Culture & Art

Kalaupapa Finding its Future

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Kalaupapa’s breathtaking sea cliffs, Hansen’s disease patients living and passed, and historic Damien structures are just a few of the many facets of the peninsula’s rich and poignant culture deserving of preservation. Over the next two years, a new general management plan will take form to ensure the history is remembered and the future well-planned. A draft plan and several alternatives are now being compiled for public review.

Last year, the National Park Service (NPS), which serves as the main steward of Kalaupapa, conducted public scoping on five different islands. Nearly 1,500 people sounded off on the future of Kalaupapa.

Posted in Community, Environment, Hawaiian Culture

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Sweet as Honey

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Arleone Dibben-Young

The following is the second installment of a series on the honey industry on Molokai in the 20th century, as told through historical documents compiled by Arleone Dibben-Young.

From Puleoo – The Story of Molokai, Gerrit P. Judd IV, Porter Printing Co., 1936:

“Largest apiary in the world. It is an ironic fact that the American Sugar Company is believed to be the largest single producer of honey in the world. Along the lee shore of West Molokai there are scattered some two thousand hives in which innumerable bees gather and store nectar from the pale yellow kiawe flowers. The annual production is from two to three hundred tons of pure floral honey. This industry has been carried on for 25 years, yielding as high as $21,000 gross from one year’s ‘crop’ alone. In itself this is enough to make Molokai the ‘Honey Island’ of Hawaii.”

From The Mangrove in the Hawaiian Islands, Vaughan MacCaughey, College of Hawaii, The Hawaiian Forester and Agriculturist, December 1917:

“Under the direction of Mr. George Cooke there have been extensive plantings of
mangrove along the shores of the Island of Molokai. The trees were planted as a source of floral honey, as Molokai is a noted honey-producing region.”

From Moolelo O Molokai - A Ranch Story of Molokai, George Paul Cooke, Honolulu Star Bulletin, 1949:

“In Mr. George Munro’s annual report of the Manager, for 1902, he states that, through the efforts of Albert F. Judd, one of the Directors, a few colonies of bees were shipped to Molokai from Honolulu in 1901. Apiaries were established in the kiawe forests, of which we have several thousand acres on the west end and in the central part of the ranch, and honey became a product for trade.

In the latter part of 1903, bees were purchased from the Meyer Bros. of Molokai and from E.C. Smith of Pearl City, Oahu. Mr. Smith’s bees were of the Italian breed which were crossed with the bees already on the island. By the end of 1903, one thousand forty- two colonies of bees had been established. The care of the bees was under the direct supervision of James Munro, bookkeeper and assistant manager of the ranch. He received his instructions from E.C. Smith, who devoted much of his time and effort to establishing the bee business for the Molokai Ranch.

In 1904, the bees produced over nine hundred cases of honey. The market for this honey was on the mainland of the United States and some shipments were sent to Australia….

In 1919 we had two thousand, two hundred fifty colonies of bees. They produced two thousand, nine hundred forty-six cases of honey and eight cases of beeswax…

In 1937 the disease American Foul Brood, was discovered in our bees, from Palaau eastward. This had been identified on Oahu in 1932. Later it was found on Maui and undoubtedly brought to Molokai by beekeepers in Kamalo and Pukoo in infected equipment imported from Maui. To counteract the disease our hives and bees were destroyed by covering the entrance to the hives late in the afternoon and burning them at night. We destroyed more than two thousand, two hundred hives, leaving two hundred forty hives in the two apiaries on the far west end….”

Posted in History

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Hail Our Red and Gold

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Kilohana Elementary School looks different now to Philip Akiona. He remembers how it was in the 1940s when he was a student, back when the basketball courts were gravel, when kids would sneak into the school’s water tank to swim and when there were pigs behind the school, raised on scraps from the cafeteria.

,” he said.

All the money raised from the event – from lu`ua tickets to commemorative t-shirt and DVD sales – will go to Kilohana School Community Organization, which helps fund field trips and bring guest performers to the school.

“All of that goes back to the keiki here today,” Stevens said.

Posted in Education, History

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A Day of Firsts

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Just an ordinary tattoo, you say? Not so fast. This is the first tattoo to be done in Molokai’s first tattoo shop, Righteous Ink, which opened its doors last Saturday to the public.

Sherron Dudoit, Molokai’s first licensed tattoo artist and shop owner, has nestled into his permanent spot at Art of the Heart Gallery where he will be giving eager patrons the chance to get inked.

