Community Development

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

Ranch Sells Land to UH Molokai

Sunday, August 26th, 2012

Ranch Sells Land to UH Molokai

The University of Hawaii (UH) Maui College, Molokai Education Center will be able to expand their facilities and services now that Molokai Properties Ltd., also known as Molokai Ranch, sold them a 3.2-acre parcel of land surrounding the current campus in Kaunakakai. The final purchase price has not been disclosed, though the Dispatch reported in 2011 an agreement had been made for $500,000

Donna Haytko-Paoa, site coordinator for the college, said the land will offer the opportunity to expand the campus to include such possible additions as a natural science and marine center, a large amphitheater and additional lecture spaces.

The newly-purchased area is located west of the campus towards Duke Maliu Park.…

Input Sought on County Budget

Friday, August 24th, 2012

County of Maui News Release

It’s that time of year when the County of Maui is proposing its budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year and looking for your input. Mayor Alan Arakawa and his administration will host a series of community meetings in September and October to take public testimony. Citizens with an interest in the county budget are encouraged to attend a meeting on Molokai Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 5:45 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center.

Residents are invited to offer testimony, either as individuals or on behalf of an organization. Both written and verbal testimonies will be accepted.

The community meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for members of the community to present what they believe is needed for their area.…

Applications Invited for Molokai Community Plan Advisory Committee

Friday, August 24th, 2012

County of Maui News Release

Applications for a position on the Molokai Community Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) are now being accepted by the Council’s Policy Committee, Policy Committee Chair Riki Hokama announced last week.

According to Maui County Code, the CPAC is “charged with reviewing and recommending revisions to the community plan” regarding the proposed decennial update to its community plan area. The community plans are critical land use policy documents for the county.

The Molokai CPAC will probably begin meeting in the end of 2012. There will be one or more initial orientation sessions, followed by multiple working meetings.

Hokama noted that nine of the CPAC’s 13 members will be appointed by the Council, while four will be appointed by the Mayor.…

Na Pu`uwai Receives $1.6 M to Continue Programs

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Molokai’s Native Hawaiian health care provider, Na Pu`uwai, recently received $1,696,281 in federal funding. The funding, part of an ongoing grant, enables the organization to continue current programs, according to Executive Director William Akutagawa.

The funding was part of $10,673,171 allocated to healthcare, education and wellness programs designed to address the needs of Native Hawaiians across the state. The money comes through a series of five grants administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding was announced last week by Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono, and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa.…

Taking Steps for Charity

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Taking Steps for Charity

The 34th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walks held in May this year raised a record breaking $613,025 across Maui County. On Molokai, 130 walkers from eight local charities participated, raising $12,700.

Of nonprofit agencies, Molokai Farmers Alliance raised the most money with $5,135, followed by Molokai Cancer Fund with $1,156, and Hospice Hawaii for Molokai with $1,130. Monsanto was the business that raised the most money with $2,500. All of the monies raised by these organizations are redistributed to local charities throughout the county. This year, an extra $10,000 from funds raised on Maui was added to increase Molokai’s distribution, resulting in $22,7000 allocated to a variety of nonprofit organizations on the island, according to Carol Reimann, Executive Director for the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, who organizes the event each year.…

Mo`omomi to be Gated Soon

Sunday, August 12th, 2012

In an effort to prevent further overfishing, vandalism and overall neglect of natural resources of Mo`omomi Beach, a gate will be installed to restrict vehicle access to the area, according to Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. DHHL hopes to have it installed by the end of the month, but because there is only one person on staff who has the skill to build the gate, it may take longer, according to Ayau

“We’re hoping the gate will help promote responsible behavior, because there has been such a high level of vandalism, cutting through fences and fence posts and really irresponsible behavior, at the pavilion especially,” said Ayau.…

New Business in Town: Lanakila Designs

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Lanakila Designs News Release

Lanakila Designs has opened its doors right in the center of Kaunakakai. Located with Simon & Friends Pet Shoppe, Lyndon Dela Cruz has set up his studio creating and cutting custom decals. He can create any shape and size, for your windows, canoe paddles or signs.

Because of the increasingly poor economy of Molokai, Lyndon wanted to supplement income with a new business plan, accommodating both visitors and island residents. Not only does he use his artistic talents as a licensed tattoo artist for Righteous Ink, but now his designs will also be available in vinyl for you to take with you or send anywhere in the world.…

A Roof Overhead

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012

A Roof OverheadPaddlers Inn gets approval to start work on patio plans

By the end of this year, Paddlers Inn patrons will be able to wine and dine with a roof over their heads, rather than the current shade screen. Last week, the Molokai Planning Commission (MoPC) voted to overturn a decision to deny the project by the Urban Design Review Board last month on Maui.

Owner Jerald Johnson said that plans to build a covered patio area started in 2004, when he first acquired the property. Patio covers that are retractable can help reduce indoor cooling costs by blocking direct sunlight. It called for a metal roofing that would be installed by roofing contractors and stamped concrete to be built over the existing 2,384 square-foot patio area which would provide shelter for concerts and in case of rain.…

Assessment Identifies Molokai’s Agriculture Needs

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Sust`aina ble Molokai News Release

Sust`aina ble Molokai has completed a comprehensive Agriculture Needs Assessment for food production and security on Molokai. The Assessment is based on survey results that show where your food is being grown, who is growing it, and where you can buy it. The document is also valuable in that it shows what we don’t have as an island, and therefore what opportunities exist for job creation in the agriculture field.

One of the needs identified by the survey, for example, is an agriculture coordinator for Molokai to connect local farmers with stores and restaurants both on- and off-island.…

The Last Wave In

Sunday, July 1st, 2012

The Last Wave In

Molokai Surf Shop closes

After 20 years of operation, the Molokai Surf Shop that has provided the island a local venue to purchase surfboards, surf gear and surf-brand clothing is permanently shutting its doors.

“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful experience, watching kids who used to come in in their hanabata days now bringing in their own kids,” said Aunty Caroline Jones, who has worked at Molokai Surf Shop for the past 18 years.

“All the visitors [to the store] give you so much love. They’re not customers, they’re family,” she said.

Owner Jerry Leonard said talks of closing shop – largely due to lack of sales in a faltering economy – have been buzzing around for a few months.…