americans serving in our armed services, and especially those in harm’s way, mahalo to you.  Also, mahalo to all our veterans, and the people of Molokai, you are truly the greatest, and I love you all.

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Community Health Center Moves to New Location

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

MCHC News Release

Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) made the big move into their newly renovated Oceanside facility Sept. 16.  Staff and patients alike are excited to have the expanded space to better serve our community. 
 
The renovation of the former Pau Hana Inn property, however, is far from complete.  Two more phases to the project remain, including the renovation of the smaller buildings, pool rehabilitation, landscaping, and parking lot expansion.

“We’re in and that’s huge, but we still have some work ahead of us,” said Desiree Puhi, MCHC executive director.
 
Board President Rosie Davis stated, “It was so exciting to see everything come together as planned. The campus came to life right before my eyes.” 

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Coffees of Hawaii Closes Espresso Bar

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Coffees of Hawaii News Release

Coffees of Hawaii, LLC (COH), based in Kualapu`u, Molokai, will be winding down its food and beverage services at its Kualapu`u Plantation Espresso Bar beginning Oct.1. The Molokai airport location will remain open seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will continue to serve their famous Mocha Mamas at the airport. The Blue Monkey Gift Shop at the COH Plantation will remain open and will continue to sell the COH retail coffee brands. Na Ohana Ho Aloha will also continue to play every Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Plantation.

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Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Get ready to vote – and this time, instead of casting a ballot for the a U.S. government official, you can have a say in the future of the Reinstated Hawaiian Nation.

On Molokai, the Nation has been holding weekly classes to educate the community on the history of the lawful kingdom and how the public can get involved – particularly by voting in the upcoming elections on Nov. 5. Registration ends Sept. 30, though those who register after that will be counted in an unofficial vote, according to kupuna Moke Kim.

Anyone can vote, even if you are not a citizen of the nation or a Native Hawaiian.

“We need a little kokua for elections to see if people are willing to help and [contribute their] mana`o,” said Duke Kalipi, representative for the Molokai district – one of 24 districts in the reinstated nation.

In 1893, under Queen Liliuokalani’s rule, the Hawaiian government was overthrown and went into “vacation” rather than fighting for the cause and losing lives, according to Kim, who helps teach weekly classes on the Nation The Hawaiian government was in exile until it was reinstated in 1999.

Since then, the government has been active, with nine registered “nationals” on Molokai. Statewide citizenship of the Nation has reached about 400 nationals, with another 7,000 citizenship applications in process.

Classes are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center and serve as a starting point for those interested in becoming citizens of the nation.

“One of the best ways to learn is to participate and ask questions,” said Kim.

“We’ve been here long enough to see…laws closing in,” said one attendee last week, referencing hunting and land tax laws under the Hawaii state government. “The pressure for us locals is getting bad.”

Kim taught the nearly 20 participants in last week’s class about the divine or God-given inherent right to sovereignty.

“We are all ali`i,” he said. “Is it our right? You bet!” he added, pointing to the chalk-written words “divine rights” on the blackboard. “We should all grow up teaching our children to be ali`i.”

In exercising that divine right on Nov. 5, voters will be casting their ballots on who they believe should be the next prime minister of the nation, and Molokai representative and noble.

“We want people to know that they have options,” said Henry French, filling the current Molokai seat in the House of Nobles.

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Humane Society Welcomes New Vet

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Humane Society Welcomes New Vet

By Dr. Stewart K. Morgan and the Molokai Humane Society

It has been over six years since we began our search for a veterinarian willing to move to Molokai and the Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) is thrilled to announce that we have finally overcome that challenge! MoHS has recently hired our first staff veterinarian, Dr. Stewart Morgan, who will begin working on Monday, Oct. 31. We are looking forward to being able to offer the animals of Molokai more regular care.  

Until Dr. Morgan’s arrival, we have a regular schedule of visiting vets at MoHS; please visit our website molokaihumanesociety.org or call to get the most current visiting vet schedule.

Below you will find a letter to the community from Dr. Morgan. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 558-0000. Thank you for your continued support.


Hello Molokai!
My name is Stewart Morgan. I have accepted a position as veterinarian for the Molokai Humane Society. I met many of you this past August while visiting and working in the container.  I both saw and heard from everyone I spoke with on Molokai how much a consistent veterinary presence is needed here.

I am originally from Baltimore. I attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate major in Evolutionary Studies. I then attended Stony Brook University, on Long Island, N.Y., for my doctorate in Genetics. Following this, I attended Cornell University, in Central New York, for veterinary school. Since graduating, I have mostly worked for nonprofits, providing care for animals in shelters and in underserved communities (most recently Washington Humane Society).  I have keen interests in animal welfare (including feral cat populations) as well as an interest in internal medicine. I both enjoy teaching and learning from others. I will do my utmost to improve the quality of care for all animals on Molokai and I look forward to working with everyone.


Sincerely,
Dr. Stewart Morgan

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DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Returning from the brink of survival last year after proposed Department of Human Services (DHS) cuts were vetoed, the DHS eligibility office on Molokai is now expanding its staff to handle a hefty case load. A recent visit by Rep. John Mizuno and DHS Deputy Director Panjit Bhanot bolstered the confidence of DHS Molokai employees, who say a new administration has made the difference between night and day. 

“We were drowning, but we see the light now…” said Molokai eligibility worker Krisha Sahagun.

Bridget Mowat, Molokai supervisor, said she and each of her three employees currently handle up to 600 case loads each, due to lack of staffing and taking on Lanai’s cases after their DHS worker left in June.

“Luckily I have a really good team,” Mowat said.

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Local Chef Releases Second Cookbook

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Local Chef Releases Second Cookbook

Community Contributed by James Temple

Did you know that there are over 45,000 tropical islands around the world? “Tropical Cooking,” the second in a series from Molokai chef James Temple is now being sold on Oahu and Molokai. It is a collection of 122 tropical island recipes featuring cuisine with a fusion of tropical flavors, unique to the culinary world. Take a tour of the world’s islands with hot and spicy appetizers to cool and refreshing desserts and everything in between. Recipes include dishes such as papaya and crabmeat boats, banana crumble muffins, spicy grilled beef short ribs, Aruban citrus chicken, pineapple rum cake, lime-garlic pork roast, coconut crab cakes with avocado mango salsa, coconut shrimp hush-puppies, or tropical island gazpacho, just to name a few.



Temple is a chef, writer and graphic designer who has traveled the world. His love of tropical island cuisine and his passion for the fine art of cooking led him to a degree in culinary arts from the San Francisco Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu Program. He and his wife, Kimberly, have lived on Molokai for the last nine years and previously owned Bamboo Pantry across from Friendly Market. This limited edition cookbook has just been printed in Honolulu and is full of beautiful color illustrations from Temple's "food art" gallery seen at james-temple.fineartamerica.com. You can now buy a copy before they are sold out at local retailers, including Kalele Bookstore, Big Wind Kite Factory, Kumu Farms, Kamakana Country Store, the gift store at Hotel Molokai, or directly from Kimberly Temple who has a booth every Saturday at our local farmer's market in front of Bank of Hawaii. Before you know it you will be enjoying a little taste of tropical island cuisine from around the world without leaving home.¬

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