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Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

MHS Utilizes New Technology

Monday, March 14th, 2011

MHS Utilizes New Technology

Some students at Molokai High School (MHS) are getting their hands dirty these days, as part of the school’s Natural Resources Academy. Their new farm has been growing a plethora of vegetables and students are learning what it takes to be self-sustainable.

It has been nearly five years since the last student farm on MHS property. Science teacher Malia Lee said funding for the program had run out. But the high school’s new administration finds that a school with the mascot of a farmer should provide an agriculture program.

“We are “The Farmers” after all,” Lee said.

She has been working with seven students since last October at the school’s small farm, teaching the students how to grow various vegetables organically.

The vegetables, such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions, eggplant and corn, are being grown through hydroponics. A hydroponics system grows vegetables organically using piping, fish, and water – all without using any soil. The main fertilizer in the process is the manure that comes from the fish pond.

The water from the pond is circulated through a series of tubes and used to give nutrients to the pla

vision  to get more Hawaii kids involved in finance, so we can keep more finances in Hawaii instead of being controlled from abroad,” said Paula Freal, an economics teacher at MHS.

The Bloomberg station is a sophisticated computer that teaches students how to evaluate stocks and invest money. It is one of eight in the entire state and one of 200 in the country.

“We are bringing the world to them,” said Stan Hao, MHS principal.

Freal runs the station with seven students, ranging from eighth to 12th grade. The station is made up of six LCD monitors that teaches the students how to read investment and stock charts and practice finance activities.

The program utilizes real-world situations. The students start with $1 million to invest in the stocks of their choice. 

Freal said having experience with the Bloomberg station is great for any student to have on their resume when applying to colleges, and especially those who want to go into a financial field.

The new technology has gotten more popular at the school since it was introduced last spring.
“I only had three students when I started this program,” Freal said.

Hao also recently purchased 30 iPads for student use with the 21st Century grant program.

“I want to push the envelope,” Hao said. “I think we have wasted money on projects in the past on equipment.”

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Tutu’s Corner

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Tutu’s Corner

Community Contributed
Column by Tutu and Me

Children develop social competence in three main ways: initiating interactions, solving conflicts with others (children and adults), and maintaining ongoing friendships. Children are joining social situations, and spending more time with peers at earlier stages in their lives. Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool is a good example.

Recent studies show that the importance of forming friendships ranks second to the forming of family relationships. Friends come in all ages, shapes, colors, nationalities and religions.


Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool offers many opportunities for young children and their caregivers to cultivate friendships. Through friendships, social experiences occur that encourage children to express opinions and ideas, as well as to practice negotiations and compromises.

Try This at Home:
•    Give your child skills for being a good friend such as knowing how to greet other children, taking turns at games, sharing toys, and using kind words with friends.
•    Model good friendship by being a good friend to your child. Engage your child in conversation every day, just as you would a good friend.
•    Make sure that your child knows the names of your friends. Let your child see you and your friends being friends.
•    Acknowledge your child’s imaginary friends. Believe it or not, these “friends” serve an important purpose in some young children’s lives.
•    Teach your child how to choose friends wisely. Discuss with your child how a good friend acts.

Remember, friends, just as family members, are people we care for and who care for us.

Contributions from Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool, a program of Partners in Development Foundation.  Tutu and Me is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Online Classes Gaining in Grade Schools

Monday, March 14th, 2011

In a time where state education budgets are slashed and administrators cannot hire teachers, some schools and even parents are enrolling in full-time virtual schools.

Molokai High School (MHS) takes advantage of newly available online course to offer classes they couldn’t otherwise. MHS does not offer foreign language or advanced placement classes, said Principal Stan Hao.

Through the Department of Education’s virtual learning network, the high school offers French, Spanish, Japanese, AP World History and U.S. History, according to registrar Julia DeGeorge. The classes are provided by Myron B. Thompson Academy, the state’s “e-charter” school.

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Students Draw Inspiration from Molokai’s Successful

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Students Draw Inspiration from Molokai’s Successful

Marcus Quiniones wanted to tell stories. After working for years in in the arts dancing, writing and acting, he realized getting paid to do all three was inspiration enough to continue.

Quiniones, who was born on Molokai and moved to Seattle during high school, was on-island last week to teach importance of art and performance art to the students of Molokai High School during Future Fest.

A local twist on the traditional high school career day, Molokai High School (MHS) teamed up with five organizations on the island to present traditional and non-traditional career paths.

Around 200 of the school’s 340 students signed up to participate in the all-day event, and broke up into small groups which rotate around 14 various stations.

Local Inspiration
The students at Quiniones’ station listed off their desired careers: musician, chef, something in performing arts. One student asked what Quiniones’ biggest challenge was. “Discouragement,” he said.


