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Community

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

Pili Pa`a

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Pili Pa`a

Heartfelt harmonies, fast-paced strings, peppy bass lines and something you can’t quite put your finger on? You’re probably listening to Pili Pa`a. The four-man local band mix traditional Hawaiian sounds with modern, unusual flavors hinting of reggae, rock and even country. Made up of members George Aiwohi (bass), Justin Avalino (ukulele), Joshua Adachi (guitar) and his son Jeremy Adachi (drums), Pili Pa`a’s friendly banter between songs will keep you laughing – if Joshua Adachi talks plans for a yard sale, be prepared for Aiwohi to ask how much his yard costs.

Three-fourths of Pili Pa`a talked story with the Dispatch last Tuesday between sets at Hotel Molokai, where they played songs about everything from surfing to women to food, and about places as close as Kalama`ula and as far away as Arkansas. (A plan for a song about Ranch Camp is on the way – they say they’re joking, but we’ll have to wait and see.)

The Molokai Dispatch (TMD): How long have you been playing together?

Joshua Adachi: We’ve been playing six or seven years. George and I used to play together, and we had group members interchanging. [A few years later] we put together a group to play a graduation party for Justin’s family in Alaska, and it kind of evolved to different things. We’re pretty versatile in our music.



Avalino: We could record someday but it would have to be our Top 12 or something, and we should have six originals on the CD.

TMD: Anything else you wanna say about playing on Molokai?

Avalino: Molokai got plenty talent.

Aiwohi: You gotta be confident, but we have fun too. The most important thing is having fun. If not, no sense play.

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Health Care Task Force Considered

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

At the last of four public meetings hosted by the Department of Health (DOH) last week, members of Molokai’s healthcare community said it’s time to put aside old differences and look toward the future. Now, a task force is being organized to move their efforts forward.

“We all live here, we all know one another and we’re all friends,” said Cedric Alonzo, who works at the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC). “We need collaboration.”

The group of about 60 attendees – including workers from MCHC and the Molokai General Hospital (MGH), as well as private practitioners and other professionals – designated Beverly Pauole-Moore to coordinate the task force.

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Comic Relief

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Comic Relief

Frank DeLima spent four years in a seminary preparing to become a priest. Augie Tulba trained to become a boxer, winning Golden Gloves in Hawaii in 1985 and ’86.

But somehow the pair’s paths changed – and eventually crossed. DeLima, a 36-year comedy veteran from Oahu, and Tulba, better known as

that lends itself to a parody,” he said.

Molokai is one of 14 stops on this year’s Da Babooze Braddahs tour, including four shows on the mainland and several on the neighbor islands, including Hana, Hilo, Lihue and more. Augie said he’s working on a month-long show to take place in March 2012 that will feature himself, DeLima, Mel Cabang, Andy Bumatai and Ed Kaahea.

If Island Air sponsors airfare, he’d like the tour to stop on Molokai, he said – and if that happens, he hopes to pack the house.

“You guys are an awesome audience,” Augie told the crowd. “Go and tell everybody what they missed.”

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Meeting about Molokai Wildlife Refuge

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex News Release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on a draft conservation plan for Molokai’s Kakahai`a National Wildlife Refuge. When final, the plans will guide management of the refuges for the next 15 years.

Refuge staff will hold an open house to hear comments from the public and to address questions regarding the draft plan and its associated environmental assessment. On Molokai, the open house will be Sept. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

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Bringing Home the Beats

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

Bringing Home the Beats

Lopaka Colon has music in his blood. You could say it’s in his heartbeat.

The percussionist’s grandparents moved from Puerto Rico to Oahu in 1901, looking to make a better life working in sugarcane plantations. They gave birth to Augie Colon in 1928, and in 1955, Augie joined a four-man Honolulu band headed by Martin Denny, widely recognized as the father of exotica music. The pseudo-tropical genre is marked by jazz-based sounds over jungle rhythms, and was ushered into the mainstream by the group’s 1957 album – aptly titled Exotica.

tired from dancing.”

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Giving the Boot to Muscular Dystrophy

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

Giving the Boot to Muscular Dystrophy

Volunteers Misty Parker, Giesha Nunez and Molokai firefighter Shane Adolpho joined firefighters across the nation in an annual Fill the Boot fundraiser last Saturday, when they took to the streets to raise money for Jerry’s Kids. The organization, which is formally known as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), combats diseases of the nervous and muscular systems by funding research, helping affected families and educating the public, among other things. The International Association of Firefighters has raised more than $270 million for the cause since partnering with the MDA in 1954. Last weekend’s Fill the Boot fundraiser, in which local firefighters asked people throughout Kaunakakai to donate money into their work boots, preceded a nationwide telethon Monday.

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Vehicles Scorched

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

Vehicles Scorched

Two 15-passenger vans were set ablaze at Malama Park in Kaunakakai last Friday evening. No injuries or damage to park property and buildings were reported.

The Molokai Fire Department responded to multiple calls beginning at 8:01 p.m. by community members who saw the burning vans, according to Fire Captain Willy Barut. The fires lasted no more than 10 minutes from when the first call came in, he said.

