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Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Summer Surf Success

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Summer Surf Success

By Minka Nelson, President of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai

On behalf of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai and the Summer Surf Series
2010, thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, participated and helped make Keiki Surf such a success this year. To all the parents, thank you, you can be proud of your young surfers. We look forward to seeing all of you next year, so mark your calendars for June 2011. There is a DVD of the event available for purchase thanks to Daniel at Akaku that will air later this year. Thank you to MCSC and Friendly Isle United Fund, our main underwriter, for your ongoing support of this great event.

The keiki got some great prizes this year -- thanks to donors Jeff and Crystal Igusa at Friendly Market Center, Kim at Kamoi Snack ‘n’ Go, Kumau Pineda at Tropical Blends Surf, Subway Molokai, Kualapu`u Cookhouse, Liz Jackson, Jill Laffin/Awesome Blossom Maui, Julie Bicoy and MVA, Greg at G & M Variety, Jerry at Molokai Surf, Kam Kasuals, Ilima Partners, Zog Indust., Fiberglass Hawaii, Surf Line Hawaii, Surfing The Nations, Quiksilver, Volcom, Hurley, BK West, Local Motion, Hi-Tech and Quiet Storm Maui.

There are many volunteers who worked behind the scenes and helped tremendously -- the Charles Lindsey ohana, Tim O’Shaughnessy for the custom trophies, the Miguel ohana, Curtis Crabbe at Molokai Port-a-Potties, Lani Sawyer for the shirts, The Molokai Dispatch, Peter Angelsea, Malia and Kainani Waits, Jessica Kalawe, Caulin Nelson-Angelsea, Ehiku Arnold, Joan Howard, Helen and Diona Henderson, Alan Bolton, Gail Parish, Gordy and Sharon Peirce, Genesis Lodise, Alicia Montemayor, Claire Mawae, Ikaika and Johnathan.

Last, but not least, a big mahalo to all our judges -- Dan Bennet, Jeff Parish, Dick Wheeler, Mark Shima and Brian Lentz.

I hope we remembered everyone, but if not, thank you! You know who you are. Congratulations to all of the keiki surfers…keep surfing and we’ll see you next summer!

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Stan the Man

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Stan the Man

While Molokai High School freshmen have a lot of new faces to learn, this year the whole school met the new guy in charge.

Veteran educator Stanford Hao made it through a sea of applicants to take over as principal of the high school this year. His appointment came as no surprise given his extensive educational background and previous experience with Molokai High School (MHS).

In 1985, he began his teaching career at Molokai High and Intermediate School as a social studies teacher. In addition, Hao served as the adult school principal for two years and taught at Ka Papa Honua O Keawanui, a Kamehameha Schools alternative learning center, located on Molokai’s east end. Returning from the Big Island, Hao plans to build on the success of past principals and restore the importance of academics in his new role.



“Our community is passionate about athletics,” Hao said. “We need to have the same type of passion about academics.”

Hao said he wants to make parents and students aware of the validity of the Hawaii State Assessment exams and why they are taken every year. Data showed that MHS did not meet state benchmarks due to poor assessment scores last school year. Hao said he has already shared this data with students in their opening assembly and at the parent and student athlete meeting held this past week.

“I want our parents to understand that our children should be students first and athletes second,” he stressed. “If showing achievement data at halftime is a way to inform our community and get their assistance and support, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Among his goals for the school, Hao would like to re-establish an agriculture program. Hao said he plans to work with higher education and local agriculture businesses to provide MHS students with knowledge in agriculture as well as current techniques in hydroponics and aquaponics.

“We’re the Molokai High School Farmers,” he said. “We’re the Farmers of land and sea, but we currently don’t have an agriculture program.”

Hao said he hopes to give MHS students the opportunity to learn “agribusiness” so future farmers can stay on Molokai and keep the revenue within the state.

“Molokai will be the bread basket to the state of Hawaii,” he added.

