Community

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

Flu Shots Available for Community

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Flu Shots Available for Community

Molokai Health Systems News Release

Several flu shot clinics are being set up around the island during the month of September, for residents to receive the 2010-11 seasonal and H1N1 vaccine.

This project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Daniel McGuire, Molokai Community Health Center, Molokai Drugs Inc., Molokai Family Health Center, Molokai General Hospital and Na Pu`uwai, to provide a community service to enhance the health of Molokai residents. The shots are administered by Certified Healthcare Professionals, while supplies last.

There is no co-pay for the vaccine, and a health plan membership card is required if you are insured. You must be 18 years or older to receive a flu shot at these locations. Bring a driver’s license or other photo ID. If you are running a fever or are allergic to eggs you are not able to receive the flu vaccination.

Locally Made Film Gets Exposure

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Locally Made Film Gets Exposure

Blending ancient Hawaiian practices – malama ka `aina – with modern methods of sustainability – solar panels and food forests – is the topic of one of Matt Yamashita’s latest films, showing now on `Oiwi TV.

Yamashita is a local filmmaker who has shot a wide range of documentaries. “Sustainable Living on the Island of Molokai” was recently picked up by Oahu-based, video-on-demand station `Oiwi TV. The station began three years ago with a focus on Native Hawaiian programming, even featuring a news program delivered in Hawaiian.

“I first saw the trailer for this when he released it, [and] I knew instantly that I wanted it on `Oiwi TV,” said `Oiwi Chief Financial Officer Keoni Lee. “It is pieces like this, ones that tell the stories no one else is telling but should be. It was kind of like "This American Life" on NPR but Molokai style.”

The video brings attention to the efforts of people on Molokai, who are not just trying to live lightly upon the earth, but in some cases replicating ancient Hawaiian practices.

, ones that are out in the many pockets around the island where lots of good (and unfortunately bad) things are happening,” Lee said. “We want to create a network of producers around the state to contribute to the conversation and venue that we have built.”

Yamashita’s documentary will be highlighted on `Oiwi TV starting Sept. 6 through the 19th. It can be viewed on digital cable channel 326 or on their website http://www.oiwi.tv/.
Yamashita’s videos can be previewed on YouTube via his channel ‘molokaimatt,’ or on his website http://www.islandlifevideos.com/index.html

Mahalo Nui Loa from A Light From Heaven

Friday, September 10th, 2010

From A Light From Heaven, first and foremost, we would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for helping us, guiding us, and allowing us to open the store.  Secondly, we would like to thank the community for showing your support and celebrating the Grand Opening with us and continuing to show your support throughout the week. 

We Made It

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

We Made It

Maunaloa Elementary School has made AYP and is in "Good Standing, Unconditional." We would like to thank Principal Joe Yamamoto, the teachers, and staff for making it all possible. We also want to thank Kim Svetin and Molokai Drugs Store for the ono ice cream with all the toppings. Mahalo Kim for always supporting our community and school.

Janna Lin Kee-Espaniola, SHA

Molokai: Perfect Model for the World

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

With the Blue Planet Foundation's gift to Molokai of 36,000 CFL light bulbs which reduces our use of electricity – big time, as well as pollution, emissions, and fuel use – the idea of making Molokai a clean energy model for the world to copy has already started. The CFL bulbs are the perfect starting point for making Molokai less dependent on imported fuel. Everyone that received the bulbs should see a large reduction in their electric bills, as well as less generated heat in their houses. Beyond unplugging electronics when not in use, and turning off lights when not needed, the next step to saving our island would be installing solar panels for hot water and electricity, plus using wind turbines (not windmills) to generate electricity.

Political Unity

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Political Unity

I have been on the political front lines for many years, usually fighting for things that cannot speak for themselves, such as the land, water, ocean, Haloa the taro, and reefs.

Some of these battles have been successful because we were able to unite people to action.

I am writing this letter to ask for political unity and your support and kokua in the Maui County mayoral race. We have decided to support Chris Hart for Mayor of Maui County. He is by far the best candidate in the large field running for Maui County Mayor.

We have had many long discussions with Mr. Hart about the future of Molokai on both the economic level and the quality of life level. He is the man.

