Hunting & Fishing

Mo`omomi to be Gated Soon

Sunday, August 12th, 2012

In an effort to prevent further overfishing, vandalism and overall neglect of natural resources of Mo`omomi Beach, a gate will be installed to restrict vehicle access to the area, according to Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. DHHL hopes to have it installed by the end of the month, but because there is only one person on staff who has the skill to build the gate, it may take longer, according to Ayau

“We’re hoping the gate will help promote responsible behavior, because there has been such a high level of vandalism, cutting through fences and fence posts and really irresponsible behavior, at the pavilion especially,” said Ayau.…

Monitoring Monk Seals

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

Monitoring Monk Seals

In order to bring more tangible data to ongoing efforts to better understand Hawaiian monk seals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a research project that will attach Crittercams, or small video cameras, to the backs of the seals. Video footage would allow not only scientists to gather important data, but would also help community members better understand the seals’ diet, behavior and potential impacts in the main Hawaiian Islands.

There are currently approximately 200 seals living in the main Hawaiian Islands. Their presence has created some controversy and conflict with divers and fisherman near shore, who believe the seals are competing with them for fish.…

Monitoring Monk Seals

Sunday, July 22nd, 2012

Scientists hope to gather data via video cameras

In order to bring more tangible data to ongoing efforts to better understand Hawaiian monk seals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a research project that will attach Crittercams, or small video cameras, to the backs of the seals. Video footage would allow not only scientists to gather important data, but would also help community members better understand the seals’ diet, behavior and potential impacts in the main Hawaiian Islands.

There are currently approximately 200 seals living in the main Hawaiian Islands. Their presence has created some controversy and conflict with divers and fisherman near shore, who believe the seals are competing with them for fish.…

Dogs Kill Over 100 Native Birds at Mo`omomi

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Dogs Kill Over 100 Native Birds at Mo`omomi

Community Contributed

By Ed Misaki, TNC Director of Molokai Programs

For the second summer in a row, dogs have invaded the Uau Kani, native wedge-tailed shearwater nesting site at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Mo`omomi Preserve and have killed 109 nesting birds to date. Wedge-tails are most commonly known to help fisherman detect schools of fish at sea. Wedge-tails live their entire life in the sea, and only come to land to nest.

The event took place between June 7-9, 2012 and eye witnesses report that there are two dogs responsible for the kills. One dog is described as a pit bull type, while the other is described as a “hound” looking.…

Ocean Resources Management Meeting

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Governor’s Office News Release

Add your input to a new state ocean resources management plan during a listening session on Molokai, to be held May 30, at the Mitchell Pauole Center. An open house will begin at 5:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6:30.

The State of Hawaii Office of Planning Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program is inviting coastal and ocean users, as well as other stakeholders and interested individuals, to the state-wide series of listening sessions as it begins the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) update.

The ORMP takes a place-based approach to management of ocean resources in the islands, taking into account recognition of the ecological connections between land and sea, the link between human activities and impacts on the environment, and the need for improved collaboration and stewardship in natural resources governance.…

Aloha Honua

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Aloha Honua

Biologist Bill Puleloa receives first ever Malama Kuleana Honua Award.

This year’s annual Molokai Earth Day celebration, hosted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) marked the beginning of a new tradition –the “Malama Kuleana Honua” (Caring Responsibly for Earth) Honorary award. William “Bill” Puleloa, a recently retired aquatic biologist for the state’s Department of Land and Resources, was its first recipient. He was commended at Earth Day for his work with monitoring the conditions of Molokai streams, collaborating with local fishermen and researching the native honu, or green sea turtles.

“Bill has always been a resource and supporter to conserving our resources,” said Ed Misaki, TNC’s Program Director.…

The Rakefish Makes a Splash

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

The Rakefish Makes a Splash

Kaunakakai Elementary sixth graders learn about ocean pollution.

What fish is 4 feet long, has a rectangular body, can travel on land, and has helped bring awareness to ocean pollution across the nation? Answer: the Rakefish.

The Rakefish is not a real fish but a large fish-shaped sculpture with a broken rake as a fin. The “fish” has journeyed from A.W. Cox Elementary School in Guildford, Connecticut to teach Kimberly Ka`ai’s sixth grade class at Kaunakakai Elementary school about ocean pollution. Kaunakakai Elementary will be the sculpture’s only stop in Hawaii before continuing to its next destination in Washington, D.C.

Molokai parent Suzette Onofrio, whose niece attends the elementary in Connecticut, acted as a liaison in the process of bringing the Rakefish Project to Hawaii.…

Meeting To Discuss Reduced Harbor Security

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

DNLR News Release

Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. The meeting is on Monday, Jan. 30 at Mitchell Pauole Center at 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We will address the experience last weekend and respond to the community. Reduced security to accommodate fishermen and canoe paddlers and lessen the inconvenience to the community will be discussed. All are invited. 

Investigations Continue in Monk Seal Deaths

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Four Hawaiian monk seals have been found dead in the state since mid-November – and three of those have been on Molokai.Three of the four deaths have been deemed of suspicious causes by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials after completing necropsies, or animal autopsies. The first death occurred on Molokai in mid-November, when an adult male seal’s body was discovered on the southwest shore.The second, a young female, was also found dead on the island’s southwest shore, late last month. Human interaction is suspected in both cases, according to NOAA Hawaiian monk seal recovery coordinator Jeff Walters. He said further details are being withheld during the ongoing investigations.

A Delicate Balance

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Opinion by Clare Mawae

Recently, I watched those that I love, respect and care about protest the yacht Safari Explorer come to our shores. As a business owner and a resident of Molokai, I consistently seek the balance with how I conduct business. Change is always scary and the fear of the future is no different but as I reflect on the past decade, it is hard to dismiss the economic hardships, which continue to burn a huge scar into the hearts of people worldwide.