Community

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

Ho`ailona Goes to School

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Ho`ailona is nearly three years old, and is already taking classes at the University of California Santa Cruz. His teachers have been giving him conditioning exercises, so medical checkups – which will be numerous considering his vision – will be easier and even fun. Ho`ailona is one of only 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals left in the world.

The veterinarians and marine mammal scientists working with Ho`ailona, formerly known as KP2, say his training is the same as a “very smart dog.” He is still as curious as ever, checking out all areas of his pool and the deck, and interacting very well with his trainers.

His trainers said on their website that he has learned a chin station and nose target, which points the seal to a specific location for him to touch. This helps him to be shown where to go and helps the trainer-monk seal relationship.

His journal, updated periodically on his website, says the seal has learned many more behaviors: entering the water upon request, staying in the water for trainers to enter and exit, and lying down. The new tricks allow scientists to more easily check Ho`ailona’s eye health, temperature, weight and morphometrics (girth and length). The veterinarians are still determining whether eye surgery for the seal will be needed.

As for creature comforts, Ho`ailona has been listening to the Beach Boys and Hawaiian-style music, and enjoys playing with showering water from a hose according the online journal. Stay updated at http://www.monkseal.ucsc.edu/KP2/Home.html

Ho`ailona spent most of his life around Molokai, but was born on Kauai and abandoned within 24-hours. After a year of rehabilitation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the monk seal known as KP2 was released on Molokai. After many months of bonding with residents in the Kaunakakai Wharf, NOAA attempted to place him in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands but found he had cataracts. He was then sent to UC Santa Cruz for observation and possible surgery.

Posted in Community, Environment, Hawaiian Culture

1 Comments

The Future of Health Care

Friday, March 26th, 2010

While the nation grapples with a new health care insurance reform, closer to home Molokai students are taking health care into their own hands. Last week Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) – Hawaii Chapter had their fifth annual competition, discussing and competing in CPR and first aid abilities, as well as spelling of healthcare occupations.

Senior Candice Pauole, junior Edwin Mendija, and sophomore Nika Mendija attended the competition in Oahu with their advisor and health teacher, John Van Ornum. While none of the Molokai High School students placed in the top three, Van Ornum said was proud of their performance against over 500 other participants. Mika came in second place last year, but wasn’t able to make it to the national competition; this year she competed in dental spelling. Her brother Edwin competed in medical spelling, and Pauole in human growth and development.

More information can be read in next week’s Dispatch.

Posted in Community, Education

1 Comments

A Time for Nobiles

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

For everything, there is a season, and this is definitely the case with Dendrobium nobile, which signals the coming of spring. The Dendrobium orchids form the largest group in the Orchid family. Although Dendrobium nobile is a one of the most prolific bloomers, one problem has been that most nobile need colder weather than we can give them on Molokai to bloom fully. As a result, they only bloom reliably in Kalae.

If you do things right, the plants will reward you with massive blooms from the top to the bottom of the cane. If you don’t get too many flowers because you didn’t follow the recipe, there’s a consolation. You can cut the cane that didn’t bloom and lay it down, pressing it halfway into some potting mix. Keiki will form on the nodes which didn’t bloom. When the roots are strong, you can remove them from the cane and pot them, or you can attach it with staples onto a chunk of hapuu. I recently brought in about 100 of these warm bloomers from the Big Island and made them available through Kualapuu Market so the Hoolehua, Kualapuu, and Kalae hobbiest would have these plants to grow. They include Spring Dream ‘Apollon’ and ‘Kumiko’, Yellow Song ‘Canary’, Himezakura ‘Sanokku’, Sea Mary ‘Snow King’, Angel Smile ‘Kibi’, Fancy Angel ‘Lycee’ and Love Memory ‘Fizz’. Most are patented varieties and also have a light fragrance. With honohono orchids running late this year, the nobiles are an early treat telling us that hopefully, springtime has arrived.

Posted in Community, Environment, Environment & Ecology, Letters

1 Comments

Fishpond Findings

Friday, March 26th, 2010

By Kailana Ritte-Camara and Ka’imiola Sagario
From a series by O Hina I Ka Malama (Molokai High School Hawaiian immersion students) which focuses on place-based scientific inquiry.

Mai ke kuahiwi ki‘eki‘e ‘o Kamakou a i ke kai hohonu a Ka La‘au, welina mai me ke aloha e ka lehulehu a Moloka’i Nui A Hina. ‘O Kailana Ritte-Camara laua ‘O Ka’imiola Sagario ko maua inoa, he mau pakana maua no ka papa ‘epekema. No keia makahiki holo’oka’a, ua pono maua e noi’i i ka ‘aina ‘o Ka Hina Pohaku i malama ia e ka ‘ohana me hoa a ‘Anakala Leimana Naki.

