With high surf advisories around the state for the past two weeks, Molokai surfers and body boarders have been taking advantage of the swells. Papohaku Beach, known for its expanse of white sand, is also known for its treacherous and unforgiving surf. Last Monday, a local youth takes advantage of a smaller, easier-going shore break and pulls into a sandy three foot tube. Photos by Catherine Cluett
Four Molokai students participated in the Maui District Spelling Bee on Feb. 2, 2012 at Baldwin High School. Eha Kalama and Hepuakea Falealii represented Aka`ula School, and Gabrielle Aquino and Shylene Villa attended from Kuapalu`u School.
“Although Eha says that at first he was nervous because he thought he was going to mess up a lot, now he can’t wait to try out again for next year,” wrote Aka`ula student writer KB Bishaw in the Aka`ula School February newsletter.
The top two students, both from Maui, of the 31 spellers who participated in the District Bee will continue on to compete in the Hawaii State Spelling Bee on March 24.…
A product being sold as incense on Molokai is causing concern, especially for its possible abuse among students and teens who are reportedly smoking it. Known as Spice, K2, herbal incense and other names, the substance, legal in Hawaii, is classified as synthetic cannabis and is chemically blended with herbs.
A Molokai High School teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the drug, saying students are using the substance.
“Every parent needs to be aware of it,” the teacher said. “I would like to see this get out before it becomes an endemic.”
Community Contributed
By Yoellah Yuhudah
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an artist? I have fulfilled that dream by creating my own designs in glass and ceramic bead making, and I can help you to do the same. As a Hawaii resident for 22 years, I’ve recently moved to Molokai and will soon be offering classes here.
Raised by strong grandparents and a host of uncles and aunts, I was taught that no goal was impossible. Becoming a glass artist has been a like a spiritual process that came about through many serendipitous steps. In my early 20s, after receiving her AA degree in Theater, I gained a broad range of experience, such as a bus driver in Chicago, a dancer in the Darlene Black Burn ensemble, a cook in New Orleans, and a teacher in Israel.…
Bouncing to the beat of Zumba music, Molokai keiki waved their arms to mirror Zumba teacher Kananikala Bishaw-Juario at the eighth annual Molokai Keiki Expo last Saturday. Youth showed off their hula talent and babies clambered toward victory in a crawling contest, as parents learned tools to better support their children’s future.
The event was put on by the Molokai Keiki Group, an organization designed to integrate the island’s early childhood providers, families and community partners. At the Expo, ohana and keiki explored booths from safety, health, education and activity-based local organizations revolving around youth.
“It’s all about the kids,” said event organizer Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello.
Molokai students have proved themselves to be some of state’s brightest minds. Seventeen Molokai High School students and 15 Molokai Middle students represented the island at this year’s Maui Schools' Science and Engineering Fair on Maui two weeks ago – and they returned laden with awards.
MHS senior Moriah Jenkins won the event’s top honor for developing a myoelectric prosthetic limb for dogs. She will represent Hawaii at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pennsylvania this May -- marking the first year a Molokai student has qualified for the international competition.
Hundreds of competitors of all ages gathered last Saturday to test their athletic skill and celebrate the 30th annual Ka Molokai Makahiki – an ancient tradition honoring Lono, the god of peace and fertility. During this four month season – usually from October through February – war was forbidden, or kapu, on all islands. Offerings from the harvest were made to Lono, and everyone joined in athletic games.
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A half-hour television special illustrating the importance of Hawaii’s watershed and its protection will be airing on local stations this month and next. The show, produced on behalf of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) was written and directed by Molokai filmmaker Matt Yamashita. Staring actor Jason Scott Lee, “The Rain Follows the Forest” is a journey to learn about the islands’ fragile fresh water supply, its connections to the upland forest environment, and the ways we can protect this valuable resource.
Caption by Catherine Cluett, photo ©PF Bentley/PFPix.com
Molokai hosted its first Alternative Energy Festival last weekend, organized by I Aloha Molokai, a community group that opposes industrial wind turbines on the island. The festival featured panel discussions on the state’s proposed Big Wind project, alternatives to that plan, workshops on topics from how to dry food to how to finance a small photovoltaic system, entertainment by acclaimed musicians such as Amy Hanaiali`i, and a youth poster contest. Above, musicians from the group Molokai Drums gave a debut performance to open the festival.
Community Contributed by Jan Kanani Thomas
On Saturday, Dec. 3, youth participated in the first ever Kepuhi Beach Bodyboard Championships. The competition was sponsored by Hale Ho`okupa`a, a nonprofit that provides outpatient drug and alcohol treatment services for Molokai adults and adolescents. Contestants enjoyed three to six foot waves and an opportunity for healthy competition in a drug-free environment.
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