Alcon invited the students to submit their own designs. Junior James Duffy was one student working on a design at Alcon’s booth. He said it was “inspirational” to see people with similar interests doing well. Besides entrepreneurship, Duffy said he was also interested in graphic design and photojournalism.

“There are a variety of things to see” at Future Fest, he said.

The fest featured the school’s six career pathways, designed to help the students take the right classes for the profession they want: business, the arts, health, industrial or engineering, natural resources, and public/human service.

Senior Diamond Corpuz said she has been focused on going into elementary education, but she also looked into photography at the career fest.

“I like to learn about new cultures,” she said. Her friend, freshman Mariah Dudoit, said she’d like to be a paramedic but took in the diversity of careers available.

A mechanic, oceanographer, worm farmer, chef, and construction manager were among the careers represented. There were also various organizations and programs associated with the University of Hawaii.

Takata said this year’s career day was designed to expose students to post-high school opportunities, whether the student chooses further schooling or vocational training.

Quiniones also said one student showed interest in pursuing dance after high school.

“I saw her enthusiasm for dance, and I knew she had the same thing in her heart for performing art” as Quiniones does, he added. “She came back and asked questions; I encouraged her to go for her dreams. Dance might lead you somewhere else.”

Participating organizations in MHS’ Future Fest includes Kamehameha Schools, Na Pua No`eau, Gear Up, Friends of Molokai High and Intermediate School, Maui County AHEC (Huli Au Ola).

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SUP Not Dampened by Rain

Monday, March 7th, 2011

SUP Not Dampened by Rain

SUPAM News Release

Makani Ikaika O Molokai may not have had the winds blowing in the first race of the season, but the blessings of the gentle rain instead prevailed. The long course from Kamalo was cancelled due to shifting winds, so the competitors headed to Rice Patch for the start of the short course a distance of three miles. With a turtle in the shallows flagging the start line, and the whales breaching in the distance, the competitors took to the water for the first race of the season.
 
The younger competitors chose to start from Ali`i fishpond in the family fun division since the wind was not in their favor for the official short course. As the short course competitors hit the turn to the final stretch to Hotel Molokai, the family fun division commenced.


Keala Freeman was the first to cross the line at Hotel Molokai with a time of 57 minutes, followed by Raleigh Poepoe III with 59 minutes, and Liliana Napolean in third place and first woman with a time of 59.17. Mother and daughter duo, Jesseca Oswald took second place women’s division and 10-year-old Kaydence Oswald took third place women’s and first place youth.
 
The keiki fun division was comprised of two six year olds: Malia Greik-Lani and Kristen Oswald. Malia won the six and under division, paddling on her own from Ali`i Fishpond in a time of 42.36.
 
Slater Oswald, age 8, blasted the kids’ fun division in a time of 18.42, with Kekai Adachi on his heels in 19.14, and Alex Mawae in third at 21.18. 
 
Next race will be Saturday, March 19, check in at noon for all divisions and courses at Kamalo with a 1 p.m. start for the long course.
 
For more information please contact Clare Mawae clare@youthinmotion.org, (808) 336-0946 or visit the Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai’s website www.supmolokai.org

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Fashion for Food

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Fashion for Food

Dispelling the notion that bandanas and old jeans should be garb of choice for community service work, young women flaunted sparkling gowns and radiant dresses while collecting donations at the Food Drive for Fashion and Prom Expo at Hotel Molokai last Saturday.

Stage directing the exuberant fashion show and spearheading the effort to raise awareness about the local fight against hunger was Christian Kapono, a 22-year-old who recently moved to Molokai last summer. 

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Swimming Pool Re-opens

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Swimming Pool Re-opens

Amid jokes by county officials throwing each other in the pool, community members, lifeguards and administrators gathered last week to bless the re-opening of Cooke Memorial Pool. Molokai’s only pool underwent six months of renovations to its facility – revamping the roof, adding handicap accessibility ramps, and gutting the bathrooms.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding,” said Zach Helm, district supervisor for the county Department of Parks and Recreation. “The public of Molokai depend on this…if it shut down, everyone would be impacted.”

Residents who often use the pool were at last week’s blessing, including Aka`ula School’s swimming students.

“I’m excited to start training, to work on my strokes,” said seventh grader Kori-Lee DeRouin, adding that her favorite stroke is butterfly. “We’ve waited a while.”

Aka`ula School will be hosting a swim meet for all interested island youth in May. Parents or students should contact Vicki Newberry at 567-6981.

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Hokule`a Youth Crew Voyage to Christchurch for Earthquake Relief

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Hokule`a Youth Crew Voyage to Christchurch for Earthquake Relief

Polynesian Voyaging Society News Release

A small group of culturally conscious Hawaii youth are headed to Christchurch, New Zealand to provide much-needed assistance to those coping with the effects of the tragic Feb. 22 earthquake.  The natural disaster claimed 161 lives with hundreds still unaccounted for. Thousands are still struggling without water, electricity, proper sewage, or access to government services and aid.

