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Community

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

Ruben Jose Villa

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Ruben Jose Villa, 43, of Wailuku, Maui, died on October 3, 2010 in Kaunakakai. He was born April 13, 1967 in Laoag City, Casili, Philippines.

He is survived by companion Tiare Escobar of Kaunakakai; sons Reggie Villa and Ruben Villa Jr. of Ho`olehua; daughters Kasey, Chentel, Lauren, Jasmine, Shylene Villa of Ho`olehua and Rublyn Villa of Laoag City, Philippines; mother Melendrina Villa and father Florentino Villa Jr. of Kualapu`u; brothers Alex, Rendy and Kleyn Villa; and sisters Mila Espejo, Maley May and Myra Villa.

Friends called on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9 a.m. with service at 12 noon at the Kalanianaole Hall in Kalamaula, Molokai. Burial followed at the Kapaakea Cemetery in Kapaakea, Molokai.


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Geraldine “Rosie” Souza

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Geraldine “Rosie” Michelle Joann Kuuipo Souza, 37, died September 29, 2010 in Waialua, Oahu. She was born September 12, 1973 on Molokai. She was the owner of Nail Etc. on Molokai, and was a devoted wife and loving mother.

She is survived by husband Paul A. S. Souza; sons Brennan Alan Po`okela, Chevy Kaikoa, Harley Ho`omana, and Lowen Kamaha`o Souza; mother Sarah; brother Steven Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father, Jerry Allen Miguel, preceded her in death.

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Matthew Dean Tokuoka

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Matthew Dean Tokuoka, 39, of Hoonah, Alaska, died on August 29, 2010. He was born December 17, 1971 in Seattle, Washington, to Edna Tokuoka and Dean Goodner. Matt moved with his mother and sister to her hometown in Molokai, Hawaii when he was seven years old until Edna passed away 1986, when he moved to Kuna, Idaho with his father.  Matt was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he continued to hunt and fish in Idaho and Alaska. Matt joined the Marines after graduating high school, and had been working as a police officer in Hoonah for the past year.
 

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The Kalaupapa Canoe Project Takes Shape

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

The Kalaupapa Canoe Project Takes Shape

Community Contributed
By Michael Neubauer

Just about any given day around 5 p.m. or so, you can catch Michael Neubauer and Kevin Gavagan working hard to restore an old Hawaiian canoe at Kihei Canoe Club.  The boat, which was donated to The Earth Trot Project, a Maui-based nonprofit organization, is being repaired for a journey that will take it from Maui to the secluded peninsula of Kalaupapa, Molokai.

Michael, Kevin and other volunteers have been working hard to revive the old outrigger, named Kamali`i.  Sanding down the hull, reshaping the nose and gunnels, filling pukas and reinforcing some of the weathered parts of the boat have made for a long process for the volunteers from The Earth Trot Project.  When finished, they’re planning to paddle Kamali`i over to Kalaupapa in October.  Once there, the canoe will be given to the people of the settlement as a significant Hawaiian cultural gift.

“We’re trying to do what is pono,” Michael said.  “Kalaupapa is one of the most significant places in Hawaiian culture. It’s really a paradox in a sense.  You’ve got one of the most beautiful and pristine places on Earth, and yet a great overwhelming somberness hangs in the air.  In many ways the peninsula still feels like a prison.”

Residents and workers in the area agree.  This past spring heavy rains eroded the pali trail leading down to Kalaupapa and traversing it has become increasingly difficult.  If that wasn’t bad enough, passenger airlines flying into the settlement raised their rates to over $250 for the ten minute flight to topside Molokai.

“The gift of the wa`a is one we hope helps to rejuvenate a bit of Hawaiian culture that has been lost in Kalaupapa.  Right now the area doesn’t have a canoe, and to a voyaging people like the Hawaiians, that’s just not right,” Michael said. “Whether it’s used recreationally, for sport, or not at all, we feel the people of Kalaupapa are entitled to have that symbol of Hawaiian culture on their land.”

For more information, or to follow this project, please visit EarthTrot.org.

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He Mana`o Aloha `Ia

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

He Mana`o Aloha `Ia

Aloha indeed – as adults relaxed, chowed down and talked story, keiki ran off the sugar from shave ice and braddah pops in the popular annual event, Festivals of Aloha.

Now in its 64th year, the Festivals of Aloha began as a way to preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions. The free musical and performance entertainment, as well as plenty ono food stands and game booths attracted hundreds each night to the Mitchell Pauole Center, and nearly 1,000 turned out for the finale parade and ho`olaule`a last Saturday. County Council Chair, and Molokai representative Danny Mateo was this year’s Honorary Chair for Maui Nui’s festival. Its theme, He Mana`o Aloha `ia, means ‘gaining knowledge through aloha.’

Aloha Week Contest Winners:

`Ulu/`Uala/Kalo
Taste
1. Tere Neuhart
2. Laurie Rapanot
3. Vonda Stone

Presentation
1. Vonda Stone
2. Tere Neuhart
3. Amber Nakihei

Poke
Taste
1. Marion Dudoit
2. Amber Nakihei
3. Stef Bush

Presentation
1. Marion Dudoit
2. Amber Nakihei
3. Stef Bush

Aloha Wear
Youth Muumuu
1. Tylea Cuello
2. Lelia Cuello

Youth Aloha Shirt
1. Waikaika Augustiro
2. Buzzy Augustiro

Adult Muumuu
1. Larie Loria
2. Scarlett Ritte-Camara
3. April Torres

Adult Aloha Shirt
1. Frank Parrino
2. Levi Yamazaki-Gray
3. Leimana Ritte-Camara

Couple
Sol and Paula Alcain

Bed Races
Men’s
1. Pepsi
2. Bicoy Men
3. Friendly Market Center

Women’s
1. Bicoy Women
2. Tutus
3. The Dispatch

Best Sportsmanship
Bicoy Men

Parade
Best Float
1. Punana Leo
2. Cabalar `Ohana
3. Royal Court

Best Pooper Scooper
1. Lanai
2. Ni`ihau
3. Molokai

Pa`u Unit
1. Maui
2. Kaho`olawe
3. Molokai

Court
2010 King/Mo`i Kane: Robert Ahsee Kalawe, Jr.
2010 Queen/Mo`i Wahine: Kauwela Ritte-Camara

