Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Little League, Big Accomplishments

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Little League, Big Accomplishments

Molokai’s Little League All Stars fought for the district champion title June 25, taking on teams from across the county in the first tournament Molokai has hosted in seven years.  But these 11 and 12-year-olds are more than just baseball players; they are local heroes, bringing the community together one swing at a time.

“These 14 individuals – young men and women – took on a great challenge,” said Molokai Little League President Minky Hoopai Young. “They were looked at like warriors, and they battled really hard.”

They battled on the home front, allowing the community to see their All Stars in action.…

Keiki Showcase Livestock

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

Keiki Showcase Livestock

Acey Reyes knows how to steer her steer. At 11 years old, this 4-H member raises cattle for showmanship and market competitions. Her most recent exhibition was last weekend in Kaunakakai at the annual 4-H Livestock Expo.

Saturday afternoon she sat in the pen with her steer, nerves racing before she took him into the ring for the showmanship competition. Acey’s companion, Chuck, a Brangus Cross, is eight times her size. She had to guide the animal through the small ring alongside two other competitors’ steer, all while being watched and judged.

“It takes confidence,” said Acey. “You have to work with the animal and make sure he’s tame enough to compete.…

4-H Livestock Expo This Weekend

Thursday, June 27th, 2013

4-H Livestock Expo This Weekend

4-H Molokai News Release

This week, Molokai youth will have a chance to show off their livestock and agricultural efforts, while community members will enjoy educational demonstrations, live auctions, food and other entertainment. The 4-H Molokai Livestock Expo is slated for Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 at the Kaunakakai Ball Field.

4-H Molokai is partnering with The Hawaii Farm Bureau to educate the youth of Molokai about the many benefits of the 4-H programs established on island and across the U.S.

Friday will feature a small animal weigh-in, oral reasoning competition, vendor exhibits, 4-H parade and walk in the park followed by the Market Goat, Swine and Steer Competition.…

The Next Generation of Paniolo

Monday, June 17th, 2013

The Next Generation of Paniolo

The paniolo tradition may appear to be riding off into the sunset, but a few young wranglers are taking the reins and carrying the legacy forward. For these Molokai boys and girls, it’s not just about rodeo arenas and competition; it is about the paniolo lifestyle – working on ranches, maintaining a horse shelter, driving cattle and giving each other a helping hand. Newbies may need to do some research and read online articles from websites like All About Horses. Those who are looking for a horseback riding lesson Roanoke may contact Slocum Appaloosa Ranch. Before riding a horse, ensure that you have these saddle pads for a comfortable ride.…

Boxing at the Barn

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

Boxing at the Barn

Molokai Southside Boxing Club News Release

The Molokai Southside Boxing Club presented their second amateur boxing event on June 1 at Molokai High School gym after the success of their September 2012 event. Amateur Boxing of Hawaii under the umbrella of USA Boxing and the Hawaii State Boxing Commission sanctioned this 17- bout event. The event gave many novice boxers the opportunity to have their first match.

Opening the event with prayer and blessings to all athletes, their coaches and teammates was Tania Manaba-Will followed by her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the sweet voice of `Olelo Hamakua-Poepoe singing Hawaii Pono`i.…

Teaching the Universal Language

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

Teaching the Universal Language

Bob Underwood brings music education to Molokai

 

At the end of the day, when students have left and the halls of Kaunakakai Elementary School are quiet, first grade teacher Bob Underwood picks up his violin and continues educating. He does not get paid for it, and he welcomes anyone with a desire to learn. But why would someone who spends all day in the classroom, constantly teaching, want to volunteer his free time doing that same thing?

“There’s one reason, and it’s very simple,” Underwood said. “I love music.”

Underwood shares that love with budding musical artists each week. Keiki are joined by their parents and other community members as they take on some of the toughest instruments to learn.…

Campaign Against Tobacco

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Campaign Against Tobacco

Community Contributed

By Michelle Magdirila

Since I was a teenager, I have been involved in tobacco control. Currently I’m a young adult leader and Molokai organizer for a statewide youth movement called REAL: Hawaii Youth Movement Exposing the Tobacco Industry. During my six years with REAL, I’ve advocated for laws, trained hundreds of youth about what the tobacco companies are doing to recruit the youth generation as customers, and helped organize big tobacco control youth events. One of the most incredible things I’ve ever done was travel to New York City to demonstrate at the annual Philip Morris Shareholders Meeting two weeks ago.…

Support Keiki Surf Series

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Ko Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai News Release

The Ko Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai summer surf series celebrate its 24th anniversary this year thanks to the generosity of donors like you. This event is more than just a fun activity. It provides a way for families to spend quality time with their children and promotes a safe, drug- and alcohol-free activity for youth during the summer break. A total of 75 children, age 12 years and younger, participate on a yearly basis.

This year, the surf meet series will be held on Saturdays, June 15 and 29, wrapping up with an awards luncheon on Saturday, July 13.…

Aka`ula Sings for Grad’s Future

Monday, June 3rd, 2013

Aka`ula Sings for Grad’s Future

Aka`ula School’s first high school graduate claimed her diploma May 30, marking an important milestone for both the young scholar and for the school.

It was an afternoon of joy and tears for Aaliya Chyna Ku`uipo Ka`ai, who as Aka`ula’s lone upperclassman served as a mentor for younger students and a helper for the teachers. She took deep breaths on stage before addressing the crowd and reflecting on her years at the school.

“While the diploma I receive today will be an important thing I carry with me wherever I go,” said Ka`ai in her graduation speech, “I want you to know that the diploma is just one piece of the puzzle.”…

Program Supports Student Advancement

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Program Supports Student Advancement

Ke Kukui Mohala News Release

In our opio lies Molokai’s greatest potential.  By providing pathways to helping them realize their vision of success, we are investing in their individual future and in our community.

With this vision at heart, UH Maui College, Molokai, the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center, the Educational Opportunity Center and the Interval House of Molokai partnered to initiate a program called Ke Kukui Mohala.

The main goal of the program is to support families in the process of preparing Molokai High School seniors to successfully achieve their post-secondary goals and objectives.

The first cohort started in October 2012 with student and parent participants attending a series of workshops focused on preparing for and transitioning to higher education. …