Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Farmers Take Aim at States

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Farmers Take Aim at States

Two Molokai shooters represented the Farmers at the state championships for air riflery two weeks ago. Senior Pono Chow on the boys side and sophomore Pomai Gomes from the girls team gave it their best shot after the Farmers came in third in the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championship Oct. 19.

“They’re already champions,” said Molokai girls coach Eddie Gorospe. [They’re two of the] 42 best shooters in Hawaii — just going [to states] is an accomplishment.”

Chow came in 24th place out of 42 male shooters in the state competition with 495 points out of a possible 600. Gomes finished in 27th place with 490 points out of the 42 girls competing.…

Breaking the Cycle

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Preventing Sexual Abuse

An estimated one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before they turn 18, according to child abuse experts. In a statewide study conducted in 2011 by the University of Hawaii’s School of Social Work that examined community children and family conditions , it revealed that “Molokai needed to be worked on” in terms of protecting children from sexual abuse.

“Sexual abuse on this island is rampant. It’s the last big secret. Almost every single family has somebody who has been molested.” said one anonymous Molokai participant in the study.

In response, former Molokai police detective Gene Santiago joined with concerned community members in 2012 to create a project that prevents child sexual abuse on Molokai through the Consuelo Foundation, an organization working to prevent child neglect.…

Ka Mahi`ai Kalo

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Community Contributed

Ka Mahi`ai Kalo

By Na ka Papa 4 o ke Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapu`u me Kumu Loke Han

Aloha! `O makou ka papa 4 o ke Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapu`u. Ke a`o nei makou i ka mea kanu Hawai`i – na mea kanu maoli, `apa`akuma, a i `ole i lawe `ia mai e na Polenekia. `O kekahi o na mea kanu waiwai i lawe `ia mai, `o ia ho`i ke kalo. He mea nui ke kalo i na kupuna i ka wa kahiko a paia pu no kakou i keia wa.

Ua kipa makou i ka mahi`ai ma UH Extension M.C.C.…

Kamali`i Kane

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Kamali`i Kane

Community Contributed

By Royden Abafo

Editor’s Note: Royden, a middle school student at Aka`ula School, originally wrote this in the school’s Oct. 25 newsletter. It is reprinted in its entirety here.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your new Kamalii Kane 2013, Royden Kohuali’imaikekahi Abafo.” During the Aloha Week Festival, I was the prince in the Royal Court. It wasn’t really that easy to walk and stand up in front of the public. I was presented with a yellow cape and a yellow helmet by the king. The whole court had to sit down for two and a half hours straight without talking, laughing, drinking or eating.…

Farmers Football

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Farmers Football

A farewell to a great season and great seniors

MHS Farmers Football wrapped up their season last Saturday with a close home game against Seabury Hall. Seabury emerged victorious with a final score of 25 to 14, but MHS Farmers still had a lot to celebrate and be thankful for including a growing football culture on Molokai as well as eight seniors who were recognized for their dedication to the program.

In regards to the loss, Coach Mike Kahale stated, “It wasn’t the result we [had] hoped for, but it was a lot closer than the first game we played against them.”…

Molokai Hosts First-Ever Cross Country MIL Championship

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

Molokai Hosts First-Ever Cross Country MIL Championship

For the first time in the history of the Molokai High School Cross Country team, the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Championship race was held on Molokai, bringing schools from around Maui County to compete on the Farmers’ home turf. More than 150 athletes representing nine schools ran the three-mile course at Ironwood Hills Golf Course, with Seabury Hall taking the girls team crown, while Lahainaluna boys won first place for team score.

Results from the MIL championship event also determine who qualifies to compete in the state meet this weekend — and Molokai’s Luke Kikukawa will be one of those running.…

Teachers’ Turn To Learn

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

One hundred of Molokai’s 120 Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers congregated at Molokai High School last Wednesday for a day of personal and professional development. While students around the island had the day off, teachers were busy learning in the classroom.

Called Teacher’s Institute Day 2013, the event allowed Molokai teachers a day to sit down with each other as well as representatives from the Hawaiian State Teacher’s Association (HSTA) teachers union and the National Education Association (NEA). Together they discussed teaching rights in Hawaii and how the state education system can progress looking ahead.

“Teachers don’t have enough time to talk to each other because they are so busy during the school day,” said Princess Moss, NEA executive board member. …

Pumpkin Pickin

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Pumpkin Pickin

For the past five years, Molokai residents have had the chance to celebrate the autumn tradition of pumpkin picking thanks to the efforts of Heart of Aloha Church. The pumpkin patch in Kualapu`u, tended by church members throughout the summer, was filled families picking out their favorite bright, orange prize last Saturday. The Pick a Pumpkin Day also featured a wagon ride for keiki (pictured here), food for sale and free kids shoes being given away.

Church member Linda Ching said she brought the idea to Heart of Aloha after seeing families on Oahu picking pumpkins and wanting to bring a similar opportunity to Molokai.…

How to Deal with Bullying

Saturday, October 19th, 2013

Community Contributed

By Stephanie Napoli, Psy.D., MCHC

“Bullying can happen in the locker room and the chat room — on a crowded bus or an empty hallway — in school and on Facebook. It takes place anywhere and everywhere. And so, if we truly want to prevent and end bullying, we will have to mobilize entire communities against it.” This was the consensus of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC/ACL) Anti-Bullying Braintrust in 2012.

We all know bullying when we see it. It is unwanted, aggressive behavior often by a more powerful person to someone less powerful, whether in strength, position or popularity.…

MHS Hosts First-Ever MIL X-C Championships On Saturday

Wednesday, October 16th, 2013

MHS Hosts First-Ever MIL X-C Championships On Saturday

Community Contributed

By Sue Forbes

For the first time ever, Molokai is hosting the Maui Interscholastic League Cross Country Championships to be held this Saturday, Oct. 19 at Ironwoods Golf Course. The Boy’s race begins at 11 a.m. Upon completion of the boy’s race, the girls will toe the line to determine who will be crowned champion.

Molokai High School is hosting this competition for the first time. More than 150 off-island competitors will make the journey to Molokai to race. Members of Molokai High School’s Boy’s X-C team are: Greyson Aldridge, Kealohanui Helm, Luke Kikukawa, Tanner Mosher, Makana Naki, Keaoalono Ross, and Erik Svetin.…