Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Breaking the Silence

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

Breaking the Silence

Vigil Remembers Malia and Kaimana Kahalewai

“I want to be the last mother standing here,” said Mary Jane Kahalewai, as she stood before community members — each holding a lit candle — remembering the lives of her children Malia and Kaimana.

A vigil gathering was held last week in their honor and other victims of domestic violence.

“God can take what is deadly… what is wrong… and something good can come out of it,” said Pastor Robert Sahagun on the Molokai Public Library lawn at dusk last Wednesday. “And that is why we’re here.”

“For us, it’s about awareness, giving aloha to the family and [letting people know] we’re available if anyone needs help,” said Wanette Lee, Program Director of Hale Ho`omalu Women’s Shelter and the Alternatives to Violence Program.…

Weekend of Hope

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Twenty-two and a half tons of free groceries. Two thousand one hundred pairs of free children’s shoes. Thirteen hair stylists offering free haircuts. These are the statistics for an event called the Convoy of Hope on Molokai this weekend, part of a three-day Weekend of Hope. But the humanitarian effort is about more than just numbers and free services — organizers say it’s really about bringing churches and people together to share an important message: helping one another and sharing hope.

Four years ago, churches on Molokai teamed up for the first Concert of Hope, featuring award-winning and well-known Christian musicians from around the state.…

Young Inventor Hits It Out of the Park

Friday, July 12th, 2013

Young Inventor Hits It Out of the Park

A simple stitch got a young Molokai inventor national recognition and a free Kindle Fire e-reader. Erik Svetin, who will be a freshman at Molokai High School this year, added a row of stitches to a baseball to see if it would affect the distance the ball traveled. He entered his invention in the national Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and was named the Hawaii merit award winner.

“I wanted to do a science fair experiment on my passion, which is baseball,” Svetin said. The additional stitches ran horizontal across the ball and had the same spacing as the existing ones.  …

Rooted in Wellness

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Rooted in Wellness

Molokai returned to its roots July 5 as moms and their supporters empowered the community to live healthy lifestyles. Keiki made recycled art while moms prepared local organic food. Performers sung along to the spirit of the evening as families and organizers shared how they love the land. Besides being a night of fun and aloha, the Grassroots Benefit Concert aimed to provide a path for youth to one day be restorers of health.

“The spirit behind [the event] is to promote an awareness of health and wellness on the island and be able to offer the upcoming generation support,” said Ehulani Kane, a member of the Mom Hui, the group that organized the event.…

Mango Mania

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Mango Mania

Moani Chow has preserved thousands of pounds of mango. These sticky sweet or sour treats are a unique product on Molokai, despite the abundance of the fruit and simple process of cooking and drying that creates tender bite-sized candy out of average green mangos.

She has sold her dried mango at the Saturday Market, outside Imports Gift Shop and at Kamehameha School events. But mostly she gives it away to friends in the community and supporters of her daughters’ robotics activities. She began crafting these treats nine years ago, and as family shares them on other islands, her mango fan base is growing.…

Playing with the Pros

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Playing with the Pros

Young Molokai football players hit the field with some National Football League (NFL) professionals and scored tips on training, conditioning and playing their best game. Oakland Raiders linebacker Kaluka Maiava and New York Jets linebacker Jojo Dickson shared their insider secrets with the Molokai High School football team June 26. The team, going into its second season, was ready to stretch their ability to condition and practice for games.

”The team is still in its infancy, so we’re still learning,” said Farmers head coach Mike Kahale. “No need to reinvent the wheel. We’ll just get the experts to come out and show us what to do.”…

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.…