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Culture & Art

What Does a Veteran Mean to You?

Friday, March 12th, 2010

What Does a Veteran Mean to You?

Community Contributed

By Larry Helm

The Molokai Veteran Association held a contest, asking keiki ages eight to 10 “What a veteran means to you.” Two winners were selected, Michelle McGuire and Kade Apuna, both fourth graders at Kualapu`u Elementary and who each won a bike! The bikes were donated by Paul Laud of Bicyle Recycle on Maui. Laud is the president of Maui County Veterans Council. Below are their winning essays.

Kade Apuna
To me, a veteran is a hero. They are the men and women who give their lives for our country and our freedom. I know lots of veterans and some of them are my papas and uncles and I think they are heroes because they are special people to me.

Michelle McGuire
A veteran is a person who fought for my freedom. A veteran is brave. If they had to, they went away from their family and could have been killed, but went for all of us. I believe in the veterans. My Grandpa was a veteran. Even though I did not know him, he fought for me and my family.

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Makalei…Pehea Ka Lawai’a

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Makalei…Pehea Ka Lawai’a

Community Contributed

CD Review by Lonomusic

Hawaiian music is just one of the many talents these two possess. Stew assisted the group O Wai La with their debut CD project. Mike is a renowned paddler – there, that should garner a Hoku award – however, music is our course. These fine gentlemen have surrounded themselves with a crew of many talents, besides their own. Stew on guitar, ukulele and vocals, while Mike is on upright bass and vocals. Their clarity of Hawaiian words is superb. The flow of their music scans most of the Hawaiian spectrum. Contemporary, big band and easy listening categories. This backyard style, we at Lonomusic admire. They seem to have been friends for a while, as their vocals and harmonies are pili pa’a, very tight. They have a good-time feel about their sound.

This three-fold digi-pak CD is light blue with silhousettes of their happy faces, liner notes by Kainani Kahaunaele, a list of musicians and thank you’s. Hopefully the lyrics and translations can be found at www.makaleimusic.com. This CD is available in the display counter at Molokai Drugs.

Several outstanding tracks are: Ka Paniolo Nui O Moloka’I, Moloka’I Nui A Hina, Ka Lei Punahou, Silver Sword, Lei Aloha Lei Makamae. Thirteen tracks total, this is a good presentation of their works. “Oceans Away” is jam packed with modulations and smooth jazzy grooves. The original “Lifetimes Too Short” is a long thought-out song. The strings that accompany several tracks are well done in its dreamy feel. There is a nice somewhat kiho’alu (slack key) style in “Pu’uanahulu/Keawaiki”. The vocals top it all off with a guitar solo. The last track, titled “The Wonderful World of Aloha” is reminiscent of the old Aloha Airlines. It still captures that feeling of flying inter-isle, though it is nostalgic and deeply sad the way Pacific Wings has decided to cash in on the people of Molokai and the patients of Kalaupapa. We are so glad these gentlemen brought this mele back. It, at one time, was the hit song of many hotel lu’au. Its melody captivated malihini and kama’aina alike. Being an introduction to love and warmth of our favorite word, known the world over, “ALOHA”.

We hope the Na Hoku Hanohano awards shine God’s great light on Pehea Ka Lawai’a and Makalei.

Aloha to Aunty Louise Bush. She will be greatly missed. Until next time, Ke Akua Pu A Hui Hou Kakou,

Lonomusic

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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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The Nine Sides of Father Damien

Friday, March 5th, 2010

The Nine Sides of Father Damien

While a picture is known to be worth a thousand words, for some it can also be worth a thousand memories. For her latest mixed media artwork project, Molokai born and raised Paula Mondoy Scott relied on personal experiences from her childhood and plenty of research to create nine original pieces. The works of art represent different aspects of Father Damien and Kalaupapa.

Scott grew up in Kalae, just a few miles from the peninsula, and while she didn’t visit until the required age of 16, she was connected to the history-rich settlement from birth. Her father, John Mondoy, would often go down to play music for the patients, and she had some aunties and uncles work at the settlement.

One New Year’s Eve, “I was dancing all night with the patients,” she said. She also met Richard Marks, who was “instrumental” in patient advocacy.

,” she said.

Scott said her key points of inspiration were the children Saint Damien worked with; his advocacy – “even to the point of becoming unpopular with the diocese” – and his work as a healer.

Scott is well-researched in the life of Saint Damien, which led her to know a little about another famous Kalaupapa healer – Mother Marianne Cope. When visiting Hawaii last month for her father’s birthday, Scott was in Oahu for the dedication of a Mother Marianne statue.

“I’m getting a nudge from the universe to do a body of work on Mother Mary,” Scott said

Scott created a blog many years ago called Molokai Girl, to broaden her audience for her artwork. All her work, including the process of making her Father Damien series, is available at her blog.

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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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Ingrid Toth, Lono headline book signing

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Ingrid Toth, Lono headline book signing

Molokai musician Lono strummed his guitar as passerby flowed in and out of the Art from the Heart gallery last Wednesday, waiting to meet Ingrid Toth, author of “Light within Despair.”

The book and CD signing was a collective event that not only included Toth and Lono, but also featured Donald Sunshine, a longtime Molokai resident and author.

“Light within Despair” is Toth’s first published novel that tells the story of a woman’s struggle to fit within a male-dominated society in 20th century Europe.

Toth, along with Sunshine and Lono, drew in a buzzing crowd that saw anyone from art and literature aficionados, to curious members of the community.
 
“This is what keeps Molokai going,” said Annie Van Eps, owner of Art from the Heart gallery. “These are the kind of things that we need.”

Jack Geng, husband of Toth, would like to give a big mahalo to Van Eps for opening up her gallery and making this event possible.


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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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