Aloha e Moloka’i, Kailana Ritte-Camara and Ka’imiola Sagario are our names, we are currently attending the Hawaiian Immersion program called, “O Hina I Ka Malama.” We are both juniors in high school, and recently were assigned to research about the fishpond called, “Ka Hina Pohaku,” located towards the eastern side of the island. We were introduced to ‘Anakala Leimana and his helper Bryson, who are the current caretakers of this fishpond. During our visits to Ka Hina Pohaku we experienced the Hawaiian vibe of working in the footsteps as our ancestors did.

Stepping out of the bus, we started off our visit with the usual protocol that we do, which is to ‘oli kahea (asking to be welcomed into his domain) and being welcomed in with a full hearted, passionate ‘oli komo from ‘Anakala Leimana. Then we had the chance to have a little “talk story” with him about how we as the younger generation should start connecting more with the ‘aina, and our culture, rather then trying to keep up with the technology and the social issues that can impact us everyday, and find a more cultural balance with everyday life.

We had the chance to gather and study native and invasive limu species while helping rebuilding the stonewall at Ka Hina Pohaku. Some of the students also had the privilege to go diving in the ocean along side with ’Anakala Leimana to experience his lifestyle. After spending a couple hours out in the ocean, some of the students were lucky enough to catch some squid, lobster and some ‘ono fishes such as manini, kala and some weke.

On our down time, we occupied ourselves by paddling the canoe in the loko i’a, cleaning the fish that were caught and just talk story with ‘Anakala Leimana. Going to these field trips, helped us gain more knowledge about the importance about sustainability. We as the next generation need to realize that we are the ones to help guide and deliver the message of continuing the Hawaiian culture, tradition, and language that has been passed down from ancestor to ancestor to the younger youth.

We would both like to thank ‘Anakala Leimana along with his helper Bryson for giving us a great experience at the Loko I’a of Ka Hina Pohaku. We would also like to thanks Uncle Mervin Dudoit for driving us around on these field trips. We know that he has a lot of fun with us! Also to Kumu Mahinahou for setting everything up and giving us the opportunity to learn and experience about the marine life. Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to read about our experience at Ka Hina Pohaku!

Posted in Community, Education, Environment

2 Comments

The Buzz on Bulbs

Friday, March 26th, 2010

UPDATE: Blue Planet Foundation's 'Go Green & Carbon Clean' website is up and running: http://greenmolokai.org/ Check out their list of distribution points.

Posted in Community, Sustainability

1 Comments

No Loss for Words

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

It’s fluid. It’s gutsy. It’s real. And it’s certainly not your typical Emily Dickinson crowd. Slam is a new wave of poetry that has spawned a group of imitators, sewing seeds across the map – all the way to Molokai.

On March 16 and 17, Honey Girl Hoe, a 21-year-old slam poet from Honolulu with family in Molokai, held a series of workshops at Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai that inspired participants to break free from their shells and voice their reflections.

Honey Girl opened last Wednesday’s session with one of her latest creations “I’m Home.”

comes in the delivery,” Honey Girl said. “If you’re trying to get people to feel it, you go soft, if you want people to listen, you go loud.”

Slam is a type of poetry common among today’s youth that sees performers all over the globe recite their written words in front of a crowd, often with hand gestures and riddled with deep emotion. Essentially, it’s poetry that originates on the page and is then brought to the stage.

The nearly two-hour class session brought about 10 participants who wrote – both collectively and individually – a series of slams, which were then recited in front of the group.

The night progressed with nearly everyone taking the stage – hands flailing, intensity growing, tones alternating between whispers and shouts, ideas being pondered and individuals uniting, once strangers and now friends.

“Slam is the combination of creation and expression,” Honey Girl said. “It’s a great ice breaker and helps with social skills.”

Grassroots
Slam poetry first originated on the mainland in November 1984 by Marc Smith, a construction worker-turned-slammer who frequented the Get Me High Lounge in Chicago. In the ensuing years, the slam movement traveled throughout clubs, coffee houses, bookstores and homes, and even prompted national competitions.

In 2003, Hawaii Slam was founded by performance poet Kealoha. Hawaii Slam hosts First Thursdays Poetry Slam at Fresh Café in Honolulu, the largest certified slam poetry venue in the world – boasting more than 600 attendees.

“It’s really big with teenagers because many don’t have an outlet to speak their mind,” Honey Girl said. “This is a way for them to say ‘Listen, I have something to say.’”

Honey Girl found her slam niche during her senior year of high school when a teacher suggested she attend a spoken word performance workshop known as “Youth Speaks.”