Come help us keep Molokai Molokai: call Walter Naki at 558-8184, Ron Davis at 553-3038, Pancho Alcon at 553-5403, Mel Kahinu at 336-1190, Tom Manangan at 560-8234 or myself at 567-9415 if you would like to unite with us for a better future for Molokai. Join our sign waving; look for us every Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Walter Ritte

 

Local Lessons for Hirono

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Local Lessons for Hirono

On a recent trip to Molokai, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono experienced first-hand what goes into restoring one of Molokai’s precious 68 fishponds – the most of any Hawaiian Islands – and some of the passionate people behind the movement.

At Keawanui Fishpond, students from Ho`omanaHou School (pictured below) are helping restore the fishpond and make artificial reef bits to protect the real reef.

“They used to rip out the reef to sell [for aquariums],” said teacher and supervisor Ua Ritte. “This is a better alternative,” he said, adding that extra cement reef pieces are used as “fish houses.”

Hirono’s vote for the Federal Recovery Act helped fund the Hawaiian Learning Center, the organization that runs Keawanui Fishpond.

“This is real life – people can have a job, do something they believe in, help their families and get paid,” she said.

Hirono also visited with seniors at Home Pumehana to discuss protecting Social Security and with farmers and staff from the Molokai Community Service Council about agriculture on Molokai, who shared their thoughts on Molokai as Hawaii’s “bread basket.” She also met with Molokai Habitat for Humanity officials and recipients.

Need a State ID?

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Need a State ID?

Residents needing a state identification card have their once-a-year opportunity next Saturday, Sept. 18, to apply on-island. Officials will be on Molokai at the Mitchell Pauole Center to process applications from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Interested parties must fill out the application, found at http://hawaii.gov/ag/hcjdc/main/hawaii_id_cards/, and provide the following documents:

- Proof of Hawaii address: tax form, rental or time-share agreement for six months or more, current utility bill, vehicle registration or driver’s license.
- Original Social Security card and certified birth certificate OR certificate of citizenship or naturalization OR valid U.S. passport.

Persons under 14 must have parent or guardian signature. The fee is $10 for citizens 65 years or older; $15 all others.

More information can be found at http://hawaii.gov/ag/hcjdc/main/hawaii_id_cards/ or call 1-800-468-4644 x.73111.

Mau’s Dream Lives On

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Mau’s Dream Lives On

Community Contributed

By Paanaakala Baybayan

At around one a.m. on Aug. 27, three of Hawaii’s deep-sea voyaging canoes Hokule`a, Makali`i, and Hokualaka`i set sail from Kawaihae Harbor bound for Oahu. The journey served as training for a future world-wide voyage; but more so, it honored the continuing legacy of Master Navigator, Mau Piailug. Considered by many to be the father of the re-emergence of traditional Polynesian navigation, Piailug passed away on July 12.

As the three canoes sailed away into the darkness, there was much excitement in the air. For some of the crew it was their first time crossing the `Alenuihaha, but for both new and veteran sailors, it was a time filled with anticipation and excitement.

The `Alenuihaha is noted for its fierce winds and steep waves, and on this day the early departure allowed the canoes to cross the channel before the heat of day contributed to the acceleration of the tradewinds. Under the light of a waning full moon the three deep sea canoes made their way safely to Maui.

Before reaching Oahu, the three canoes were greeted by a film crew from National Geographic who were circling the three wa`a from a helicopter. The first canoe to arrive, Hokualaka`i, sailed along Waikiki where Uncle Nainoa Thompson personally escorted her for a short while from his one man canoe.

This was an amazing journey for all three canoes. It confirms Papa Mau’s dream will live on as the young and old continue to learn and build upon his legacy. We all hope that these three canoes continue to sail together as a fleet and that more canoes continue to join them.

Prayer Banner, Not Message, Taken

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

I want to thank Scarlet Ritte and her ohana publicly for her colorful, bold and whimsical public art work in Kaunakakai.  She also created an amazing yellow banner of flowers and dragonflies saying "We're praying for you."  It was hung on the fence of Kaunakakai Baptist Church facing our elementary school to welcome students, teachers, staff and administration back to a new school year.  Last week someone took it.  But no one can take the truth of the words away.  Yes, we are still praying for Kaunakakai Elementary and for all our island schools.  We are still praying for you, including whoever took the banner.  Maybe they needed a pretty blanket.  Prayer changes things.  God hears the heartfelt prayers of His people.  He loves you.