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Community

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

Connecting With the Heart of Molokai

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Connecting With the Heart of Molokai

Community Contributed by Annette Johnson
 
As a vacationing visitor from Anchorage, Alaska, I came to Molokai for some quality "Island" time away from the fast pace of today's life.  I chose Molokai for its "most Hawaiian" and low-keyed atmosphere.
 
The owner of my condo rental highly recommended hiking to the Halawa Valley Falls with the Pilipos to guide you. She said the hike to Halawa Falls is not to be missed, that Kumu Pilipo is a true native and "Keiko o ka aina" who was born and lives in this beautiful valley. He will give you the history of this area and talk stories that will make you laugh and cry and send chills down your spine. It will be an unforgettable experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
 
I was able to meet Kumu Pilipo for a talk story with another group, but when I arrived at the pavilion in Halawa Valley, Kumu Pilipo and Josh Pastrana told me the talk didn’t start till later that day. But they asked me if I would like to stay for it. Having long ago learned that everything happens for a reason, I happily agreed to go up to their home and wait for the taro talk/demonstration. I followed them up the gorgeous valley to the home and beautiful taro fields of Kumu Pilipo, and he mentioned to me that he had much preparation, for the Ancestor Spirits to be happy with his talk. He told me to wander around and see what his son was doing in the taro fields.


 
I found Josh nearby attending to a fire where the taro would be boiled. He said that he needed to harvest some taro for the talk, so we walked over to the fields. Josh mentioned to me that he was a teacher, and soon I rolled up my capri pants and wade in barefoot, like him, harvesting the beautiful taro plants. I must say that Josh is a wonderful teacher, excellent in his directions and teaching, very knowledgeable and patient and helpful in his demeanor.
 
During Josh and I's taro preparation, Kumu Pilipo prepared the area for the talk/demonstration with ti leaves, his pictures, conch shell, story board and his ancient wooden poi board and pounding stones. While helping Josh and me, he told me stories of the history of Halawa Valley, Molokai, the ancient practice of brings gifts to the chief, the blowing of the conch shell, communicating with arriving visitors.

I don't know how it was that I was so honored that day to receive the complete taro experience from the harvesting of the taro all the way through its preparation to the poi bowl. I had never eaten the taro root by itself, only poi before, and this was the best poi I had ever tasted. Eating the taro root itself seemed like a sacred honor, as it takes this special plant so long to grow to maturity, six to 12 months. I found it delicious. Perhaps it was from understanding more of the history of the taro plant and its long history here in Halawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaii and Polynesia. From the stories and what I learned this day in the taro fields of Halawa Valley with Kumu Pilipo Solatorio and Josh Pastrana, I came away with a deep core connection with Molokai, its land and people. My deepest appreciation and gratitude go to Kumu Pilipo Solatorio and Josh Pastrana for this extraordinary day I will treasure the rest of my life.

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Fire Prevention Public Service Announcement

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Fire Prevention Public Service Announcement

Community Contributed

Spring has arrived and your thoughts may be turning to that dreaded ritual of spring cleaning. In an effort to make this "Spring Cleanup" a fire-safe one, the Molokai Fire Prevention office provides the following safety tips:

-- Clean your garage/carport of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.



-- Test your smoke alarms monthly.

-- To help prevent nuisance alarms, gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed.

-- Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.

-- Never borrow smoke alarm batteries to use for toys or other equipment.

-- Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer

-- Check your electrical box; make sure  it has proper clearance and breakers are labeled.

-- Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.

-- Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers.

-- If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage. Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel - never as a cleaning agent.

-- Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids. Always store them at least 18 inches from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of heat or flame.

-- Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place in a safe area away from building, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.

-- Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.

-- Use barbecue grills outside only - not under overhangs or balconies, and away from combustibles.

-- Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks; never store propane indoors.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any fire safety tips please call the Fire Prevention Bureau Molokai Office at 553-8491. Stay Fire Safe!

Fire Inspector Rick Schonely 

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Molokai High School Goes to Washington D.C.

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Molokai High School Goes to Washington D.C.

Community Contributed by Diane Mokuau

Following a 17-year tradition, 17 Molokai High School students and three co-advisors left Friday, March 12, 2010 for Washington D.C. to participate in the  Close Up program. 

