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Hawaiian Culture

Hawaiian culture stories from Molokai

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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Mo`omomi Meandering

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Mo`omomi Meandering

By Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros, with Kealakai Alcon
From a series by O Hina I Ka Malama (Molokai High School Hawaiian immersion students) which focuses on place-based scientific inquiry.

Welina mai me ke aloha e na makamaka ‘o Molokai nei. ‘O Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros ko’u inoa. A ‘o Kealakai Alcon ko’u hoa pakana. I keia makahiki pili ko maua pahana ‘epekema I ka ‘aina ‘o Mo`omomi.

Aloha, my name is Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros. With my partner Kealakai Alcon, we focused our project this year on Mo`omomi.

First quarter we did a project, based upon the limu of Mo`omomi. We were required to create a booklet, model, and power point. We had the privilege of taking a field trip to Mo’omomi to gather specimens for our research.

On our field trip we learned that there are many different species of limu all over our island. We observed how we are losing some native limu and gaining invasives.

We have to keep in mind that we should only take what we need, and preserve for our future generations. The removal of invasive limu is an advantage, because it creates a less stressful environment allowing native limu to re-generate and re-populate.

Limu is one of the main food sources for our native fish. Without limu the life cycle of the oceans ecosystem diminish, and native species as well as many others would die off. It is very important to preserve our limu of Hawaii.

Our second quarter project focused on invertebrates of Mo`omomi. On a return visit we observed invertebrates found along the shoreline and collected specimens such as Sea Cucumbers, Wana, and ‘Opihi. In school we dissected them to observe and study their body parts. Overall this quarter we learned about invertebrate diets, habitats, purposes, and uses.

On a third trip to Mo`omomi we studied fish, so we went diving and saw them in their own habitat. We also observed tide pool fish and gathered some of them to bring back to our classroom aquarium.

We enjoy place-based learning because it allows us to be better involved and engaged in the task at hand. Place based learning allows for hands-on activities providing a more fun learning environment for students, and we learn about our culture and develop Hawaiian skills that our kupuna use. Throughout these trips we learned skills that can help us in our future.

We would like to say mahalo to Mac Poepoe, Mervin Dudoit, and The Hui Malama O Mo’omomi for the transportation and access to the facilities.

Mahalo nui loa no ka ho’olohe ana mai. I na he ninau kau, mai hilahila e noe aku. Mai na Haumana ame na Kumu ‘o ‘O Hina I Ka Malama.

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Kalaupapa Patient Arrested for Meth

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Kalaupapa Patient Arrested for Meth

A Kalaupapa patient is accused of intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine to the peninsula where he has lived most of his life.

Norbert Palea, 68, is currently in federal custody until his court date on March 15. He was stopped at the Honolulu International Airport while on a medical visit on Feb. 26, where he was found attempting to ship plastic bags holding 18 grams of methamphetamine.

can do something for him,” she said.

Intent to distribute methamphetamine, as a Schedule II controlled substance, carries a federal penalty of at least five years imprisonment and a maximum $2 million fine.

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‘Molokai Is’ Round 3 – VOTE NOW

Monday, March 8th, 2010

‘Molokai Is’ Round 3 – VOTE NOWBig congrats to last week’s contest winner David Nanod, whose cleverly worded entry reminds us that Molokai is but a reflection of our own judgments – simple but deep indeed. See his entry, and others, at www.TheMolokaiDispatch.com.

David, along with ten-year-old Ko`i`ula who won the week before, will be enjoying $50 towards the fine food at the Kualapu`u Cookhouse. But don’t be jealous, you can be a winner too.

Share your ideas about what Molokai means to you. One winner per week selected by Molokai Dispatch readers. Each submission must include the full name, phone number, and photo of the contestant and no more than 150 words. Kids, ask your parents or teachers for permission. The Molokai Dispatch reserves the right to edit and print all submissions. Submit entries via email (Editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com), in person at our Kaunakakai office (Moore building suite 5 – we can take your photo), or by snail mail (PO Box 482219, Kaunakakai, HI 96748).


Molokai Is – Round 3
With such great entries it’s safe to say that we are dealing with some inspired people this week. Is it fair there can only be one winner? Probably not, but it makes for a good contest. So whose inspired entry deserves the $50 prize to Kualapu`u Cookhouse. That’s up to you. Vote online now at www.TheMolokaiDispatch.com or call 808-552-2781 and leave us a message.

