Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Keiki Make Waves at Last Surf Meet

Wednesday, July 16th, 2014

Keiki Make Waves at Last Surf Meet

Keiki surfers took on the waves and competed in fun heats at Waialua Beach last Saturday. They surfed their way through the day with the sun shining, cool winds blowing and light waves crashing to the shoreline, for the last Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai surf meet of the summer.

The meet, made possible through funding provided by Friendly Isle United Fun, was part of the 25th Annual drug and alcohol-free Keiki Surf Meet Series. The event gives aspiring surfers age 13 and younger the opportunity to compete and have fun learning to surf.

If you are interested in diving deeper into the world of surfing, there are numerous opportunities for lessons tailored to young aspiring surfers.…

4-H Ranchers Put Skills to the Test

Wednesday, July 9th, 2014

4-H Ranchers Put Skills to the Test

Judged on their stance, temperament, muscle mass and ability to follow direction, pigs and steer competed with their owners for top ribbon last weekend. The animals were gathered under white tents at the Kaunakakai Ball Park as eager fans filled the stands ready to cheer on keiki as they showed off their prized animals.

For months, youth in the Molokai 4-H Livestock Club, have been raising, grooming, keeping records and showing their animals in preparation for the annual Molokai 4-H Livestock Expo last weekend. The program promotes agriculture and teaches children responsibility and the business aspect of life, said Event Director Rex Kamakana.…

Fishing as a Family

Thursday, July 3rd, 2014

Fishing as a Family

Two weeks ago, more than half a dozen families gathered at Mo`omomi for four days of camping, pono fishing, generational learning and most of all, inspiring `ohana to malama `aina. Some of them suggested that you can try this out if you want the best equipment for camping.

In its second year, held on Molokai’s north shore coastline, `Ohana Lawai`a camp offered an opportunity for family learning of traditional fishing practices and protocol, along with lessons in history, culture, and biology. Under the guidance of traditional resource manager and educator Mac Poepoe and other kupuna, the experience offered a unique learning experience for young and old.…

Student Spotlight

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014

Student Spotlight

UHMCM News Release

As a descendent of two deeply rooted Molokai families — Purdy and Pico Ohana — Shy-lynFay “Kawaila” Purdy has a special place in her heart for Molokai.  After graduating from high school on Oahu and enjoying the single life, she found herself wanting to be closer to her roots. Shortly after moving home, she became very interested in farming.

“Molokai has the resources to be abundant farmers” said Kawaila.

In the spring of 2012, she enrolled for classes at UHMC, Molokai.  Today, Kawaila is close to finishing her Associate in Agriculture Natural Resource Management, continues to serve as a student mentor at the farm, and advocates for future farmers on Molokai.   …

Learn How to Be Kind to Animals at Molokai Library

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Hawaii State Public Library News Release

The Molokai Humane Society (MHS) will present “Be Kind to Animals,” a free informational program, at Molokai Public Library on Monday, June 30 at 10 a.m. in the Reading Section.

Dr. Stewart Morgan, Molokai’s resident veterinarian, will discuss the benefits of taking care of a well-behaved pet.  Lyndon Dela Cruz, MHS President, will share information about an assortment of pets that will accompany him to the Library.

This program is suitable for all ages and will include a question-and-answer session.  Contact the Library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.…

Molokai Student to Intern with Sen. Hirono

Thursday, June 26th, 2014

Molokai Student to Intern with Sen. Hirono

Sen. Mazie Hirono News Release

Molokai graduate Michael Kikukawa will intern with Sen. Mazie K. Hirono’s Summer Intern Class this year in Washington, D.C. He is one of seven Hawaii interns selected for Hirono’s Hawaii and D.C. offices.

“It’s a privilege to have bright Hawaii students intern in my office,” said Hirono. “Meeting with students and hearing their stories often reminds me and my staff of the importance of pushing for more opportunities for our young people, including making college more affordable, strengthening our economy, and ensuring everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream. Mahalo to Michael, Madison, Shannon, Alex, Sarah, Caitlin, and Lana for their service to our office and Hawaii.”…

Molokai Student Named HMSA Distinguished Scholar

Thursday, June 26th, 2014

Molokai Student Named HMSA Distinguished Scholar

Molokai High School graduate Xrystina Bicoy was selected by HMSA as one of 21 students in the state to receive the company’s Kaimana Scholarship, as well as one of five recipients of their Distinguished Scholarship.

“This is for students who do well academically, as well as show great sportsmanship in athletics and service to their community,” said Molokai High Vice Principal Daniel Espaniola. “We’re very proud of Xristina’s accomplishments.”

The Kaimana program started in 2005 and recognizes all-around accomplishments of high schools, and offers scholarships to individual student athletes, administered by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.

Bicoy received a $3,000 scholarship, and was one of five named distinguished scholars to receive an additional $2,000 each.…

Summer School Immerses Students in Language and Culture

Wednesday, June 25th, 2014

Summer School Immerses Students in Language and Culture

If you visited Ali`i Fishpond last week, you would have found a group of students twisting ti leaf lei using their toes as anchors, speaking to each other quietly in `Olelo Hawaii under the branches of a hala tree. Meanwhile, another group of students learned lomi massage techniques, while seated beneath the shade of the hale overlooking the fishpond, giving each other treatments.

This was the third annual Kula Kaiapuni Kauwela summer school, a Hawaiian immersion program for one month in June and July. This year, for the first time, students spent one week at Ali`i Fishpond as part of the program.…

Early Childhood: Career & Tech Ed

Wednesday, June 18th, 2014

UHMCM News Release

The Early Childhood Education program at University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai (UHMCM) is designed to prepare students to work with young children from birth to age 5 and their families.  The curriculum is organized around a core of courses that provide skills and knowledge needed by early childhood educators.

Students can earn an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Early Childhood Education that articulates into the UH West Oahu’s Bachelor in Social Science degree, Early Childhood Education concentration.  Come to the college for full details or call us at (808) 553-4490 option 5.…

A Show from the History Books

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

A Show from the History Books

Community Contributed

Editor’s note: For decades, Bob Hope brought entertainment and smiles to millions of U.S. troops through United Service Organizations (USO), making 57 tours for the USO between 1941 and 1991. Two weeks ago, Aka`ula school put on its third annual USO-tribute show, with a full cast of characters performed entirely by Aka`ula students. Below, reprinted with permission from Aka`ula’s newsletter, are what students had to say about the experience.

USO Dress Rehearsal

By Dillon DeCoite, 8th Grade

Even though it was a dress rehearsal, I think we did great.  The audience was mostly our parents and family members, and they sold food and drinks on the side. …