Reconnected
Hao has been a product of the Hawaii Public School system since his teen years. After graduating from Aiea High School on Oahu, Hao attended Leeward Community College and University of Hawaii – Manoa. Following his teaching stints on Molokai, Hao headed for the mainland where he taught in California and Utah, as well as coached wrestling and a state championship football team.

He returned some years later to the Big Island, where he donned multiple hats in the education system including teacher, sports coach, vice principal and principal.

“I believe my professional experiences abroad have provided me with a vision that is broad, but can be accommodating to the community’s desire to protect the Molokai lifestyle,” he said.

While his experiences have guided him all over the nation, Hao said he is excited to be back where he first started.

“I feel humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to lead Molokai High at this time,” he said.

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Maunaloa’s Last Lifeline

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Having faced a stream of adversity the past couple years, Maunaloa community members are digging in their heels to try to save their most important remaining asset – their school.

In lieu of shutting down Maunaloa Elementary School entirely, Department of Education Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi recommended the school’s administration be consolidated with Kaunakakai School in an effort to cut down Hawaii’s education budget. Last year, Maunaloa was identified by the state as one of four schools eligible for consolidation and is currently being evaluated by the Board of Education (BOE).

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Same Face, New School

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Same Face, New School

Denise Kelly has seen plenty of new beginnings. After floating around as principal of multiple schools in the last nine years, she has begun a new journey as acting principal of Molokai Middle School (MMS).

Ending last school year in leadership limbo, MMS was able to snag Kelly, former acting principal of Molokai High School, as an interim principal until a new one is hired. Former MMS Principal Gary Zukeran, who started in 2004, retired at the end of the 2009-10 school year.

scores last year,” she said. “I’d like to see that continue.”

While there wasn’t much time for transition or for Kelly to learn about the school, she said one of the concerns she is aware of, and would like to address, is the lack of communication between staff and families.

“It’s important for parents to know how their students are progressing and information about the school in general,” Kelly said. “I want to make sure we remain vigilant with our communication.”

Kelly’s experience with Molokai schools extends back to 2001, when she moved to the Friendly Isle from Phoenix, Ariz. For two years, Kelly taught at Kilohana Elementary, which she later served as acting principal. She has also worked as a District Educational Specialist, overseeing special education at Molokai and Lanai schools, before transitioning into the role of acting principal at MHS for one year. After being replaced by Stanford Ha`o this year, Kelly was able to slide into the vacant spot at MMS.

“I’m glad I’ve been able to stay,” she said. “I really do enjoy working for this community.”

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Two Molokai Schools Make the Grade

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Even in the face of furloughs, two Molokai schools – Maunaloa and Kualapu`u Elementary – met adequate yearly progress (AYP) benchmarks in math and reading scores this year. Kaunakakai Elementary landed on the cusp, missing its goal by only 1 percent.

“All the schools worked really hard,” said Complex Area Superintendent Lindsay Ball. “It was nice to see some improvements made.”

Every year, public schools across the country are given assessments mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act to measure reading and math proficiency, graduation rates and other criteria. Schools must meet a higher standard each year to show they are making progress toward the goal of having 100 percent proficiency in reading and math by 2014.

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Batter Up

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Batter Up

Ask any Molokai Little Leaguer what brought them out to play baseball Saturday morning and they’d tell you it’s for the love of the game.

“I love to hit homeruns!” exclaimed 10-year-old Royden Abafo. “I’m so happy we got to play.”

But it took a little more than love for baseball to make the Grandma and Grandpa Little League Tournament at Kaunakakai Ball Park possible – it took the love of the community.

Getting a late start due to the loss of its charter, the 9 and 10 year old Little League teams did not have the opportunity to play a full season this year – which was unacceptable to Molokai resident and grandparent Wayde Lee.

Lee said the kids were “bummed out” that they couldn’t play and he decided to call upon his `ohana and the community to put on what he called the “Grandma and Grandpa League Tournament.”

