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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Repairs for Kalaupapa

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

The Kalaupapa National Park Service (NPS) has been busy with restoration projects both in the settlement and on topside Molokai. For those hoping to get a taste of Kalaupapa without the arduous hike, newly replaced informational exhibits are now displayed at the overlook at Pala`au State Park in Kala`e.

Crews worked last week to repair the rock wall and improve the overall appearance of the overlook area, said Steve Prokop, Kalaupapa NPS superintendent. Improvements included replacing the weather-worn plaques that tell the story of the settlement’s history, which had become difficult to read since their original installation about 20 years ago, said Prokop.…

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A Visit from the Whales

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

A Visit from the Whales

Community Contributed

By Monika Mira

Two enormous inflatable whales visited several Molokai preschools after “migrating” all the way from Kauai. The visit was part of program offered by the Storybook Theatre of Hawaii as a way to let children get up close and personal with Pacific Humpback Whales. The pair of whales was created in 1997 by renowned artist Evelyn Roth of Festival Arts in Australia, and has been used to educate thousands of children about Pacific Humpback Whales.

This year, Mark Jeffers of Storybook Theatre toured with the whales, visiting nearly 30 schools and reaching more than 1600 preschoolers, as well as their parents and teachers.…

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A Plan to Malama Our Resources

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Molokai’s ocean resources are fragile, and many say they’re rapidly disappearing. In a statewide effort to preserve and better manage coastline and watershed areas, the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) is being updated from the existing version, last updated in 2006. The plan represents an inter-agency effort to coordinate county, state and federal actions, facilitated by the state Department of Planning Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program.

Along with setting up collaborative management framework for different agencies to work together, the plan also fosters community stewardship and cooperation between the community and the managing agencies, said Leo Asuncion, CZM planning program manager.…

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Molokai Mom on a Mission-GMOs

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Community Contributed

Opinion by Mercy Ritte

What is a GMO?
In simple terms, a GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism, is an organism that has been changed by injecting it with genetic material from another species. Commonly known GM foods include corn, soybeans, canola and cottonseed.

Are GMOs safe?
Let’s just say that according to Nongmoproject.org, 30 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, have set major restrictions or banned the production of GMOs, because they have not been proven safe.

A study performed on rats fed Monsanto’s Bt corn for 90 days resulted in “significant changes in their blood cells, livers, and kidneys, which might indicate disease,” according to Jeffery Smith, author of “Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Food.”…

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Electric Rates to Increase June 1

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

A coming rate increase for Maui Electric Company (MECO) customers will mean a 3.16 percent increase for ratepayers in Maui County. That means a typical Molokai household using 400 kilowatt hours of electricity per month will pay an extra $5.25 on their monthly bill, for a total of about $193.

The interim rate increase was approved last week by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The rate increase is effective June 1.

Originally in July 2011, MECO filed for a 6.7 percent increase, but months of review and discussions with the state Division of Consumer Advocacy culminated in this interim agreement.…

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Backyard Poultry Production Workshop

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

UH Molokai Extension Service News Release

Do you have poultry and ever wondered why they aren’t laying eggs, or why their eggs’ shells are thin? Ever wondered about raising them on pasture? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, this may be the workshop for you.

The Hawaiian Home Lands Agriculture Education Program will hold a Backyard Poultry Production Workshop on Wednesday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Molokai Applied Research and Demonstration Farm/MCC Farm (next to Kumu Farms). The workshop is geared toward backyard poultry production on the homestead.…

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Energy Assistance Available in June

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

MEO Molokai News Release

Low income families who need a helping hand paying their energy bills have a chance to get assistance next month. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program through Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) that assists low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The program is available only once a year in June.

Applications on Molokai will be accepted June 1 through June 30 only. Eligible residents can qualify for either electric or gas payment assistance, or energy crisis intervention.

To apply, you will need to bring the following documents to the office: photo ID, most current gas or electric bill, proof of residence, social security number verification, proof of age for household members 60 and older and 5 years and younger, proof of income, and proof of assets.…

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Help Develop the Historic Preservation Plan

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

DLNR News Release

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is holding community meetings statewide in May on all islands to provide opportunity for public input on the development of the State Historic Preservation Plan for the next five years. The meeting on Molokai will be held on May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Molokai High School Cafeteria.

“Historic sites are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide the community with a sense of continuity,” said Pua Aiu, SHPD administrator. “The programs and services offered by SHPD are designed to promote the use and maintenance of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure and enrichment of Hawaii’s citizens and visitors.”…

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Maui County Gets Natural Disaster Designation

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

USDA News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County and Kalawao County as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by a an ongoing drought that began January 1, 2012, and continues.

“Assistance at this point and time is critically important for producers in Hawaii, especially in helping them keep their farmland healthy for the remainder of the year,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I realize that during this time of disaster, federal assistance will be needed until conditions improve and farmers strive to recover from their losses.”

All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.…

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Molokai Ranch: New Leadership, Fresh Perspectives

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

New leadership at Molokai Ranch hopes to get a fresh start with the community as they bring sustainability to the forefront and develop and share their ideas for the island.

Former Castle & Cooke director of engineering and development Clay Rumbaoa took over as Molokai Ranch executive director from Peter Nicholas in November 2011. Now, Nancy Schmicker has taken the position of new Ranch Project Manager, and together, Schmicker said they hope to turn over a new leaf for Molokai Ranch and the community.

“Doing what’s right in the community is a huge part of our approach,” she said, after a visit to the island two weeks ago.…

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