Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Judo Finds Success in First Season

Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Judo Finds Success in First Season

For a sport whose name means “the gentle way,” the energetic shouts accompanied by the sounds of bodies slamming on the mat may seem anything but. However, when executed correctly, the sport of judo is a fiercely fluid set of moves that are far less painful than they appear.

“The object of judo is to throw the person on their back perfectly,” said Molokai Coach Eli “Lihau” Maioho. “When that’s done, it doesn’t hurt at all.”

Molokai athletes are being schooled in the art of throwing hard and falling soft in the high school’s first-ever judo season. In only a few meets, athletes have gone from newcomers to top seeds in their weight classes.…

Two Sports States-Bound

Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Four Molokai sports teams competed in last week’s jam-packed Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships. While volleyball and track wrapped up their seasons, the softball and judo teams will continue on to the state tournaments.

Volleyball

The boys ended their season last Thursday on Lanai at the Division II Tournament with a thrilling five-set loss to Hana. The Dragons (12-2) outlasted the Farmers (3-9) 25-19, 18-25, 26-28, 25-20, 15-7, and later qualified for the state tournament.

The Farmers played well, and Coach Hale Domingo was happy with the season.

“Words can’t explain how proud I am of these boys,” he said. “I try to teach them everything I know about volleyball, but in the end they teach me more than I ever known.”…

Speed and Quickness Clinic

Friday, May 1st, 2015

Speed and Quickness Clinic

Na Pu`uwai News Release

On April 11, the County of Maui Parks and Recreation, with the help of Na Pu’uwai, put together Molokai’s first youth sports clinic.  This clinic was provided for the children of Molokai to teach them athletic drills and to help them get faster, stronger and more competitive. Former Olympic weightlifter Chad Ikei and former NFL defensive back Rich Miano, who run Speed and Quickness Clinics throughout the state, came to coach kids.…

Kikukawa Participates in Institute Dedication

Friday, May 1st, 2015

Edward M Kennedy Institute News Release

On March 30, college students and current and former Senators from around the country participated in the Senate Chamber Dedication Ceremony as part of the Public Dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Columbia Point in Boston. Michael Kikukawa from Kaunakakai, a current student at Harvard University, represented Hawaii at the event. The students were selected on the merit of essays submitted on the topic of public service.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities.…

Molokai Attends STEM Conference

Friday, May 1st, 2015

MEDB News Release

The sixth annual Hawaii STEM Conference, held April 17-18 once again lived up to its reputation as the state’s premiere Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) conference for students and educators.  Presented by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) project, the event attracted more than 500 attendees who explored the many benefits of STEM learning, showcased some of the best programs and projects, and expanded Hawaii community of experiential STEM advocates.

This year included 350 student participants, 100 teachers accessed professional development, and 75 industry professionals provided mentoring and career awareness, with more than 30 schools and organizations participating statewide.…

Parents as Teachers

Friday, May 1st, 2015

INPEACE News Release

Are you an expectant mother on Molokai?  Did you know you are your keiki’s first, and best, teacher? Interaction with your keiki from the time you conceive is crucial to strengthening family bonds. The earlier you start, the better!

If you don’t know where to begin, Parents as Teachers (PAT), a program by INPEACE, can get you on the path to success. Our staff can guide you through the many stages of your child’s development, through weekly home visits, using the PAT Foundational curricula — and it’s all free!

Most new parents have many questions. And, PAT has the answers.…

Join the E Ola Campaign

Friday, May 1st, 2015

Growing Pono Schools News Release

Are you part of a group who has done a project or activity to improve your school or community this school year?  If so, consider joining the E Ola Pono Campaign by May 15 so your efforts can be acknowledged and your group becomes eligible for a monetary award.

The E Ola Pono Campaign is in its seventh year of encouraging student led initiatives in grades K-12 to proactively work to eliminate bullying and promote the concept of living pono, defined as acting with respect toward everyone and everything.

Campaign sponsors ask groups to submit documentation and a brief reflection about their activity by the mid May deadline.…

Baseball Wraps Up MIL Title

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Baseball Wraps Up MIL Title

The Molokai High School boys’ baseball team will be headed to the state tournament for the third year in a row after winning the MIL Division II Baseball Championship this past weekend at Maehara Stadium on Maui.

The Farmers outscored their opponents in the tournament 26- 1 and had solid pitching from their two aces, Nohi Meyer and Hanale Dudoit Enos.

On Thursday, they defeated Lanai 15-0 in three innings, and on Friday they defeated St. Anthony 11- 1 in five innings. Ena Victorino had a home run and a triple in the game against the Trojans, and all of his teammates also contributed to the successful weekend.…

Softball Sweeps First Homestand 

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Softball Sweeps First Homestand 

The Molokai girls’ softball field may be brand new, but the path to home plate is already well worn by the cleats of the high-scoring Farmers.

Last weekend in Ho`olehua, the Lady Farmers (7-1) swept the St. Anthony Trojans (1-7) in a pair of three-inning wins, 16-1 on Friday and 23-1 on Saturday.

It was the Farmers’ first and final series on their new home field, which was officially blessed on March 20.

“I’ve practiced here before, but this year, having a game and having everyone from the community and our parents coming to watch us, it just felt really exciting, and I felt really honored,” said senior Kelsie Espiritu-Tanabe.…

Tennis Teams Stay Hopeful

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Molokai’s tennis teams exited early in last week’s Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships, but not before giving opposing schools a glimpse of what’s to come from this young, growing program.

“Our team is mostly comprised of sophomores and first year players,” said Luke Kikukawa, the team’s only senior. “… We really were starting to become a much bigger figure in MILs. Coaches are becoming more aware of us.”

Multiple underclassmen contributed to the Farmers’ five first-round victories, while sophomores Kaiea Dowling and Preston Pascua-Kaho`okano were named the sixth seed in the boys’ doubles competition and received a first-round bye.

Freshmen doubles teams Cassandra Ragonton and Romelyn Ragonton, and Michelle McGuire and Althea Cariaga got past the first round, as did junior duo Kea`a Davis and Oceana Madani.…