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Community

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

Molokai Drive-Inn Burgled

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

This customer didn’t want any fries with his meal. He didn’t even want a meal at all. He just wanted what was in the register, but couldn’t quite get to it.

“They got away with the register, but we got it back,” said Sam Cariaga, manager of the Molokai Drive-In “They didn’t get the money.”

On a busy Friday evening on Dec. 28, 2010, the perpetrator walked into the Drive-Inn around 7:30. The suspect, identified as a 5’11” to 6’ male, reached into the order window and snatched the register while the workers in the back.

The police found the register near Paddler’s Inn wrapped in a hooded sweatshirt and a Molokai High 2009-2010 wrestling t-shirt. The money, which totaled to about $1,000, was found untouched inside the register.

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Navigating Patience

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Navigating Patience

Two local residents have received high honors from the American Cancer Society for their work with cancer patients on Molokai. Avette Ponce and Haunani Kamakana were given the nation-wide Harold P. Freeman Service Award last week. The two have been involved in the Kukui Ahi (Show the Way) cancer navigation program at Molokai General Hospital since its inception in 2006. They spend their days helping their patients through screening processes and other treatments.

“I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I first started this program,” Kamakana said. “But it’s very rewarding and I love it.”

The award is given out each year to recognize strong efforts in cancer safety. Molokai General Hospital was one of two hospitals in Hawaii recognized for the award, along with Queen’s Hospital. Hawaii is included in the High Plains division of the American Cancer Society, which also includes Guam, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Missouri.

Harold P. Freeman is a past president of the American Cancer Society. Through his presidency, he devoted a lot of his time to cancer prevention and continues to be a strong advocate for underserved communities and populations with disparities.

American Cancer Society Chief Staff Officer Jackie Young came to Molokai last Thursday to present the award and say “thank you” for their efforts.

for where to go next,” she said. “You guys have made a lot of changes in this community.”

Through working for Molokai General Hospital’s program, Kamakana said she and Ponce have traveled for training, and were able to meet Harold P. Freeman while in New York City.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” Ponce said. “I really love my job. It’s very rewarding. Sometimes patients don’t want to do the screening, but it’s really important for them.”

To qualify for the award, projects must be directed toward achieving cancer prevention, early detection and support for people who face cancer. Funding for projects must not be derived from tobacco-related companies or funds, according to the Harold P. Freeman Service Award application.

Doctors, nurses and the Molokai General Hospital president, Janice Kalanihuia attended the event.

“They really care about people. You can’t pay someone to work like that,” Kalanihuia said. “It’s in your heart and I think that’s 75 percent of the success in this program.”

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Helm Voted Coach of the Year

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Helm Voted Coach of the Year

Corrected version.

Could the 2010 volleyball season get any better for Matthew Helm?  He was recently voted as Coach of the Year in 2010 in Hawaii.

Voting was conducted by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for the annual state-wide award. Coaches and sports editors from around the state cast their ballots.

“I was visiting my in-laws in Los Angeles and a colleague of mine texted me to congratulate me,” Helm said.

The message struck his curiosity, so he checked the internet for the Dec. 19 article in the Star-Advertiser.

Helm also won Coach of the Year for the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II for the third year in a row, according to the Maui News.

to go to college,” Helm said.

Secondary education is important to Helm. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from the University of Laverne.

“High school only lasts so long, but if you can use volleyball as a venue to get into college, then it’s very rewarding,” Helm said.

Praise from His Peers
Fellow coaches from around the state have recognized Helm’s coaching ability.

“The success he has had is not a surprise to me and I’ve seen it through the progression in the kids,” said Chris Blake, head coach of Kamehameha Oahu “I think he did an exceptional job.”

Peter Baldwin, Punahou’s girls’ volleyball coach, is also supportive of Helm’s achievements.

“I was very impressed with how respectful his players are of not only each other, but opponents, coaches and families,” Baldwin said.

Helm wants to teach his players more than respect.

“It was never my goal to be recognized as coach of the year,” Helm said.” You just have to set your goals know that you can achieve anything. Those who are successful get back on that horse and keep going.”

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Kalaupapa Memorial Moving Forward

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

National Park Service News Release

Ka Ohana `O Kalaupapa, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), proposes to build a memorial to honor sufferers of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) at Kalawao on the east side of the Kalaupapa Peninsula. The authority to establish this memorial is in Senate Bill 22, signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 30, 2009.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to provide the decision-making framework, examining two locations within the Old Baldwin Boys Home at Kalawao, and a no-action alternative.