Six members of Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Kapu Na Keiki program, Moani Hemuli, Haunani Kane, Waimea McKeague and Jason Patterson of Oahu; Cliff Kapono of Hawaii island; and Niegel Rozet of Maui, are planning to deploy to the disaster area within the week. The team is comprised of voyaging navigators and apprentices, trained first responders, and a journalist.  Working with their hosts, Ngai Tahu people, they will offer person-to-person relief in the city center and more isolated rural areas surrounding Christchurch.

Maori (native) communities within the region have rallied to support those devastated by the earthquake.  They have opened their marae (meeting houses) as temporary shelters and are helping to administer much needed medical assistance and provide food and water to displaced families.  The Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) is the principal Maori iwi (tribe) in New Zealand’s South Island; their tribal offices, located in Christchurch were badly damaged in the quake. Nevertheless, tribal members have been working tirelessly to assist those left homeless by the natural disaster.


“We are so grateful that our Hawaiian cousins wish to come and assist with this tragedy,” said Patsy Perenara-O’Connell, an official with Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu  (the tribal governance organization of the Ngai Tahu people) headquartered in Christchurch.

“We believe this is the best way to express solidarity with our Polynesian `ohana during this painful time,” said Haunani Kane, spokesperson for Kapu Na Keiki. “While this particular voyage will substitute jet transportation for a sailing canoe, it requires the same level of planning and preparation. We will be self-sufficient upon arrival and throughout our stay to ensure we lighten the burden of our hosts.”

With limited time for planning and preparation, Kapu Na Keiki finds itself with an abundance of goodwill and a scarcity of funding. The group is appealing to the generosity of Hawaii?s people and businesses to help fund this humanitarian voyage. “We estimate our expenses will be about $20,000,” said Kane. “If 200 people are inspired to give $100, our expenses will be completely covered. All money raised beyond that will go directly toward disaster relief in New Zealand.”

Contributions to Kapu Na Keiki?s Voyage to Christchurch can be made through Polynesian Voyaging Society where a special account has been designated. Send donations to Polynesian Voyaging Society, Attn: Voyage to Christchurch, 10 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Checks, cash or credit cards (American Express, Visa and Mastercard) are welcomed, call with a credit card by phone (808) 842-1101 or fax (808) 842-1112. Contributors may also call the PVS office at 536-8405 to make donations.

ABOUT KAPU NA KEIKI
Kapu Na Keiki ("Hold Sacred the Children") embodies a dream envisioned by navigator and educator Nainoa Thompson to expose youth to Hawai‘i’s ancestral tradition of deep-sea voyaging and non-instrument navigation. Students develop an appreciation for Hawai‘i, its people and its cultural and ecological beauty, learn the importance of caring for our environment and natural resources, enjoy the gift of physical activity, challenge themselves, be inspired to explore, exercise leadership and service, and experience the values of compassion and giving.
 

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Tutu’s Corner

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Tutu’s Corner

Community Contributed

Column by Tutu and Me

Po`okela means excellence, to exceed, to excel. In the Hawaiian culture, everyone has not only their kuleana, responsibility, but also an understanding that we should do more than what is expected whenever possible.  It’s a feeling in your na`au (literally: guts; figuratively: of the heart or mind) that you should do not only what is asked, but to perform beyond what is expected. In school, it means doing assignments not only thoroughly, neatly, and turning it in on time but putting a cover on the report, adding illustrations and doing extra research. The same is true in the workplace – not only performing up to expectations but taking the initiative to do more than you are asked. This is po`okela.


Getting keiki out of the house in the morning is a challenging task. Getting to Tutu and Me consistently is good. Getting to Tutu and Me and being on time for the morning circle is superb. Attending consistently and arriving on time with both caregiver and keiki smiling and ready to go is po`okela.

All of the wonderful toys and equipment at the Tutu and Me site are fabulous. All of the “homemade” activities – the cardboard box canoe, refrigerator, puppet theater, etc. are awesome. The extra effort the staff gives in creating these things is from their hearts, and with aloha is po`okela.

Try This at Home:
•    In daily activities with your keiki, po`okela should be recognized and praised.
•    Po`okela is learned through observation and modeling.  When a task has been completed well, describe and explain this to your keiki. For example: “Look! Daddy washed the car. Not only the outside but the inside too. He did a really good job, didn’t he?”
•    Recognize and praise keiki when they do something well. For example: “You not only put away your toys but your sister’s as well! That’s an excellent job!”

Remember: Kulia i ka nu`u – Strive to reach the highest. Motto of Queen Kapi`olani.