,” Lee said. “There is nothing better than to come out and watch your grandkids play.”

Funded by Lee and other community donations, the tournament lasted three days with three co-ed Molokai teams battling it out on the field: the Yankees, Slammahs and Hammahs. Each team had one week of practice with volunteer coaches who recruited the kids from separate districts. Bill Umi, one of the coaches for the Yankees, said the tournament was more relaxed because the kids didn’t feel the pressure of qualifying for All-Stars, a higher level in the league’s previous years.

“The kids did awesome,” Hammahs coach Kenny Adachi said. “We’re all really grateful they got this opportunity … they deserve it.”

Lee added that the tournament wasn’t about winning, but about having fun – which was evident on the diamond.

“My favorite part was scoring runs,” said 10-year-old Sydney Rawlins, who played for the Slammahs. “I’ve been playing since T-ball.”

Her excitement was shared by others who were glad they got to brush up on their baseball skills for next year.

“I love to catch and to hit!” said 9-year-old Cami Horner, representing the Yankees. “I can’t wait to play again.”

A chili lunch and awards ceremony followed the tournament, where the kids were presented with certificates, T-shirts, metals donated by the County of Maui, and a new baseball.

Despite hitches this year, the league has been fully reinstated and will be back on the field next season.

The Lee `Ohana would like to extend mahalos to Molokai Drugs, Buchanan, Fely Video, Hames Mawae `Ohana and Business, GoodFellow, Misakis, Fred and Kelly Richardson, Island Refuse Company, Maui Parks and Recreation, all coaches and players, Maui County workers, Donald Kaai, Kamalu Kaawa Richardson, Ilmaakea Kaawa Richardson, Dwayne and Hala Kala, Loke Kamakana, Taylor Kaawa, Abbie Kaawa, Kilohilani Kaawa, Benny Venenciano, Trey Kaawa, Jr. Alcon, Guy Espaniola, Grandpa Wayde Lee, Grandma Adele Lee and everyone else who made the tournament possible.

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Summer Scholars

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Summer Scholars

abreast so when they come back to school in the fall it’s not a big shock,” said Joshua Adachi, the program’s activities coordinator.

Funded by a 21st Century grant from the Department of Education, which also funds after school and summer programs around the island, the program enrolled about 100 students from first to sixth grade for classes Monday through Thursday.

 

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All Dolled Up

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

All Dolled Up

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of eye shadow and lip gloss for a girl to feel her best. Just ask the young women who attended Manawahine’s “Happy to Be Me” workshop last Friday at Lanikeha Community Center.

“I feel like a princess,” said Tatiana McGuire, 12, after getting spruced up at the makeup and hair booths.

Dozens of Molokai girls, ages 13 to 18, gathered at the workshop to celebrate a day of beauty while learning about makeup application, skincare, women’s health and safety. They also received massages, and hair and nail makeovers.



Manawahine is a community-based nonprofit that strives to empower young women to be successful leaders and role models. The purpose of the conference, said Vicki Boswell, organizer and social worker, was to empower young girls who are at their prime for risks such as teen pregnancy, drug abuse and domestic violence.

“We’re not trying to make the girls glamorous,” Boswell explained. “We want to help them build confidence and self-esteem.”

While some girls patiently waited to get their hair curled or learn the latest makeup tricks, others participated in the sweat-dripping Zumba class, drank ono smoothies from Na Pu`uwai, and learned about money-saving tips from American Savings Bank.

“I learned about college stuff and to get good grades,” from the Maui Community College booth, McGuire said.

“The goal is to build a positive teen culture,” Boswell said. “We want to provide a safe place for them to openly discuss issues they are encountering as young adults.”

Positive teen culture was something already seen by the day’s end.

“It was fun hanging out with all the girls,” said 17-year-old Chelsea Sakamoto. “I learned you just have to be happy with yourself.”

