Community Development

What is community development? How should community development be governed?

Legal Short-Term Rentals on the Rise

Wednesday, September 18th, 2013

Since a Maui County ordinance creating a procedure to legalize short-term rental houses was passed in May of last year, eight properties have been permitted on Molokai to serve as vacation rentals. The two most recent permits were granted by the Molokai Planning Commission (MoPC) last week, receiving widespread support from neighbors in the east end Waialua community. Additionally, individuals interested in canary wharf flats to rent can explore various options.

Before the ordinance, only two Molokai homes were operating as legal short-term rentals, after going through a lengthy permitting process. Short-term rentals have long been contended on Molokai; with few accommodations for visitors, many homeowners rent their houses on a short-term basis, even though county law had prohibited the practice in the past.…

County Budget Decisions

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Maui County News Release

It’s that time of year when the County of Maui makes big budget decisions. Come out and add your input to what’s important to fund this year. Mayor Alan Arakawa is encouraging all community members to participate in the Community Budget Meetings for Fiscal Year 2015, which will be held around the county next month.

The budget meeting on Molokai will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 5:45 p.m. for the CDBG hearing and 6 p.m. for the budget meeting at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

“Feedback from these meetings provides valuable direction to for us,” said Mayor Arakawa.…

Affordable Housing in Manila Camp

Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

A new apartment complex proposed for Manila Camp is in its initial planning stages and seeks to fulfill a need for affordable housing in central Molokai. The Chopra Hale apartments would consist of 16 units and occupy 1.04 acres located at 190 Makaena Place, according to project manager Luigi Manera.

The proposal was presented to the Molokai Planning Commission last week and commissioners voiced several concerns about its impact on the community. Some questioned the project’s goal itself.

Currently, the closest affordable housing options are in Kilohana and Maunaloa, Manera said. The apartments will provide more affordable housing closer to town; however Commissioner Billy Buchanan recommended that a study be conducted to ensure the apartment rates are reasonably priced for Molokai.…

Peaches on Molokai

Sunday, August 4th, 2013

Peaches on Molokai

Community Contributed

By Alton S. Arakaki, County Extension Agent

Have you ever heard of peaches grown on Molokai? Until recently, such a thing didn’t exist. But research at the Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm has shown that harvesting sweet, juicy, locally-grown peaches is possible.
Apples, cherries, nectarine, apricots, plums and peaches are in a group of fruiting trees called deciduous trees.  Deciduous fruiting trees are plants that drop their leaves in the winter and require exposure to hours of chill below 45 degrees F to break leaf and flower bud dormancy, a necessary physiological change in plants to produce fruit. …

Anointed With Hope

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

Thousands of pounds of free food and goods and dozens of services were given away on Molokai last weekend during what has been called the largest humanitarian event in the island’s history.  But more importantly, organizers of the Weekend of Hope said the event was a celebration of fellowship, unity and helping your neighbor.

The Weekend of Hope, held Friday through Sunday at the Kaunakakai Ball Park, was the culmination of months of planning and the efforts of 11 local churches as well as organizers nation-wide. The weekend included three major events: the Convoy of Hope that provided a host of free food and services; the Concert of Hope, featuring well-known musicians from around Hawaii and the country; and the Message of Hope on Sunday morning — a unified church service that spoke directly to the true intention of the weekend’s events.…

Breaking the Silence

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Breaking the Silence

Vigil Remembers Malia and Kaimana Kahalewai

“I want to be the last mother standing here,” said Mary Jane Kahalewai, as she stood before community members — each holding a lit candle — remembering the lives of her children Malia and Kaimana.

A vigil gathering was held last week in their honor and other victims of domestic violence.

“God can take what is deadly… what is wrong… and something good can come out of it,” said Pastor Robert Sahagun on the Molokai Public Library lawn at dusk last Wednesday. “And that is why we’re here.”

“For us, it’s about awareness, giving aloha to the family and [letting people know] we’re available if anyone needs help,” said Wanette Lee, Program Director of Hale Ho`omalu Women’s Shelter and the Alternatives to Violence Program.…

Oceanic Internet Upgrade

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Oceanic Time Warner Cable broadband Internet customers on Molokai have waited for years, filed dozens of complaints and wrung their hands in frustration as hundreds streaming Netflix movies failed to load — all because of Internet speeds many called substandard. Finally, the wait is over and YouTube videos can buffer in an instant. Last week, Oceanic upgraded Molokai service from microwave technology to fiber optic — effectively doubling Internet speeds to its approximately 1,000 island customers, according to Oceanic President Bob Barlow.

Last week, Oceanic notified its Molokai customers of the upgrade through an automated telephone message. Barlow said no interruption in service occurred, and despite their preparation for potential technical issues, none were experienced.…

Supporting the Island’s Caretakers

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

From the Middle School to the Molokai Land Trust, local organizations and nonprofits work year-around to ensure the success of the island’s youth, environment, community and culture. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) offers financial backing and other supporting resources to many of these groups, and when trustees got a chance to hear from local leaders two weeks ago, they found that their investments have paid off. At a community forum, the OHA board of trustees listened for nearly four hours as community members shared the successes they’ve enjoyed, as well as the struggles they face.

Environmental Efforts
I Aloha Molokai (IAM) president Kanoho Helm discussed the progress the organization has made since its establishment four years ago to oppose wind turbines and the undersea cable on the island.…

Rooted in Wellness

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Rooted in Wellness

Molokai returned to its roots July 5 as moms and their supporters empowered the community to live healthy lifestyles. Keiki made recycled art while moms prepared local organic food. Performers sung along to the spirit of the evening as families and organizers shared how they love the land. Besides being a night of fun and aloha, the Grassroots Benefit Concert aimed to provide a path for youth to one day be restorers of health.

“The spirit behind [the event] is to promote an awareness of health and wellness on the island and be able to offer the upcoming generation support,” said Ehulani Kane, a member of the Mom Hui, the group that organized the event.…

Playing with the Pros

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Playing with the Pros

Young Molokai football players hit the field with some National Football League (NFL) professionals and scored tips on training, conditioning and playing their best game. Oakland Raiders linebacker Kaluka Maiava and New York Jets linebacker Jojo Dickson shared their insider secrets with the Molokai High School football team June 26. The team, going into its second season, was ready to stretch their ability to condition and practice for games.

”The team is still in its infancy, so we’re still learning,” said Farmers head coach Mike Kahale. “No need to reinvent the wheel. We’ll just get the experts to come out and show us what to do.”…