“There’s going to be a lot of exciting things coming up,” he said. These include a clothing line and several guest artists expected to come to Molokai over the summer. Tattooing alongside Dudoit will be his companion Lyndon Dela Cruz, Molokai’s second tattoo artist to be recently licensed.

So how did Dudoit break in his shop? By giving his wife, Mary (pictured above), her first tattoo.

Posted in Announcements, Art, Culture & Art

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Gimme a Beat

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Molokai Public Library’s usually quiet halls echoed with drum beats and song last Wednesday as Badenyaa African Diaspora Dance Theater took the make-shift stage. They incorporated drumming, dancing and chanting in a one-hour performance that had their audience captivated.

About 40 people – including many keiki – gathered for the performance by four members from the Oahu-based group. Between songs, choreographer and lead singer Emily Uribe also gave the crowd lessons in African history, mythology and geography.

“African culture – and drumming in general – is about involving the community,” Uribe said, describing the “symbiotic relationship” drummers have with their audience. At one point, she had the whole crowd on its feet, clapping and stomping along.

The music Badenyaa played was traditional to central Africa and spread to Caribbean countries like Cuba and Haiti with the slave trade.

Though the music originated thousands of miles away, Uribe said its rhythm and storytelling have universal appeal.

“Music is innate in everybody,” she said. “We really just want to drive home that point.”

The event was part of the library’s Summer Reading Program. Earlier this month, the library featured a performance by the Hawaii Opera Theater and this week hosted Huliau, a contemporary Hawaiian dance company.

The series wraps up with the program “Be Kind to Animals” on Tuesday, June 29 at 10 a.m.

Posted in Culture & Art, Music

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Musical Love

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Community Contributed

It was meant to be: a master of mele and kiho`alu and the songbird of Molokai. Keola’s voice is at the right place for the leo of Hawaii nei. In his hands, he has held love, guitars, family, friends, ancestors and now, cradled gently, the songbird of Molokai, Raiatea.

With their roots of Hawaiian music well established, they bring us this fine piece of music mastery, of love, kindness and hurt-less music. The path is clear: This is the way Hawaii should be represented to all. The heavenly light shines on both. The waters are flowing again. May we all have a drink? A taste of musical love.

We could not stop putting out the kahea about this work. The mana is here, folks, the mana is here. Generations to come will have this music to enjoy when they are away from Hawaii, family and friends. Peace is available here -- you and this music will endure.

Let’s go to the tracks. The first is “Ina” (Imagine), originally by John Lennon. This version features beautiful chanting – Lennon must be loving this piece. I hope Yoko hears it. Next is “Where I Hold You.” Keola’s guitar is signature and here comes Molokai’s Raiatea, so sweet. “Our Time for Letting Go” is about memories of lost love, family, friends and the change we all go through moving on. It’s very beautiful. Next is “You Somebody.” Raiatea, great job on this. We hope the world charts will highly consider this mele for awards. No, Raiatea, YOU somebody.

Next is “Hilo Hanakahi.” Our favorite rendition of this song was by Sunday Manoa, with Robert and Roland Cazimero and Peter Moon, for 30 years plus. Move on, big dogs -- the master and the songbird have arrived. On “I Kilohi Aku Au,” Raiatea leads all. Molokai, please stand up and be counted. She brings peace to our hearts and Kupuna smile with tears of love.

On the next track, “Ka Makani Ka’ili Aloha (Love Snatched by the Wind),” Raiatea brings back hints of the great Emma Veary. “Ke Kulu o ke Au” is a haunting nose flute number and Keola brings up the mele as though he was telling a secret for your ears only. “Ke Ali`i hulu mamo” features a nose flute intro with guitar and pahu, and Raiatea delivers the goods here.

The album ends with “Days of My Youth,” which is a Kui Lee masterpiece delivered now in Keola’s life and ours as well, and finally “Kimo Hula”. Again, Raiatea is haunting. Job well done. Simplicity is catchy, and what an ending to this great project. Our take: the Grammys are yours. Please bring it home to us here on Molokai and Hawaii nei. This is one for the top 10 CD rack at home.

Finally, a big send-off to my dear brother, Woody DeMello, whom I look up to. I love you so much. May you guide us from heaven.

And to my personal friend and colleague, Kris Hinsvark, who I had the pleasure of paddling with off the shores of Maui for five years who stayed at my side throughout my Maui recordings and Old Style series. You will be surely missed. I love you also.

Till next time, Ke Akua Pu A Hui Hou Kakou.