Mahina Lorenzo, 17, agreed. “Yeah, you should never change who you are,” she said.

This workshop was a kick-off for more exciting things to come, according to Boswell. Manwahine has a lineup of activities starting at the beginning of the school year. Boswell said future events will include movie nights, presentations on teen-related issues, service projects and various off-island trips.

Manawahine is made up of various members from Na Pu`uwai, Na Lei Mamo, Molokai Community Health Center, Department of Human Services, Hale Ho`omalu, Molokai Youth Center and Molokai Community Service Center. They welcome community involvement in future activities. For more information, contact Helen Kekalia at 553-8119.



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Ready, Set, Hike!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Ready, Set, Hike!

Get your cleats ready, Molokai, because the streak is over. After a 50 year hiatus, Molokai High School football is back in the lineup and will take to the field this fall.

“It’s going to be big,” said Mike Kahale, a social studies teacher at Molokai Middle School. “Our kids have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”

Kahale, head coach of the team, said he and his wife had been developing a strategic plan to bring back high school-level football for the past two years, and is finally becoming a reality.

“There is already a lot of talk about it,” he added. “We have about 44 kids signed up.”

One of the biggest obstacles, Kahale said, was finding the funds to purchase football equipment. But with a $2,000 equipment grant from USA Football, among other donations, the team will be ready to kick off its three-year football plan.

Eight Ball
Although securing the funds for a traditional 11-man team was a stretch, it didn’t mean the sport couldn’t exist at all. This past year, smaller schools in Maui County began looking into an eight-man football league – which was recently sanctioned by the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) to include Molokai, Seabury Hall and St. Anthony high schools.

Eight-man football has gained popularity in many rural areas on the mainland and allows small schools with small budgets a chance to play football.

Since the league doesn’t have the finances to cover tackle football off the bat, it will start small and slowly expand. The first year will be a passing league with full padding incorporated the second year, and full MIL sanctioning expected in the third year.

“It’s the only way to make it financially feasible,” Kahale said. “It’s a great way to introduce football fundamentals and to actually start. Why wait until next year?”

Grassroots
The 1960-61 Farmers were the last high school football team on Molokai. Despite lacking a program, Molokai produced professional football player Kimo “Scooby” Von Oelhoffen. He played at the University of Hawaii and Boise State before starting a 15-year NFL career. Although Von Oelhoffen never played on Molokai, he did commit to helping out the new program financially, but has yet to discuss dollars and cents with Kahale.

Still, more money needs to be raised to help pay for travel costs, field maintenance and additional equipment. Resting on the coattails of major budget cuts for high school sports, the program seeks financial support from the community, businesses and organizations.

Tax deductible donations can be made through Friends of Molokai High and Intermediate. Kahale is also looking for help with coaching – preferably those with some high school or college football coaching experience.

For more information contact Kahale at 658-0834 or e-mail at mikekahale@yahoo.com.

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Maui News Honors Molokai Star Athlete

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Maui News Honors Molokai Star Athlete

Molokai’s Kalei Adolpho was named The Maui News Maui Interscholastic League Girl Athlete of the Year last week, making her the first Molokai girl to earn the honor.

Adolpho was the league’s Division II volleyball Player of the Year and helped the Farmers finish third in the state tournament. Adolpho was also an All-Star basketball player for the state runners-up and the state’s third-place finisher in the high jump, according to The News.

“I feel really honored and I guess I am surprised, but definitely honored,” Adolpho told The News.

Adolpho’s brother Manu was named Boy Athlete of the Year in 2006-07, making them the first brother-sister pair to earn the awards.

Adolpho will be a senior at MHS in the fall. In November, she will accept an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship -- another first for a Molokai girl -- when she signs to play basketball and volleyball at the University of Hawaii, according to The News.

“The whole island is proud of her,” MHS volleyball coach Matt Helm told The News. “She is a very gifted young lady.”

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