Community

Signs announcing cancelled classes were posted outside the Molokai Educational Center (MEC) last Thursday due to flooding. A drinking fountain ruptured overnight causing up to several inches of water to accumulate.

The facility remained open only for students who needed to complete tests. MEC professor and coordinator Donna Haytko-Paoa and other staff discovered the leak when they arrived to work Thursday morning. By then, water had flowed into surrounding classrooms and hallways.

The main concern was flooding in the computer classroom. There was four inches of water found in the electrical boxes, which are located on the floors.

Most of the water was expelled using a borrowed pump. Soda machines and other materials had to be moved into other areas while fans were used to eliminate the smell and moisture in the carpet. Technicians said they would wait until Monday morning, before bringing the computers back online.

The MEC will celebrate its 10th year anniversary next August and, up until now, has not had much maintenance problems.

Other recent maintenance problems include a leaning light pole that had nearly fallen over over. MEC’s poles are held up by four bolts under a cap. After realizing the leaning pole was held in by one remaining bolt, MEC staff checked adjacent lights and said that attention will be given to those which need it.

Haytko-Paoa said that the school’s air conditioner also needs maintenance. In one wing of the building, the AC was not turning off as it is programmed to do over the weekends. MEC is trying to be energy efficient and is currently working on the problem.

“The building is starting to show its age”, said Haytko-Paoa.

Haytko-Paoa noted that the “staff has been great and they are keeping the students out for health and safety reasons.”

 By Marie Nowell

After opening the doors for the first time last Wednesday, Lee said she is still trying to “get the feel of the restaurant business.” It has been a two year process to open the family business which is employed by friends and family members according to Lee.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6 am – 2 pm. The basic menu includes steak, burgers, and fresh saimin noodles imported from Shiro's Saimin Haven in Honolulu.

If your appetite craves something more, Lee says the restaurant will soon feature daily specials. There are also plans to be open on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., serving only saimin to those who are out late-night.

Maka’s Korner would like to acknowledge Lee’s mom and dad, Kui and Curt Lester, who are the owners of the building. If it wasn’t for them, the business would not have been able to open.

Detective Eugene Santiago (center) receives the Molokai Employee of the Year award from Mayor Charmaine Tavares (second from left). They are joined by Assistant Chief of Police Wayne Ribao (far left), Captain Jody Singsank (front right) and fellow members of the Molokai Police Department.

By Catherine Cluett

Detective Eugene Santiago doesn’t work normal nine to five days; nor does he devote a normal amount of energy to his job. A reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty has earned Santiago a distinguished title: 2008 Molokai Employee of the Year.

“Detective Santiago worked 201 cases between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, with investigations including drug and firearm related cases, burglaries, forgeries, arson, sexual assaults, criminal property damage and computer crimes,” said police Captain Jody Singsank in her nomination speech for Santiago.

“He is always looking at ways to improve himself as an investigator, supervisor, manager and leader,” she continued. Santiago is the only detective on the island.

County employees were honored for their service to the community in a recognition luncheon last Tuesday. Council Vice-Chair Danny Mateo welcomed those present and extended his gratitude for Molokai residents’ services to the community and the county.

County officials presented service awards to those who had served for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years, as well as those with perfect attendance records for the year and those retiring from their positions this year.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares spoke at the event about the spirit of cooperation of Molokai, and the challenges the Ranch has placed before the community. “It’s not right,” she said. “The Ranch has no business being in business and treating the people of Molokai the way they have.”

“The County of Maui is behind the people of Molokai,” she added.

Council members Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Council Chair Riki Hokama, Council Vice-Chair Danny Mateo, and Council Members Gladys Baisa, Joseph Pontanilla, Michael Molina, and Michael Victorino were all present at the luncheon.

Below is a list of the awards and recipients:

Employee of the Year: Eugene Santiago, Department of Police
Other nominee: Guy Espaniola, Department of Parks and Recreation

Service Anniversary Awards
10 yrs: Thomas K. Arce, Kanoa K. Haake, and Dennis M. Meyer, Sr.

15 yrs: Renee K. Kaulili, Herold-Lee R. Manaois, Benito S. Piros, Nazario G. Ragonton, Jr., Georgiette W. Tancayo, Wendi-Liz P. and Tancayo-Mebille

20 yrs: Mark K. Aveiro, Rogelio Cabanting, Isaac I. Kan-Hai, Rick K. Schonely, and Justiniano Venenciano

25 yrs: Michael A. Sabas

35 yrs: Steven R. Arce

Retirees: Carl W. Puhi with 32 years, Wren W. Wescoatt with 28 years, Earl N. Paleka with 24 years, and Artemio T. Trinidad, Sr. with16 years

Perfect Attendance: Ella L. Alcon, Steven R. Arce, Jimmy C. Casino, John C. Foster, Timothy K. Gapero, Elpidio E. Gorespe, Cal-Jason K. Hoopai, Gregory E. Jenkins, Dennis W. Meyer, Sr. , Timothy K. Meyer, Leonida L. Molina, Wade H. Nakayama, Nazerio G. Ragonton, Esmerelda E. Salinas, Oran A. Satterfield III, and Justiniano Venenciano