Culture & Art

Ingrid Toth, Lono headline book signing

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

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.

Posted in Culture & Art, Music

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New Kalaniana’ole Hall Opens its Doors

Friday, February 26th, 2010

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.

Posted in Community, Hawaiian Culture, History

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Molokai Is…Week 1 — Voting Over

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

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!

Posted in Announcements, Community, Hawaiian Culture

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Hula Babies and Kupuna Dance Together

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

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.

Posted in Culture & Art, Hawaiian Culture, Music

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With a Song to Share

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Diane Abraham

We are indeed blessed on Molokai. The natural beauty all around us is only sweetened by the people who call this `aina their home. Lono, with his musical talent and mana`o, is one such person.

Recently, the fourth graders of Kualapu`u School have been graced by his generosity. Crowding 62 nine and ten-year old haumanu into Ms. Abraham’s classroom, the keiki have learned a mele about our favorite monk seal, KP2. KP2, which stands for Kauai Pup Two (Pup one from the same mother was likewise abandoned at birth and died shortly thereafter), has properly been given a Hawaiian name: Ho’ailona.

Lono’s song about this punahele pup has filled our hearts, our ears, our voices and our class.

Mahalo to this awesome man who shows that one person can make a difference: in this case, in not just one life but in the lives of 62 young people, and no doubt, their three teachers!

There’s even a sweet touch: at a presentation in Honolulu of Ho’ailona, Lono played the recording he made of the children singing the chorus (hui) while he sang the verses. The audience and moderators were brought to tears by the sweet singing of the Kualapu`u haumanu. The recording has been aired on the radio (FM 102.3)…keep listening! How wonderful that Lono has opened this opportunity for the young people of Molokai to express themselves in song. One never knows what the future holds; we can only do what Lono has done: seize the moment and let Akua chart the course.

Posted in Education, Letters, Music

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Keiki Rhythm

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

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.

Posted in Education, Hawaiian Culture

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Molokai Filmmaker’s Newest Venture

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Matt Yamashita, Molokai born and raised, has just released his newest 30-minute documentary titled, “Sustainable Living on the Island of Molokai.” The Hawaii Department of Education has already purchased 250 copies for statewide distribution in the school system. It’s a great piece that explores the many different ways that people are practicing sustainability on Molokai.

If you want to purchase a copy of the DVD, go to:

https://www.createspace.com/277293

Posted in Announcements, Culture & Art, Sustainability

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Ka Molokai Makahiki 2010

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Walter Ritte

Ka Molokai started 28 years ago in 1982 at One Alii Park. Preserving and enhancing Hawaiian Culture was the impetus for bringing back the Hawaiian games. The celebration of peace over a four-month period reflected well on the Hawaiian sense of values. During the season of Makahiki, all wars were put on hold, as agriculture and subsistence became the focus. Warriors went home to plant, fish and to care for their families and aina.

Today the values of the Makahiki season are even more important. This past year we learned important lessons when the nation’s economy crashed. One lesson was that oil reserves have peaked and are on the decline, in other words “we will soon run out of oil!” The other lesson is that without The Barge, we have only a week of food for Hawaii, we have no food security.

This year’s Ka Molokai Makahiki was on the verge of being canceled for the first time in thirty-nine years, but the winter rains stopped just hours before the games. The constant rain went from being a potential threat, to becoming a peaceful ho’ailona, or positive sign for enough water to grow our food this coming year on Molokai. The large crowd was encouraged to grow their own food at home, and to teach their children to fish, hunt and farm.

This year’s Makahiki was a great success. On Friday, the first day of the two day event, the Intermediate and Molokai High School along with schools from Hawaii Island, Maui, Lana’i and Oahu gathered mauka at the traditional Makahiki Grounds of Naiwa. Here in the lush green hills, they found their Ano Koa Ki’e Ki’e and class champions to send to the Saturday games in the dry plains of Kaunakakai. Later that same evening, in the intermittent rain, the adult men and women went through fierce competition, each entering in 10 games to find the Ano Koa Ki’e Ki’e champions. Kaina Makua, a muscle bound large man from Kauai and Leiohu Colburn, a petite pretty girl from Hawaii Island were this years adult Ano Koa Ki’e Ki’e champions for the second year in a row.