Contributions from Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool, a program of Partners in Development Foundation.  Tutu and Me is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

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High School Rodeo Results

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

High School Rodeo Results

In order of first to third place, below are results of last weekend's Hawaii High School Rodeo Association (HHSRA) first shows of the 2011 season.

HHSRA MOLOKAI DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL SHOW #1
Barrel Racing: Chelsea Sakamoto; Moani Rawlins; Taylor Keliihoomalu
Pole Bending: Moani Rawlins; Liloa Akoi; Chelsea Sakamoto
Tie-Down Roping: Jake Sakamoto
Breakaway Roping: Chelsea Sakamoto
Goat Tying: Liloa Akoi; Chelsea Sakamoto; Taylor Keliihoomalu
Dally Team Roping: Kainoa Kamakana/Liloa Akoi; Jake Sakamoto/Chelsea Sakamoto
Double Mugging: Dylan Godsey/Moani Rawlins
Steer Wrestling: Dylan Godsey


Junior Wrangler (6th-8th grade) SHOW #3
Barrel Racing: Brooke Keliihoomalu; Kapua Lee
Pole Bending: Brooke Keliihoomalu; Kapua Lee
Boys Goat Tying: Jayden Tabilangan
Girls Goat Tying: Brooke Keliihoomalu; Kapua Lee
Girls Breakaway Roping: Kapua Lee
Ribbon Roping: Jayden Tabilangan/Kapua Lee

Junior Wrangler (6th-8th grade) SHOW #4
Barrel Racing: Kapua Lee; Brooke Keliihoomalu
Pole Bending: Kapua Lee; Brooke Keliihoomalu
Boys Goat Tying: Jayden Tabilangan
Girls Goat Tying: Kapua Lee; Brooke Keliihoomalu
Girls Breakaway Roping: Brooke Keliihoomalu
Ribbon Roping: Jayden Tabilangan/Kapua Lee


HHSRA MOLOKAI DISTRICT KEIKI (3rd-5th grade) SHOW #1
Barrel Racing: Meleana Pa-Kala; Nicole Kamakana/Noel Tancayo; Alyssa Dudoit
Pole Bending: Nicole Kamakana; Kodie Place/Noel Tancayo; Rex Kamakana
Boys Goat Tying: Rex Kamakana
Girls Goat Tying: Noel Tancayo; Meleana Pa-Kala; Alyssa Dudoit
Breakaway Roping: Rex Kamakana; Meleana Pa-Kala; Alyssa Dudoit
Reach Roping: Rex Kamakana; Meleana Pa-Kala; Alyssa Dudoit
Calf Mugging: None
Calf Riding: Noel Tancayo; Peter Keliihoomalu Jr; Ikaia Felsinger
Heel-o-matic: 18 points Rex Kamakana/Nicole Kamakana; 18 points Alyssa Dudoit/Noel Tancayo; 17.5 points Ikaia Felsinger/Meleana Pa-Kala

HHSRA MOLOKAI DISTRICT KEIKI (3rd-5th grade) SHOW #2
Barrel Racing: Noel Tancayo; Alyssa Dudoit; Nicole Kamakana/Rex Kamakana;
Pole Bending: Nicole Kamakana; Noel Tancayo; Rex Kamakana
Boys Goat Tying: Rex Kamakana
Girls Goat Tying: Nicole Kamakana; Noel Tancayo; Alyssa Dudoit
Breakaway Roping: Rex Kamakana
Reach Roping: Rex Kamakana/Noel Tancayo; Ikaia Felsinger; Alyssa Dudoit/Nicole Kamakana
Calf Mugging: Ikaia Felsinger/Noel Tancayo’; Rex Kamakana/Peter Keliihoomalu Jr
Calf Riding: Peter Keliihoomalu Jr; Ikaia Felsinger; Alyssa Dudoit
Heel-o-matic: 18 points - Ikaia Felsinger/Meleana Pa-Kala; 17.5 points - Alyssa Dudoit/Noel Tancayo; 10 points - Rex Kamakana/Nicole Kamakana


HHSRA MOLOKAI DISTRICT KEIKI (K-2nd grade) SHOW #1
Barrel Racing: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place; Keilana Duvauchelle
Pole Bending: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place; Keilana Duvauchelle
Goat Undectorating: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place; Keilana Duvauchelle
Reach Roping: Lane Kamakana; Keilana Duvauchelle

HHSRA MOLOKAI DISTRICT KEIKI (K-2nd grade) SHOW #2
Barrel Racing: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place; Keilana Duvauchelle
Pole Bending: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place; Keilana Duvauchelle
Goat Undectorating: Lane Kamakana; Ciana Place/Keilana Duvauchelle
Reach Roping: Lane Kamakana; Keilana Duvauchelle

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