From there, she participated in a few competitions, both individually and collaboratively. Today, she continues to slam and holds workshops among various schools, encouraging anyone who has an opinion to just slam it. She’ll be returning to Molokai for more workshops in May.

“I used to be really shy, but it broke me out of my shell,” she said. “Poems come from within you. They are a reflection of your perspectives and who you are.”

“I’m Home,” by Honey Girl Hoe
The wind wasn't subtle
It was a powerful breeze
Billowing over and under, in and out
Caressing-... a welcome home
And the sun demanded attention!
Feeling the heat on my hair
I gazed into the glare
And gave it...recognition.
The ride was curvy and bumpy
Papa doesn't believe in driving within the lines
But that's okay because,
I don't believe in wearing a seat belt.
And I'm ono.
For some Kanemitsu apple crisps
Butter rolls and donut holes
But on Tuesdays they're closed.
The grass was wet.
The rain came from a hand
Attached to a smile, with a hug
And I siad, "hi grandma!"
The pier was still there.
It never changes over the ages
As I lay to give greetings
To my prey under the sea.
7 digits later,
And I've got my own friends to welcome me.
Stories were told.
New jobs, new loves, new tricks
Playing skate over nollie and kick flips
Dreamers. Were all dreamers.
All of a sudden the day is gone
And the fire is steady
Drinks are light but the laughs are heavy
The ukulele is out, the atmosphere is merry,
Nothing can get better than this.
My blanket is still black.
Since grade 3, even though it wasn't bought for me
It's still mine.
So...lights out as I settle into a bed of my own
Sleeping like a baby cuz now I know,
I'm home.

Posted in Community, Culture & Art

1 Comments

Molokai’s Affordable Housing to Expand

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Molokai Habitat for Humanity News Release, with Artice Swingle and John Wordin

Emillia Noordhoek recently attended the annual advocacy conference for Habitat for Humanity International, ‘Habitat on the Hill,’ in Washington D.C. At this important conference, training is given on advocating regarding issues dealing with affordable housing. Post-conference interviews allowed Noordhoek to advocate for affordable housing on Molokai with Senator Daniel Inouye and Representative Mazie Hirono.

Issues concerning Federal dollars allocated to affordable housing and mortgage regulation related to the SAFE Act have a direct bearing on the operation of Molokai Habitat for Humanity. Noordhoek was able to present a clear picture of the needs of the community to our lawmakers who were very receptive and helped to stress the importance of continued funding and support.

Molokai Habitat for Humanity is expanding its operation to support both affordable housing on Hawaiian Homelands and other properties as well. Critical to this expansion is tapping into federal programs which will support this effort. Sustainable building and achieving high level efficiency in terms of energy use is key in working toward a sustainable Molokai. Noordhoek’s contact will be critical in uncovering and maintaining federal funding for our community.

Supporting Molokai’s position in the conference with Inouye was Jonathan Reckford, CEO for Habitat of Humanity International. Inouye as Housing Appropriations Committee is critical to the success of Habitat for Humanity and continued funding for affordable housing.

Hirono’s support was welcomed. Suggestion was made that we request funds from Housing L.A. which funds affordable housing projects. This will be Noordhoek’s challenge upon returning to Molokai.

As community members concerned with providing affordable energy efficient housing for all qualified applicants, we are indeed delighted that Noordhoek had this opportunity to represent Molokai and her needs.

Posted in Announcements, Community, Government, News Releases

1 Comments

Avoiding Contaminated Drinking Water

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Finding out what threatens Molokai’s water sources is mandated by federal law through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But implementing a protection plan is not.

Therefore, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply, working with the University of Hawaii and the state Department of Health, has volunteered for the task. The Wellhead Protection Project, now in its ninth year, acts to protect the groundwater around public-use wells. Eva Blumenstein, a water resource planner, said they are still looking for public feedback on this issue.

an upgrade.”

There are three county wells and nine private wells on Molokai, but the Wellhead Protection Project is looking at wells that serve 25 or more people, said Robert Whittier, a hydrogeologist with UH-Manoa working with the County of Maui. Private areas that fall within public well-source water are Molokai Ranch and Kawela Plantation, as well as the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Kalaupapa, and residents served by Maui County.

“Molokai has a sole source aquifer, there’s not alternative source to go to,” Blumenstein said.

She said her department will be coming back in May for more public feedback, especially those served by the wells and the Molokai Water Advisory Committee.

Posted in Community, Environment, Government

1 Comments

Traffic Collision in Kaunakakai

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Early last Sunday morning, a 28-year-old male was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Kamehemeha Highway, just west of Molokai Shores. Police said he crashed his truck at 2:31 a.m. and was transported to Maui Memorial Hospital. His name has not been released and the crash is still under investigation.