Of course the Saturday games were as great as ever, with the spot light on our elementary schools. As always, it was the hoards of screaming students, the supportive teachers and principals, and the proud parents that always make these games so successful. In the third grade Huki Huki Championship, everyone was cheering for the underdog Maunaloa team, as there was a sense of hope and sadness, with the realization that Maunaloa Elementary School may not be with us next year. The spectators were encouraged to support Maunaloa with their efforts in keeping their historic school open.

Posted in Education, Hawaiian Culture, Letters

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Ka Molokai Makahiki

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Heavy rains poured down on Molokai last Friday night as Lono announced his presence just in time for the island’s annual Makahiki Games. The games’ origins date back to ancient Hawaiian times, but have been growing more and more popular since they were brought back to Molokai a few decades ago. Over 200 athletes from every island except Kaho`olawe participated this year and the competition was as good as it’s ever been.

-->Hukihuki: Kelly Rawlins, Kalehua Sproat-Augustiro, Tita Calairo, Drig Pedro, Reesha Villa, Kamele Garces-Reyes / Relentless

WOMEN’S ADULT TEAM DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

1^st Place: Relentless – 90 pts.

2^nd Place: A’ole La’au – 88 pts.

3^rd Place: Na Hoaloha – 76 pts.

4^th Place: Coast Guard - 66 pts.

MEN’S ADULT TEAM DIVISION : 1^st Place Winner/Team Name

Ulumaika: Josh Pastrana/Officials
Moa Pahe`e: Eli Maioho/ Jared Sasadas
`O`oihe: Kekamalu Ulloa / Na Kipu`upu`u
Pohaku: Kaina Makua / Officials
Haka Moa: Eli Maioho / Jared Sasadas
Pa Uma: Kaina Makua / Officials
100 Yd.: Keli’i Kotubetey / Officials
Uma: Keahi Rawlins / Jared Sasadas
440 Yd.: Keli’i Kotubetey / Officials
Hukihuki: Fred Aki, Micah Buchanan, Keahi Rawlins, Bronson Borden, Kalani Crowell, Chucky Boy Buchanan / Jared Sasadas

MEN’S ADULT DIVISION CHAMPIONS

1^ST Place: Officials – 90 pts.

2^nd Place: Jared Sasadas – 82 pts.

3^rd Place: Na Kipu`upu`u – 58 pts.

4^th Place: USCG Kittiwake – 34 pts.

Posted in Culture & Art

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Making of a Nation

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Jade Leialoha Danner has cared for her hanai son since his birth – changing diapers and helping with his homework. But under U.S. law, she has to get written permission from his birth parents – her brother and sister-in-law – to prove she is capable of his guardianship, even when signing him up for baseball. Danner, vice president of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), wants to change this complicated system and have a Native Hawaiian government, with laws focused on Native Hawaiian values.

After 10 years of standstills, vetoing and nay-saying, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, informally known as the Akaka Bill, is continuing to move forward in its best version yet, Danner said.

What Can You Do?
If you want to express support or say mahalo for their work, call or write to Hawaii’s representatives in Congress and Governor Lingle and let them know who is behind them.
Rep. Neil Abercrombie (1st District): (808) 541-2570
Rep. Mazie Hirono (2nd District): (808) 541-1986
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI): (808) 541-2542
Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI): (808) 522-8970
Gov. Linda Lingle: (808) 586-0221 or (808) 586-0222

Posted in Culture & Art, Political

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Culture & Art

Ingrid Toth, Lono headline book signing

New Kalaniana’ole Hall Opens its Doors

Molokai Is…Week 1 — Voting Over

Hula Babies and Kupuna Dance Together

With a Song to Share

Keiki Rhythm

Molokai Filmmaker’s Newest Venture

Ka Molokai Makahiki 2010

Ka Molokai Makahiki

Making of a Nation

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