Molokai Is All of These Things
By Lee Mott

Molokai is, Sunday with smoke and smells coming from beach gatherings, fish, food and family.

Molokai is, ancient Hawaiian fishponds, stone walls, heiaus, and modern Hawaiians looking into the future.

Molokai is the North Shore with waterfalls and cliffs, Mana’e, the reef, the West End with those beaches.

Molokai is, barking deer, chickens, and bugs. 

Molokai is, the barge, downtown, off island, and coming home.

Molokai is, leaving your keys in the car, not locking your doors at night, and knowing there is always help on the road. 

Molokai is, baseball, flat bottom boats, rodeos, rust, and red dirt.

Molokai is, a great place to grow up, a great place to be from and a great place to come home to.

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Aunty’s Corner

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Aloha Aunty Here,
I am continually impressed by the Leo Club at the high school.  They come around to our doors at Home Pumehana every holiday with either goodies or hand made cards.  It really makes my day.  No matter what people say about teenagers, these kids are a great example for our future.  Mahalo, you made an ol’ aunty happy.

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Molokai Is…Week 2 — VOTE NOW!

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Molokai Is…Week 2 — VOTE NOW!

We have our first winner for the Molokai Is… contest: Ko’i’ula Davis! The 10-year-old Kualapu’u School student received the most online and call-in votes for her short and sweet essay about her home island. Congratulations to her, and to all the contestants; everyone submitted unique and motivating pieces.

This week we have four more entries, including mana’o from the kindergartners of Kaunakakai Elementary. Vote for your favorite by logging in to www.TheMolokaiDispatch.com, emailing to editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com, or leaving a message at 552-2781. Voting ends on Friday, March 5, at midnight.

Remember, if you’d like to enter your own ‘Molokai Is…,’ submit poetry or other writing in 150 words or less, photography or another piece of art that defines this island for you. Include your full name, phone number, and a photo, and submit to editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com, in person at our Kaunakakai office (Moore building suite 5 – we can take your photo), or by snail mail (PO Box 482219, Kaunakakai, HI 96748). Mmm, mmm – thanks Kualapu`u Cookhouse!

Joseph Barno

If aloha was a place, it would be called Molokai. The beauty of the land and the beauty of its people is beyond compare. It is the smile on the faces you pass on the street, the hand waving as you pass on the road. It is the ‘talk story’ at the Friendly Market checkout line and no one gets impatient. We are all a big family, different races, different family combinations but still a family, a loving brotherhood of people. Thank God for Molokai!

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New Kalaniana’ole Hall Opens its Doors

Friday, February 26th, 2010

New Kalaniana’ole Hall Opens its Doors

Upon completion of Kalaniana'ole Hall's restoration efforts, several Molokai community members gathered to witness its blessing on Tuesday, Feb. 9 in Kalama'ula.

Plans to renovate the historic building were first brought forth in 2003. The organization Friends of Kalaniana'ole immediately jumped on board with financial support, mustering grants from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Molokai Enterprise Community (EC), as well as help from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Lokahi Pacific and other groups.

is going to be used for meetings and funerals," Venenciano said. "It's what it was used for in the past, so we need to stay close to that and retain that value."

Originally, the historic Kalaniana'ole Hall, built in 1937, was used for funeral services, overnight vigils and 'ohana viewings, as well as parties, weddings, hula contests and weekend movies. In 2003 its significant history was addressed when the state recognized the hall in the Hawaii Register of Historic Places.

Since its opening, the hall has already been used a few times by the community. On Jan. 7, Kalaniana'ole Hall was used by the USDA Rural Development during its roundtable discussion with Molokai residents regarding the economy. Stacy Crivello, a member of the EC Governance Board, said in a statement that it was appropriate for the USDA to utilize the hall because of its contributions to the renovation.

As for its future, Venenciano sees it as a refreshing continuation of a historical entity.

"It is a celebration of our history," he said.