Posted in Hawaiian Culture, Music

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Great Expectations

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Here on Molokai, the word tourism spurs images of sprawling resorts and brash tourists that crowd the beaches of Maui and Oahu. With the goal of attracting the right kind of visitor – those who think of themselves as guests, not just tourist – Molokai Visitors Association (MVA) has produced a video in partnership with local filmmaker Matt Yamashita.

"A Visitor’s Guide to Molokai: Hawaiian by Nature" is part marketing tool, part educational film, said MVA Director Julie Bicoy. She called the video, which came out last month, a “crash-course” in life on Molokai.

“The basic concept of it was to spend a day on Molokai and move with the sun,” she said. Featured stops include Halawa Valley, Pu`u O Hoku Ranch, fishponds on the east end, Kalaupapa and the west end beaches.

Along the way, Yamashita recounts ancient Molokai history, interviews local business owners and highlights annual events like Ka Hula Piko and the channel races from Hale O Lono to Oahu. The video’s sweeping landscapes – from the North Shore cliffs to the Kamakou Preserve -- will woo visitors and impress locals alike.

Local musician Lono provides most of the soundtrack and the DVD includes four music features with original songs about Molokai. Lono said he has worked with Yamashita before and was excited to help on this project. “I love Molokai -- that’s where I’m from!”

Yamashita, who wore three hats as writer, director and producer, said the video tries to market the island responsibly and protects what makes Molokai special – the environment, culture and small population.

“We loose any one of those things and the fabric of what makes Molokai Molokai falls apart,” he said.

Yamashita owns the production company Quazifilms and typically makes cultural and education films. “This is the first time I’ve really stepped over to the commercial side,” he said.

MVA approached him last year about making the video. Bicoy said MVA was looking for ways to target “the right market” of visitors. The video is now being distributed to travel agents to show clients what Molokai has to offer.

“It’s not a typical tourist destination -- it’s not a party place or somewhere to come and be pampered,” Yamashita said.

After previewing the video back in March, Yamashita heard from some that it was too “touristy.” In response, he dialed down the sales pitch and made it more of an education in Molokai.

“It was a real challenge because we had to walk that fine line,” he said.

To see a preview or purchase a copy of A Visitor’s Guide to Molokai, go to www.islandlifevideos.com. DVDs are also on sale at local stores including Molokai Drugs, Kalele Bookstore & Divine Expressions and Coffees of Hawaii.

Posted in Business, Hawaiian Culture

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75 Years of Education

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Nestled in the foothills of Molokai’s east end peaks, Kilohana School has been a community anchor for 75 years. This summer, the community is gathering in celebration of a long and successful education legacy on July 3. The all-day event will feature a ho`olaulea from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a lu`au from 6 to 9 p.m.

Crafts, games, ono food, produce and entertainment at the ho`olaulea promises fun for the whole ohana, while the lu`au will include dinner and a show, along with a host of other entertainment throughout the evening.

Kilohana 75th Anniversary T-shirts are available for $15, DVDs of Kilohana’s history made by Kilohana students are on sale for $7 and lu`au tickets are $20. All proceeds go to the Kilohana School Community Organization.

Zessica Apiki of the anniversary planning committee said ticket sales are selling quickly. Almost 200 of the 400 tickets available for the lu`au event have already been sold. Tickets will be sold through the ho`olaulea that day, but will not be available at the door for the lu`au.

The VIP guest list for the event includes two alumni who attended the school when it began in 1934, as well as County and Department of Education officials.

“I feel like all of a sudden I’ve become part of this history,” said Richard Stevens, who is concluding his first year as principal of Kilohana and an active member of the event committee. He added that the Kilohana Bazaar held a few weeks ago raised $20,000 for the school and he has high hopes for the anniversary event.

Contact Zess at 553-5446, Edwina at 558-8222, or Moses at 558-8143 to purchase lu`au tickets. Tickets will also be available on select Saturdays in front of Friendly Market Center.

Posted in Community, Education, History

2 Comments

Get Yo Ink On

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Adorning Sherron Dudoit’s studio walls are eye-wateringly intricate designs showcasing his knack for original Polynesian artwork. Take one step in, and you’re lured into the realm of tattoos – and whether you went there to get inked or just to check it out, you’re guaranteed to leave already wanting more.

to be licensed on Molokai,” Dudoit said. “So I figured, why not open up my own shop?”

Dudoit will be opening the Friendly Isle’s first-ever tattoo shop in the back of Art From the Heart – that used to house a framing gallery – alongside his apprentice Lyndon Dela Cruz, Molokai’s second tattoo artist to be recently licensed.