The vehicles were property of Molokai Outdoors. Owner Clare Seeger Mawae said she believes the vans were lit after failed attempts to siphon gas. Gas tanks were found open, tubing was discovered inside one of the vans and driver side windows were smashed. The incident is still under investigation by both fire and police departments, according to Molokai Fire Inspector Rick Schonely.

“The preliminary findings are very suspicious, leaning toward signs of arson,” he said.

“It is unfortunate something like this had to happen,” Seeger Mawae added. “Malama Park is known as a place to party and as a cultural site, I believe very strongly that the park needs to be brought back to a park.”

This suspected arson comes two weeks after five brush fires blazed around the island. Local officials are unsure if the incident is related to the recent fires, however, and do not have any suspects at this time.

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Veteran’s Corner

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Veteran’s Corner

Hello Veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events. There was an article in Army Times titled “Shorter Tours Coming Soon.” For soldiers, shorter deployments with revamped units are just around the corner. Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey set a September deadline for a plan to reduce deployments from 12 to nine months, with 18 months at home. The Army’s stated goal is to bring the dwell-time ratio to 27 months at home for every nine months deployed by 2014.

The Air Force Times recently ran a story titled “Jet Takes Trans-Arctic Route to Afghanistan.” An Air Force jet, the C-5M Super Galaxy, flew nonstop for 15 hours from Dover Air Force Base, Del. to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan via the Arctic. The route, which is the first of its kind in Air Force history, could give deploying airmen a few extra days with their families, the service announced in a news release. The C-5M traveled over United States, Canada, Russia and Kazakhstan and was refueled over northern Canada. The mission was a proof of concept flight that helps Air Force leaders examine new ways to deliver crucial supplies to Afghanistan.

Marines and sailors have used the term “brig” for more than a century to refer to a jail or prison, but have you ever wondered why? Well, the term originates from the days of sail, when prisoners were held on a type of ship called a brig, according to Naval Heritage and History Command.  The small prison ships had two masts and evolved from a class of ship called a brigantine. Today the term “brig” remains synonymous with prison to Marines and sailors on or off land.

It saddens me to report that Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Camero, 19, of Kailua-Kona died July 15 in Helmand province Afghanistan of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Bn., 4th Marine Div., Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. On another somber note, Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Kraig M. Vickers, 36, of Kokomo died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down. He was assigned to an East Coast-based Seal team.

I’d like to send a big mahalo to Tony Wickes, who donated his time on Sunday, Aug. 7, and steam-cleaned the carpet in the Vets Center. Tony is a Marine veteran and a member of the Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans. Thank you Tony.

I’d like to remind everyone that VFW Post 3870 will have a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Commander George Harada’s home. If you have questions call the commander at 553-5730. Also, remember that John Candello will be on Molokai the first two Thursdays, Sept. 4 and Sept. 11 from 7:30 am. to 1 p.m. by appointment; call 553-3611.

I hope everyone has a nice holiday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, and invites a vet for a barbecue.  Please let’s remember our troops around the world, and especially those in harm’s way. I’d like to send a big mahalo to them, and tell our veterans – and the people of Molokai – you are the very best, and I love you all. Give old Jesse a call at 553-3323 and say hello.

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Concert to Celebrate 25 Years

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Concert to Celebrate 25 Years

Molokai Dispatch News Release

For more than 25 years, The Molokai Dispatch has been bringing you Molokai news, Molokai style – and now we’re bringing you an awesome family-friendly concert to celebrate!

Molokai-born music sensation Sashamon will perform at Mahana Gardens on Saturday, Sept. 10. Bring your own blankets, beach chairs and beer, and make yourself comfortable while enjoying some of Hawaii’s best jams.

Located at the new Mahana Gardens nursery, expect a beautiful tropical setting that lends itself to good times. With discount admission for kids ($5 for kids under 13, and free for children under 5), families are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $15 for adults. Proceeds support the island’s only free newspaper.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show goes until midnight. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Sodas and ono BBQ plates will be available for sale, as well as exclusive commemorative Dispatch T-shirts. Drawings and prizes will be held throughout the evening – must be present to win!

Please note the new date and location for this event: Sept. 10 at Mahana Gardens, located 14 miles west of Kaunakakai on the left side of the base of Maunaloa. For more information and to buy tickets, stop by the Dispatch office at the Moore Center or call 552-2781.

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Wa`akapaemua Goes the Distance

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Wa`akapaemua Goes the Distance

Community Contributed

By Bozo Dudoit

The Molokai men’s crew paddling for Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club finished third overall out of 22 canoes Aug. 21 at the Great Kahakuloa Long Distance Race, a 35-mile race on Maui. Wa`akapaemua men finished with a time of 3:44.19, just 35 seconds behind first place. Teammates included Asa Ward, John Russell Pheifer, Chad Lima, Keola Kino, Titus Castor, Bozo Dudoit, Clint Labrador, Clancy Wright and Brian Gomes.

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