Since 1990, Molokai High School students and their families have raised thousands of dollars to annually travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in this exciting program.  At Close Up students and their teacher-chaperones explore the inner workings of Washington, meet with elected officials – such as Senators Inouye and Akaka and Representative Hirono – policy experts and media, and live and learn with peers from across the country.

For these students during their weeklong stay, Washington will become a living classroom.
Twenty-nine high and middle schools from Hawaii will participate in Close Up 2010 with Molokai High School having the largest participation at 17 students.

To follow the Close Up groups’ daily happenings, go to http://www.molokai.k12.hi.us/, click on the school logo, and locate the Close Up site. Students will be posting their reactions and reflections day-by-day.

Come join them on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Molokai High School Library where the students will be able to show their appreciation to their parents and the Molokai community for their support. They will share what they’ve seen and learned in Washington, DC in a multimedia format that will recount stories and behind-the-scene efforts that made Close Up 2010 a mobile community of learners for the Molokai community.

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Ono Avocados

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Ono Avocados

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

Avocados are one of those healthy fruits available year-round in Hawaii. Eaten straight from its’ own bowl or combined in a salad, it’s one of those healthy alternatives for lunch or even dinner. Hawaii farmers produce about half of the avocados we consume through retail markets, but who knows how many avocados are shared, traded, and sold within our communities.

The consumption of avocado in Hawaii has skyrocketed in recent years. From 1999 to the present, avocado consumption increased from 600,000 pounds to over 2 million pounds annually, with most of this increase filled by California-grown avocados. Kona is the major production area in the state, where around 10 avocado cultivars are grown commercially. It’s estimated that there are about 150 avocado farms throughout the state.



Avocado was introduced to Hawaii in the early 1800s, probably by Spanish horticulturalist Don Francisco de Paula Marin. Avocados are native to Central America and the Caribbean area. There are three main races of avocado. The Guatemalan is a winter-spring bearer with its characteristic hard, tough, thick, pebbled skin is medium to large in size with each fruit weighing more than 150 grams. The Mexican race, with its characteristic anise-scented leaves, is a summer-fall bearer with its thin and smooth skin and fruits less than 150 grams in fruit size. The West Indian race is a late summer-fall bearer with smooth, thick, and pliable skin, and is medium to large, with fruits usually larger than 150 grams. Most of the cultivars grown in Hawaii are crosses of these races, and some cultivars can be as large as a football. 

Through the natural crossing of these races, it’s possible to have avocados available year-round by planting cultivars for the different seasons. Sharwil, Kahaluu, Malama, Linda and Nishikawa are fall to winter bearers, while Yamagata, Ohata, Murashige and locally-grown Hass are spring to summer bearers. Almost half of the avocados grown in Hawaii are of one cultivar, Sharwil. A selection from Australia, Sharwil bears well on Molokai and will usually mature around Christmas. It’s easy to determine ripeness due to its drying pedicel or stem.

Avocado prefers cool and moist conditions similar to those found in upper Hoolehua, Kualapuu, Kipu, and Kalae, and also grow well in many of the east end valleys. In drier areas, supplemental irrigation is required or they will die. It’s important that trees get sufficient water after flower set, while too much water will result in a watery or bland taste. Well drained soil is a must due to a disease that attacks the roots.  My grandfather used to tell me when the avocado tree is full of flowers, a windy season would be coming our way. I think it just arrived. Like many tropical fruits, only a small percentage of the flowers will reach full maturity, and this means a fraction of 1%. For more information on growing avocados, go to: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HC-4.pdf



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Fiette Kahaumelani Farias

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Fiette Kahaumelani Farias

Fiette Kahaumelani Farias passed away February 8, 2010, at home on Molokai. Services were held at Kainalu on Molokai to celebrate her life. A sending off by boat to scatter her ashes was done in the waters of Kainalu, followed by a farewell song of Aloha Oe.
A gratitude of appreciation goes out to all the family and friends of Fiette, who gave of themselves generously. Thank you to the Soka Gakkai International USA/Buddhist Lay Organization. The gospel of the Alpha and the Omega Church, and Ierusalema Pomaikai Church.
Mahalo, Pumehana, Val Dudoit.


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A Healthy Choice

Friday, March 19th, 2010

A Healthy Choice

It wasn't easy. Trading meats, caffeine and an array of sweets and fats for healthy vegetarian alternatives almost ‘seemed impossible,’ and even drastic for some. But within one month, 45 individuals defied the odds and overcame their personal dilemmas to make a complete lifestyle change.