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Foundations of Faith

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Foundations of Faith

After 16 years of planning, praying and waiting, the St. Damien Parish is finally seeing the first signs of construction on a new church, on the site of the former St. Sophia church in Kaunakakai. Last week, community members, parishioners and construction workers gathered to clear the ground and began erecting a dust fence to ensure safety of the construction area, according to Gil Hoopii, Senior Superintendent of Nordic PCL Construction, the company contracted to build the new church.

“It’s happening before our eyes and it’s almost like a miracle,” said Leoda Shizuma, council chair of St. Damien Parish.

In keeping with Father Clyde Guerreiro’s goal of holding a Christmas Eve service in the new church this year, the structure is expected to be completed by October, said Hoopii.

“I won’t be taking vacation for a while but it’s unbelievable – feels great,” said Guerreiro, dressed in overalls to help with the ground preparations.


As construction began, “All I could think about was praise be Jesus, Alleluia!” said Shizuma. “It’s been a long dream for a lot of people in our parish.”

Community members may stop by the next door Damien Center for construction updates in the coming months.

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Apply Now for County Boards, Councils and Commissions

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that applications are still being accepted for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees. The deadline for applications has been extended to this Friday, Jan. 14, 2011.

Responsibilities include hearing public testimony, reviewing policies and standards and

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Na Mo`olelo Kalikimaka

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Na Mo`olelo Kalikimaka

In place of traditional garb in the Nativity scene, flower-printed kihei and a bamboo-crafted manger dressed the stage for Ka La Hanaui `o Iesu, the birth of Jesus.

Kula Kaipuni o Kualapu`u, Kualapu`u school’s Hawaiian immersion program, performed their first Christmas play in over a decade at Mitchell Pauole Center last week.

Sparkling angels sang carols of Nawainei Keiki (What Child is This) and Po La`i E (Silent Night), the king and his guards performed a haka and keiki danced hula celebrating the newborn child.

“It was exciting because I got to play Mary and be the main actress. I hope to do it again next year!” said sixth grader `Okalani Schnackenberg.

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Fire Closes Oviedo’s

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Fire Closes Oviedo’s

A fire broke out in the kitchen of Oviedo’s Lunch Counter last Thursday afternoon, causing significant structural damage to the restaurant. No one was injured in the fire.

Owner Reynaldo Oviedo said he was talking story with a customer when he noticed the fire.

“Accidents happen,” he said. “The kitchen has been used for 36 years while I have been here and this is the first problem; you can’t avoid it.”

The fire spread east to the adjacent building, and damaged part of the first and second floor. Next door neighbor Sundown Deli was closed on Friday, Dec. 17.

“I was a little panicked to see in the kitchen a big fire so I grabbed a hose but couldn’t do much,” Oviedo added.

Capt. Travis Tancayo of the Kaunakakai Fire Station said the fire traveled fast, and people were yelling across the street to the fire station as calls were coming in.

Initial estimates are $50,000 in structural damage and $10,000 in content damage.

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Giving the Gift of Art

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Giving the Gift of Art

A four-man string band, tables of fine craftsmanship and a crowd of art lovers breathed life into Molokai Arts Center last week in a show of appreciation and support for the new organization.

In an effort to bring Molokai its first collective space for creativity, the Molokai Arts Center hosted a fundraiser to help them reach their $30,000 goal for building renovation and upgrades.

“I have always wanted to retire into the arts, but there is center for support to do so!” said Gladys Stenen, a Molokai resident and business teacher. “I am here to support the artists and their goal to enrich the community of Molokai.”

An estimated 400 Molokai residents and visitors placed donations at the silent auction and enjoyed refreshing folk music from Brown Chicken Brown Cow band of Maui. 


“Today we are seeing a lot of generosity. I’m really happy people are opening their hearts and wallets to make it possible to bring an art center to Molokai,” said Treasurer Kim Markum. “We are just hoping for success.”

And a success it was.  The Molokai Arts Center raised nearly $4,000 and was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Atherton Family Foundation.

“We have about half of the necessary funds for the project,” said Molokai Arts Center President Emilia Noordhoek. “I know it sounds crazy but we are still pushing to reach our goal of finishing the building upgrade by April or May to open a summer program for the kids.”

The arts center bought a building behind Coffees of Hawaii, and money raised will go toward structural improvements.

For more information about the arts center, or to make a donation, visit www.molokaiarts.yolasite.com or contact Emilia Noordhoek at 808-216-3663.

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No Mo Common Sense

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Paddlers Inn had four previous owners with a liquor license to operate a bar restaurant.  New local owner owns two establishments with liquor license; one on Kauai and one on Oahu, and has been given the third degree by Maui County. Six months later and today no liquor license. This equals fifteen to twenty people without work, less income tax to the state and federal government, commerce to Molokai and Maui County, and more unemployment claims.  

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