Community

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

He Is Risen, Alleluia!

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Community Contributed

Opinion by Father Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

The action began with the blessing of the olive branches. These had been brought by Meli and Rosa the previous day from the olive tree next to St. Philomena Church in Damien’s garden in Kalawao. The church was built by St. Damien himself. This was Palm Sunday and we were celebrating Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. So also, the many churches in the Christian world would celebrate Christ’s jubilant entry into Jerusalem. This is the custom each year on Palm/Passion Sunday.

Of course, we know that the cheers had turned into jeers by Friday as the crowd, spurred on by some of the religious leaders, called for Jesus’ death.…

Maritime Career Fair

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

A career fair last week highlighted opportunities in maritime fields, part of an effort to “keep local people in the local waterfronts,” according to Marimed Foundation CEO Melissa Herbert. 

Marimed is a Hawaii nonprofit that offers vocational training, education and community programs for youth, with a focus on maritime opportunities. Along with entities such as Young Brothers and Seafarers International Union, Marimed staff visited the UH Maui College, Molokai (UHMCM) campus  on April 6 for the career fair. 

Olelo Schonely Spencer, Career and Technical Educational Specialist at UHMCM, explained that the fair was “an attempt to help get our kids and local community motivated to look towards a career in maritime.” …

Sports Bring Deeper Learning at Kualapu’u

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Sports Bring Deeper Learning at Kualapu’u

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

Through the sunlight drenched mist, a champion was crowned at Kualapu’u Charter School. Friday, April 6, represented the culmination of the school’s basketball unit in Physical Education (PE) class – a milestone Kualapu’u School PE teacher Danny Davis was not going to let pass unnoticed. 

After months of focus on fundamental basketball skills, Davis organized a multi-grade three-on-three basketball tournament. Through an administration supported schedule, Davis was able to open the tournament to all fourth through sixth graders, allowing for 58 kids to sign up and participate in the two-day event. Davis is one of two full-time PE teachers at Kualapu’u School, which is unique on-island in its offering of daily PE classes. …

Give Input on Hazard Mitigation Plan

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

HI-EMA News Release 

A series of meetings across the state this month will give community members an opportunity to help build a safer Hawaii. The public can give input on the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, hosted by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). 

The Molokai meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center. 

“We fully update these plans every five years because they’re a key tool we use to reduce or eliminate the harm caused by the hazards we face across Hawaii,” said James Barros, administrator of HI-EMA. The State and counties rely on these hazard mitigation plans to guide their efforts to protect communities against the threats of flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis and other hazards. …

Wildfire Prevention and Craft Kit

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Paniolo Hale Firewise Committee News Release

Summer is quickly approaching, which means hotter, drier weather and the risk of wildfire increases. Did you know that most wildfires are started by embers?  You can help protect ‘ohana, neighbors and firefighters in three easy steps:

Keep grass cut short and trim low-hanging branches Remove leaves and debris away from your home Plant native and drought-tolerant plants

Pick up your free Hawaii Prevents Wildfire Take and Make Craft Kit from the Molokai Public Library anytime during the month of May! Kits include one Activity Book of your choice (either Grade K-2 or 3-6), a box of crayons and a small gift.…

Coming to an Agreement

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Eileen M.S. Nims, Esq.

Many people think the only way to settle a dispute is by filing a lawsuit and go to court. Actually, only two percent of all filed cases end up in court. Most of the cases get dropped or settle. 

There is a cheaper and more elegant way to resolve disputes before you even hire an attorney to file a case. The first step with all disputes, whether this is landlord-tenant or employer-employee, neighbors, or divorce issues, is to contact a mediation provider. One great option for that is the Mediation Center of the Pacific.…

Mahalo, Wrestling Club

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

The Naeole ‘ohana would like to thank the wrestlers, coaches and parents  of the Aina Pa’a Wrestling Club for taking a weekend off from their busy training schedule to clear kiawe trees off of our fence line homestead lot. Big mahalos to Butah and Atoa for operating Porter’s machinery. To coaches Justin and Benny in keeping the team focused on the mission and not wrestling with my animals. To MoIokai Mini Mart owners, Ikaika and Dezi, for donations to the club for traveling expenses and wrestling supplies.

Mahalo plenty Aina Pa’a (land solid), may God Bless all of you to prosper as wrestlers and disciplined young adults in your future!…

Retirement Mahalo

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

I would like to direct this heartfelt message to my family and friends who made my retirement a very memorable journey. Much endearment to those who made every effort to make this special day and also those who were able to celebrate with my family and me. The showering of gifts, love, laughs and new memories were very much appreciated. 

Sincerely, 

Tony Ledesma…

God’s Grub Flourishing

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

A very special mahalo to those who have come forward to make God’s Grub even better! Mahalo to regulars Jim and Cindy, Cici and Dan, Wendy, and Julie and Willy for your hearts, your cooking skills and the love. Mahalo to Hearts of Aloha and Bishaw ‘ohana (music is always welcome), Liko and the Canoe Shack. 

God’s Grub began as a small way to help by feeding the hungry and homeless and has grown into a fellowship and dinner, helping to fulfill the needs of our Molokai family. 

All are welcome to come, eat and fellowship every Sunday at 4 p.m.…

Byron Kaleonohea Bush

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Byron Kaleonohea Bush

Byron Kaleonohea Bush, 61 years old, passed away on March 15, 2023. He was born on April 25, 1960, to Koa and Ochie (Pelekai) Bush in Kaunakakai, Molokai.

Survivors include his mother, Ochie Bush; and siblings, Shane (Stefani) Bush, Kevin (Carolyn) Bush and Axel (Tracey) Bush. He is preceded in death by his Father, Koa Bush; and brothers Eric Dutchie Bush, Leiff Bush Sr, and Gerald Ne.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kaunakakai, Molokai. The family will receive friends and family from 9 to 10:30 a.m.…