“I’ve been doing tattoos for a year now,” Dela Cruz said. “I had thought about doing it for a long time because I was big into drawing and air-brush type stuff. Sherron kept pushing me so I finally did it.”

Although Dudoit’s plans to open up shop are just now being realized, his itch to launch his own tattoo business crept up long before.

“I wanted to do this my first or second year after tattooing,” he said, “and I’m that kind of person when I see or want something, I want to get it now. But it was all in God’s time.”

Road to Righteousness
It was five years ago that Dudoit first put needle to skin.

“A guy came into my office one day and saw my drawings,” Dudoit said. “He came back with a second-hand tattoo kit and said ‘Can you tattoo me?’”

Dudoit not only tattooed him, but inked his cousin the following day as well.

“It was scary,” he admitted. “It’s not like you can erase it.”

From then on, Dudoit was hooked. He purchased his own equipment and began tattooing out of a small studio in Ho`olehua. With guidance from friend Andre Davis, a tattoo artist at Rock Solid Tattoo in Honolulu, Dudoit began to develop a strong clientele, and started Righteous Ink. Although he now attracts many off-islanders who fly to Molokai just to get tattoos, Dudoit also travels once a month to Honolulu to tat customers at Metal & Ink Tattoos.

Dudoit said his passion for art and drawing began when he was young.

“I’ve been drawing my whole life – ever since school,” he said. “I used to make everybody’s banners.”

Little did he know that banner-making would evolve into marking and etching canvasses of the human body. But what Dudoit is more known for than actual tattooing itself, is his original Polynesian designs. Dudoit said he incorporates “contemporary Polynesian” into his art – a mixture of all cultures.

“Everybody wants Polynesian in Hawaii not only because of its meaning, but because of the art,” he said. “I’ve learned about different cultures from different people who come in – Tahitian, Maori.”

Dudoit said through the process, he has continued to learn and grow with his art.

“When you stop coming in with an open mind, you stop growing as an artist,” he explained. “When people walk out of my shop, I want to be happy with the end result. I’m my own worst critic.”

Check It
When Righteous Ink officially opens its doors this summer, patrons can look forward to more than just tattoos.

Dudoit plans to sell merchandise from HI Finest, as well as launch his Righteous Ink clothing line.

That’s not all. Guest artists such as Tom Renshaw, from Eternal Tattoo in Detroit, one of the world’s top portrait artists, and Richie Lucero of BlackCat Tattoo in Honolulu will tattoo in Dudoit’s shop this summer.

Call (808) 646-0040 to make a consultation appointment with Dudoit and stay tuned for updates.

Posted in Business, Culture & Art

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Molokai Pioneer and Humanitarian: Yun Kee Yuen

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Community Contributed

By Heidi Chang (granddaughter)

When Yun Kee Yuen opened the first pineapple plantation store on Molokai in the early 1920s, it soon became the hub of the community, and he did whatever he could to help make life more enjoyable for the plantation workers on Maunaloa.

Yun Kee, better known as Y. K., was an enterprising merchant, known for his aloha—always sharing whatever he had and trying to help people. He became a major merchant by the end of the 1930s, operating four grocery stores on the Friendly Island and making many important contributions to the community during those early plantation days. He came a long way for someone with only an elementary school education.

Born on May 7, 1898 in Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Y. K. was the eldest of five boys. His parents, Fong Yuk Yuen and Chun Shee Yuen, emigrated from Siu Yun Village in the Nam Long area of Chung Shan District in southern China.

mongst her latest work is a contribution to a new book "Chinese Pioneer Families of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai," published by the Hawaii Chinese History Center and distributed by University of Hawaii Press.

To contact Heidi email her at Heidi@HeidiChang.com. To order the book from University of Hawai‘i Press call (808) 956-8255, toll free 1-888-847-7377; email: uhpbooks@hawaii.edu; or order online at: www.uhpress.hawaii.edu.

Author’s note: Based on interviews of Y. K. Yuen’s four children (Lilyan Yuen Anderson, Jane Yuen Chang, Marybeth Yuen Maul, and John “Sonny” Yuen Sr.) by Heidi Chang.

Posted in Community, Culture & Art, History

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Kalaupapa Finding its Future

Sweet as Honey

Hail Our Red and Gold

A Day of Firsts

Gimme a Beat

Musical Love

Great Expectations

75 Years of Education

Get Yo Ink On

Molokai Pioneer and Humanitarian: Yun Kee Yuen

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