Beginning Feb. 7, a few dozen participants of Molokai's Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) began a health-conscious diet and exercise routine over the course of four weeks.  They underwent an 'educational experience' that offered stimulating lectures, peer discussions and cooking demonstrations four nights a week to further prevent risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

Nalani Paleka, one program member who witnessed profound results, had seen more lows than highs in the dieting realm, but wasn't willing to give up just yet.

committed to two things – change diet and exercise," Unglaub said. "If they did this, and stuck to it, they got results."

While some found resolve in lower blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, others noticed significant improvement with their diabetes – something Shirley Nanod is quite familiar with.

Besides diabetes, Nanod also suffered from hypertension, and admitted the first week of dietary change was the hardest.

"I love coffee, and I had to give that up," she said. "I went through one week of caffeine withdrawals. I also really like meat – we couldn't eat anything with a face."

Nanod said she was always more busy than active, and added walking into her daily routine. She lost 16 pounds in one month, and noticed a significant drop in blood pressure and cholesterol, as well.

"I have so much more energy now," she said. "Before I loved food, now I eat to survive."

The Road to Change
CHIP is an internationally-recognized program developed by Dr. Hans Diehl, which aims to reduce and even reverse disease risk factors including atherosclerosis, the No. 1 silent disease killer that narrows the arteries. Through the adoption of better health habits, the program assists with the lowering of blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels by reducing excess weight, enhancing daily exercise and improving dietary choices.

Molokai’s CHIP program began with a comprehensive heart screening which detailed risk factor levels of the participants. Immediately following the program, the heart screening was conducted again, and individual results were shared at the group's graduation ceremony at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 11.

"We're very proud of this group," said Unglaub. "They made a big commitment and got good results. The main thing now is to stick with it, and they will."

Loke Gandeza, another program member, said she plans on keeping in touch with her fellow peers and continuing with her new healthy lifestyle.

"I got a long way to go," she said. "But at least I'm going."

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To My Fellow Retirees

Friday, March 19th, 2010

To my fellow retirees, hardworking Americans and future retirees,

I am sending this important message to you to let you know of the great uncertainty over our Social Security benefits and Medicare. The government is going to slowly take away what belongs to you by putting its dirty hands on our Social Security retirement benefits and steamrolling cuts on your Medicare, in order to help pay for our huge deficits. Medicare and Social Security have been the basic financial support for our retirees. If President Obama cares about health care coverage for everyone, he most certainly does not care bout our retirees.

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Calling Bird Watchers

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Calling Bird Watchers

Community Contributed

By Arleone Dibben-Young

Have you seen this one-legged kolea?

A juvenile female kolea (Pacific Golden-Plover, Pluvialis fulva) arrived in October on the beach at Kanoa Pond in Kawela. Within two months, the bird had lost its left leg due to an impact injury. The bird was captured, banded, and released to document the natural leg amputation and determine the extent of its winter territory so that observations can be made recording its return in the fall upon migrating from its breeding grounds in Alaska. This bird has been observed in the late afternoon three-quarters of a mile to the north at the top of Kawela Plantation Unit II, most likely near its rooting area on a rooftop. Have you seen this bird? It is banded with a green band over a metal band on the right leg. Please report sightings to Arleone at 553-5992 or researchbirds@yahoo.com.

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To Be Indigenous or Not

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

The Congress debate on the Akaka Bill showed how spin doctor politicians can interject their talking points, for instance the race card to muddy the truth. 
Fact—there are three indigenous groups in America—Native American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian.  The US gave legal recognition to the American Indians and the Native Alaskans as indigenous people to inherit rights to land and culture.  Why not Native Hawaiians?  Are Native Hawaiians less indigenous?  Many don’t want to validate the existence of Native Hawaiians and history of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.  They pick and choose the history and justice.
 

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Hula Mahalo

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

The sky was clear and full of stars as we celebrated 50 years of Moana’s Hula Halau.  Moana’s Hula Halau is humbled by the overwhelming support year after year by this community.  There is no where else like Molokai!

To all of our donors we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Your donations make it possible for us to continue in the preservation, perpetuation, and sharing of hula for the last 50 years.

We’d like to acknowledge and thank all our former haumana for participating in our show.  Thank you to our keiki after-school class, our kupuna, and our women’s class.  On behalf of our entire Halau, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!  A very special thank you to our current haumana, their parents and families, thank you.

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