Special Mahalo To:
 
Ke Aupuni Lokahi Board of Directors and Staff; Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawaii Halau O Kawananakoa; Board of Trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Mr. Albert Tiberi, Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Mr. William Akutagawa, Friends of Kalaniana'ole; Mr. Hardy Spoehr, Community Development Pacific; Mr. Glenn Mason, Mason Architects; Mr. Lester Delos Reyes, Hawaii National Guard; Ms. Kamaile Sombelon, Lokahi Pacific; Mr. Fred Bailey and Sons Electric, Contractor; Mr. Sandy Stein, Contractor; Ms. Irene Lam, USDA Rural Development; Mr. Darrel Yagodich, DHHL, Planning Department; Mr. George Maioho, Mr. Larry Sagario and DHHL Staff; Mr. Steven Arce, COM, Public Works; Mr. Peter Nicholas, Molokai Properties Ltd., Mr. Adolph Helm, Mycrogen Seed Company; Order of Kamehameha, Maui Chapter; Kalama'ula Homestead Association; Mr. Richard & Mrs. Kanani Negrillo & O'hana; Mr. Henry & Mrs. Rose-Allen Paleka; Mr. Brent Davis, Davis & Sons; and Mr. Dolphin Pawn, Akamai Tree Trimming.

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Molokai Is…Week 1 — Voting Over

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Molokai Is…Week 1 — Voting Over

UPDATE -- Last week, we asked you to define Molokai in your own words. Surprisingly there were as many entries from off-island as there were locally. So who won this week’s competition? It’s up to you. Vote for your favorite response in the comments below. Vote now for Ko`i, Donald, Derek or Marvalee. The winner will be announced in next week’s paper. Voting ends Fridays at midnight.

Marvalee Leilani Wright Lin Kee, Maui
Moloka’i is….home
Home is where your heart can rest,
And feel the peaceful love….
Home is where Ohana gather,
to praise the Lord above….
Home is where we lay our head,
And feel the love surround….,
Home is Moloka’i,
Its equal not yet found….


Want to share your ideas about what Molokai means to you and potentially win $50 to the Kualapu`u Cookhouse? The contest continues… One winner per week selected by Molokai Dispatch readers. Each submission must include the full name, phone number, and photo of the contestant. Kids, ask your parents or teachers for permission. The Molokai Dispatch reserves the right to edit and print all submissions. Submit entries via email (Editor@TheMolokaiDispatch.com), in person at our Kaunakakai office (Moore building suite 5 – we can take your photo), or by snail mail (PO Box 482219, Kaunakakai, HI 96748). Mmm, mmm – thanks Kualapu`u Cookhouse!

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Hula Babies and Kupuna Dance Together

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Hula Babies and Kupuna Dance Together

Moana Dudoit shared something her mother told her over 50 years ago. “Remember, you didn’t get your talent from me, or your dad – you got it from God,” Moana said to the crowd of over 800 on Saturday night, gathered at Mitchell Pauole Center for her annual hula halau fundraiser. “Share your talent for free.”

And so Moana shared. She began a hula halau for her family, but it soon evolved into a group that anyone could join. Over 100 of her dancer’s came back to the stage, some from off island, for last Saturday’s annual dinner and dance fundraiser, performing ancient chants, hula, and the always show-stopping Tahitian-style dancing.

Missed the performance? While it might not be as extravagant as last week’s performance Moana’s Hula Halau performs every Wednesday night at Hotel Molokai, free of charge.

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Keiki Rhythm

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Keiki Rhythm

Community Contributed

By Alison Place

The rhythmic sound of Tahitian drums echo throughout the cafeteria at Kaunakakai School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Upon closer inspection one can see several adults and children smiling, perspiring, and laughing while they dance to the beat of the drums. Welcome to the Tahitian Dance Exercise class, which is taught by Tere Neuhart.

Neuhart has danced most her life, including professionally on Oahu at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hawaiian Hut and Paradise Cove. Upon returning home to Molokai to raise her family, she joined Moana’s Hula Halau where she has danced for the past 16 years.

Neuhart’s passion for dance and the rhythmic music combined with the drum beats inspired her to teach an exercise class in that venue. Judging by the popularity of the class many share this passion. “I think many of the girls and ladies enjoy dancing to music from another culture while learning basic Tahitian movements. They also get a really good cardio workout from dancing and moving to the music.”

The class is funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program and is therefore free to participants. If you are interested in joining in the fun, register with Joshua Adachi (553-1730). There are two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

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