Community

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

New Bottomfish Rules

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

The Main Hawaiian Island (MHI) bottomfish season opens Sept. 1, and the state’s Department of Aquatic Resources (DAR) wants to more accurately count how many “Deep 7” and other bottomfish are being pulled from the ocean.

Starting this year, commercial fishermen must report to the DAR all bottomfish catches within five days of each trip – a substantial change from previous years, when for-profit fishermen were required to submit a monthly bottomfish catch report.

Officials said the changes will allow the DAR to collect more accurate data, which will help them better manage Hawaii’s fisheries.

However, some local fishermen feel their livelihood is being overregulated.

Department of Water Supply NOTICE

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Water Conservation Request: Ualapue to Waialua, Molokai

Customers from Ualapue to Waialua, Molokai, are asked to conserve water while the Department of Water Supply well pumps at Ualapue Well are out of service.  Water service should be restored to normal by Friday, August 19, 2011.  Irrigation systems should be turned off and water should be used only for health and safety purposes for today. 

The Department of Water Supply would like to thank its customers for their assistance in ensuring a safe water supply for the east end water system.

New Ho`olehua Fire Captain

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

New Ho`olehua Fire Captain

The Ho`olehua Fire Station welcomed two additions to its team this month, following promotions out of Maui’s Kahului station.  was promoted to captain from firefighter 3, while  was promoted to firefighter 3 from firefighter 2.

are working hard,” he said. “They’ve always got it done, when they have big brushfires over there, when it comes to searching for people … those guys know their island.”

Knutson, an 11-year veteran, grew up in Illinois and moved to Maui in 1985. He began his career in Paia after some paddle-boarding friends convinced him to take the firefighter test.

Both men will split their time between Molokai and Maui, where their families reside.

Vows of Thanks

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Vows of Thanks

We, Mr. and Mrs. Keith (Tifi) and Heather Suafo'a would like to thank everyone who came and helped us celebrate and make our wedding event special on July 30, 2011. Words cannot express how grateful and blessed we are to have such awesome, understanding and supportive family and friends in our lives. Special thanks to our wedding court: Damian Espaniola, David Lima, Clint Joao, Guy Abafo, Tino Toledo, Joshua Gloor, Toni Joao, Michele Molina, Sharlah Gloor, Shayna Gloor and Rachel Abshire Thank you also to our children Keith-Easton and Keiliana-Elissa Gloor-Suafo'a. Special thanks to all who helped in the preparation of our wedding: Isaac and Cheryl Gloor, Brandon Joao, Starlette Luczon-Joao, Chadd Hanaoka, Manny Molina, Itula Suafo'a Sr., Aunty Ipo and Uncle Alan Moses-Kalima and 'Ohana, Papa David Lima, Uncle Joe and Aunty Shaleen Kalima,  Kealoha and Tracey Kalima, Aunty Lahela Kalima, Uncle Walter Naki, Aunty Wanda and Uncle Gilbert Pascua, Uncle Richard, Aunty Brenda and Uncle Guy Espaniola, James Espaniola, Albert Espaniola, Pulama Lima, Aunty Vashti and Aunty U'i Lima,  Aunty Ola, Uncle Paul Hanaoka and 'Ohana, Grandma Angie and Papa Alvin Naehu, Nani Kahinu, Tasha Ka'apuni and 'Ohana, Uncle Dolpin and Aunty Karen Pawn, Victor Lopez, Moana's Florist, Kraig Lucas, Leimana Riette-Camara, Mapuana and Bill Dudoit, Diana and Mahi English, Josh Jennings and Kala'e Tangonan. Above all we would like to thank our heavenly father for allowing such special event to take place.

Sincerely yours with love,
Keith (Tifi) & Heather Suafo'a

What is Important?

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Molokai Humane Society’s Jenn Whitted stated “if we all stay focused on what is important we will meet those challenges and overcome them” (Dispatch Aug. 3 issue).  The present Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) board and executive director are rapidly moving forward, and I commend them on the funding they’ve acquired. However, they’ve lost sight of something fundamentally important: people.  

A Member’s Mana`o

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

To the Molokai Humane Society Board of Directors,
Having read and given much thought to recent articles in the Dispatch, and as a long-time member of the Humane Society, I am prompted to respond to the current issues.
The Humane Society volunteers, visiting vets, staff, board and supporters have done an incredible job with limited resources.  We all know that Tessa has been the operational backbone for some time.  The visiting vets have been saviors.  Dr. Hollis has shown her ability, dedication and willingness to come here full time.  Why would we insult her by looking elsewhere?
We need to keep in mind that the Molokai Humane Society's purpose and objectives and continue to work towards these goals.

Bon Dance Mahalo

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

On behalf of Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai, I would like to thank our volunteers, members, supporters and vendors, for their time, energy and contributions in helping to make this year’s Bon festival a successful and enjoyable event. A big mahalo to the community, and to the individuals and groups listed below.
 

Praise Concert Thanks

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

On Friday, July 29, seven Molokai churches joined together to offer The Molokai Summer Praise Concert.  The hundreds of people who attended this special event were treated to the worship sounds of local praise teams as well as Na Hoku Award winners Barrett and Tara Awai. While the music played, the keiki enjoyed a game section designed just for them and everyone was treated to a variety of delicious foods. Because of the generous help and support of so many, the entire evening was offered at no cost to those in attendance.

American Cancer Society Appreciation

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Aloha Molokai!  It was my pleasure to serve as your 2011 Molokai Relay for Life Event Chair.  This event could not have been possible without the dedicated support of our committee members, sponsors, teams, cancer survivors, caregivers, families and American Cancer Society staff members. 

Committee Members
Haunani Kamakana (Co-chair, Logistics)
Mary-Ann Hill (Team Development)
Lori-Lei and Kawika Crivello (Entertainment)
Ray and Mary-Ann Ayau, Maka McGuire, Enoka Nahoopii, and the Molokai Cancer Fund (Survivorship)
Niki Kalipi, Robin Balidoy, Rose Casino, Lori Pastrana (Registration, Games)
Debbie Davis and Tania Joao (Luminaria)
Renee Montizor (Mission)
Liann Gonzalez (Publicity)

Hau`oli la Hanau Kupuna

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Hau`oli la Hanau Kupuna

With almost seven centuries of knowledge and experience among them, seven women sat at the front of the Home Pumehana Senior Center last Friday night, draped in colorful lei and flowers in their hair. They were ready to celebrate. While it wasn’t any of their birthdays, it was a birthday party for all of them, as dozens turned out to commemorate Home Pumehana’s 90-year-olds in an end-of-summer bash.

“My goodness, there’s so much effort that went into this,” said Czella Donaldson, one of the honorees. “It’s beautiful.”

The birthday bash honored (pictured seated, from left to right) Donaldson, 90; Home Pumehana’s oldest tenant, Lillian Spearman, 94; Viola Shover, 90; Chieko Mikami, 91; Mary Burgett, 90; Margaret “Maka” Joao, 90; and Julia Siu, 93.

“They talk about learning history in schools,” said Home Pumehana Hui President Amy Skelton, who organized the event. “You cannot get more history than sitting with these women.”

The women were presented with several gifts, including handmade quilts from resident Carolyn Havens. Entertainers Bertha Adachi and Nani Dudoit performed throughout the night.

Each of the women thanked Skelton, the organizers and the attendees for the colorful festivities.
“I enjoy each of the tenants here,” said Mikami. Burgett later added: “I don’t want to go back to living in Honolulu anymore – I love living here.”