Prince: Kaio Kalawe
Princess: Kealalehua Kalipi

Counselor: Keoki Pescaia

Matriarch: Mikiala Pescaia

Lady in Waiting: Laulani Walker

Red Kahili: Keoki Johnston Kalanilani

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Siren Testing at Kamalo on Thursday

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

As part of maintenance and repair procedures, the Civil Defense emergency warning siren #504 at Kamalo, Molokai will sound
this Thursday, October 14, 2010. The siren at Kamalo is part of the state Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Testing is expected to take place between 9 a.m. and noon.

For more information on emergency preparedness, go to mauicounty.gov/CivilDefense

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Flex and Stretch

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Alison Place

Looking to flex and stretch your mind and body? You might want to consider one of these free 21st Century classes being offered: Hula, Tahitian Exercise, Yoga and Kempo. All four are fun yet require some stretching – both physically and mentally.

The hula classes are offered on Mondays at the Mitchell Pauole Center. Val Tamehaga is the kumu for this and she is a patient, encouraging and gifted hula teacher. She offers three classes: a 4 p.m. class for beginning children, a 5 p.m. class for kids a little older; and an adult class at 6 p.m. You don’t have to have any experience dancing hula to join these classes.

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Ruben Jose Villa

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

Ruben Jose Villa, 43, of Wailuku, Maui, died on October 3, 2010 in Kaunakakai. He was born April 13, 1967 in Laoag City, Casili, Philippines.
He is survived by companion Tiare Escobar of Kaunakakai; sons Reggie Villa and Ruben Villa Jr. of Ho`olehua; daughters Kasey, Chentel, Lauren, Jasmine, Shylene Villa of Ho`olehua and Rublyn Villa of Laoag City, Philippines; mother Melendrina Villa and father Florentino Villa Jr. of Kualapu`u; brothers Alex, Rendy and Kleyn Villa; and sisters Mila Espejo, Maley May and Myra Villa.

Friends called on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9 a.m. with service at 12 noon at the Kalanianaole Hall in Kalamaula, Molokai. Burial followed at the Kapaakea Cemetery in Kapaakea, Molokai.

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Geraldine “Rosie” Souza

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

Geraldine “Rosie” Souza

Geraldine “Rosie” Michelle Joann Kuuipo Souza, 37, died September 29, 2010 in Waialua, Oahu. She was born September 12, 1973 on Molokai. She was the owner of Nail Etc. on Molokai, and was a devoted wife and loving mother.
She is survived by husband Paul A. S. Souza; sons Brennan Alan Po`okela, Chevy Kaikoa, Harley Ho`omana, and Lowen Kamaha`o Souza; mother Sarah Enos; brother Steven Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father, Jerry Allen Miguel, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held on October 18, 2010 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel, Oahu, at 6 p.m. with a wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held on October 19, 2010 at Kalaiakamanu Hou, Kalamaula, Molokai, from 2-5 p.m. Burial to follow at Kapa`akea Cemetery.

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Matthew Dean Tokuoka

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

Matthew Dean Tokuoka

Matthew Dean Tokuoka, 39, of Hoonah, Alaska, died on August 29, 2010. He was born December 17, 1971 in Seattle, Washington, to Edna Tokuoka and Dean Goodner. Matt moved with his mother and sister to her hometown in Molokai, Hawaii when he was seven years old until Edna passed away 1986, when he moved to Kuna, Idaho with his father.  Matt was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he continued to hunt and fish in Idaho and Alaska. Matt joined the Marines after graduating high school, and had been working as a police officer in Hoonah for the past year.
 
On August 28th, while off-duty with his family, Matt had pulled to the side of the road to talk to his partner, Sgt. Tony Wallace, when Office Wallace was shot. Matt ran into open fire and was shot twice while saving his partner, and directing his wife and children to safety. Sgt. Wallace also passed away that day. The town of Hoonah, Alaska and the Island of Molokai has lost an extreme hero.  Matt's captain, Capt. Millian, describes Matt as a Wolverine – never having fear and always ready to defend and protect.

He is survived by his wife, Haley Tokuoka of Alaska; sons Matthew Kaleonahe Tokuoka-Bright, Mitchell Tokuoka and George Tokuoka; daughters Hoteru Tokuoka and Layla Tokuoka; father Dean Goodner; step-mother Rebecca Goodner; sisters Jenny Tokuoka, Rebecca Venable and Casey Goodner; grandparents Toru (deceased) and Fujie Tokuoka of Kalae, Molokai, and all his aunties, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at Papohaku Beach on October 23, 2010 at 2 p.m. Rev. Naomi Eiko Duvauchelle of Ierusalema Pomaikai Church will conduct the services. Everyone is welcome to join in celebrating Matt's life!
 
From Jenny:  I would like to thank Molokai High Class of 1989 and Class of 1985 for always keeping Matt in your hearts and stepping up to help our ohana during this time of loss!  I love you all so much and words cannot express my gratitude.  I will see you all on the 23rd to raise our drinks in honor of a true hero.
 

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