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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Bracing for Drought: Molokai Irrigation System planning ahead

Monday, February 27th, 2012

With water levels in the Kualapu`u Reservoir reaching concerning levels and little seasonal rain in sight, members of the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, are starting to prepare for the worst.

At this time last year, the reservoir held 18 feet of water. Currently, however, the water level is hovering around 10 feet.

Representatives of the six major commercial users of the MIS came to the MIS board meeting last week with some serious concerns: they want to begin preparations for a possible drought crisis in the coming months.

“We are extremely concerned about current reservoir levels and worried about extreme emergency conditions over summer,” said Ray Foster, general manager for Monsanto Molokai.…

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Surf’s Up

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Surf’s Up

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Airport, Service Improvements Coming to Kalaupapa

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

For the first time in six years, Kalaupapa will again have firefighting equipment and staff at their tiny airport. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is providing a “skidmount unit” – a firefighting devise on a flatbed truck – to aid in the case of emergency, along with 24/7 personnel to man it, according to DOT spokesperson Dan Meisenzahl. The equipment should arrive to the settlement in March, he said. Two additional firefighters are being hired by the state, who will rotate service in Kalaupapa.

“If things ever go bad, it would be a collaborative effort,” said Department of Health Kalaupapa Administrator Mark Miller at last week’s community meeting, adding that the additional equipment and personnel would greatly aid in the event of emergency.…

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Mo`omomi to Be Gated

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Ten years ago, Mo`omomi was vibrant, green and healthy, with plentiful fish, according to Molokai-born Halealoha Ayau, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) acting district supervisor for Molokai. Now, he said, the landscape is suffering, resources are being depleted, and the buildings are facing a high level of vandalism and damage. Because of this, Ayau has made a tough decision: erect a gate at Mo`omomi and initiate managed access to the area.

“You’re not permanently being blocked,” Ayau told attendees at a DHHL meeting held last week to get community feedback on how access should be managed. “We need to let her heal.”…

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Learn to Install and Design Photovoltaic Systems

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Sustainable Living Institute of Maui News Release 

In a training program on Molokai, residents can learn to design and install photovoltaic energy systems. The Entry Level Photovoltaic (PV) Training Program is a comprehensive training program that prepares students to take the entry level NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) exam. Held from Feb. 21-24 and Feb. 29 through March 3, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., it will train participants in the principles of small business, residential and commercial PV installation and design. 

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Bill Advances to Reduce Molokai Shipping Costs

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

State of Hawaii News Release 

Last week, a bill passed another hurdle on its way to establishing a working group to explore options for reducing shipping costs from Molokai and Lanai to Oahu. House Hill 2380, Relating to Shipping, passed the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce with unanimous testimony in support of the measure. 

Molokai homestead farmer and rancher, Lynn DeCoite submitted testimony in strong support of House Bill 2380 HD1.  “The island of Molokai feels that this bill is critical to the survival of our economy," she said. "We have been crippled with nowhere else to turn.  We need options, not a monopoly."

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Harbor Security Relaxed

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

The wharf was relatively empty and quiet at the Safari Explorer’s last port call to Kaunakakai last Tuesday, with only about a dozen residents holding protest signs. For that, officials thanked Molokai, and said it will be the last time a security zone is enforced for the yacht’s dockings through May, if all goes smoothly.

“We thank the community for showing the correct amount of balance at the pier [on Jan. 21],” said Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) Chairperson William Aila. 

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Molokai Irrigation System Gets $1.25 Million

Monday, February 6th, 2012

The Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), which serves the bulk of the island’s agricultural and homestead users, has received $1.25 million for system improvements, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week. The funds are part of $13 million in Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) statewide for investment in local agriculture industry and water irrigation system upgrades.

“Much of the state’s agricultural infrastructure is decades old,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture, in a press release from the governor. “…It is important to maintain and upgrade them and keep them in service to Hawaii's farmers, growers and ranchers, now and for the future.”

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Local Filmmaker Directs TV Special

Monday, January 30th, 2012

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.

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130-Acre Kalamaula Fire Under Investigation

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Firefighters battled brushfires in Kalamaula Sunday, with about 130 acres burned, according to officials. While fires blazed within 50 feet of homes, no damages or injuries were reported as of Sunday,  though Dispatch staff witnessed damage to at least one 40-foot storage container. The fire was reported just after 1 p.m., and was declared contained, though not under control, by 6 p.m. Firefighters stayed to monitor the area throughout the night, according to Lee Mainaga, fire service chief on Maui.

Twenty-eight firefighters responded, including five from Lahaina. Two helicopters doused the blazes from above, while tankers worked on the ground. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as of Sunday.

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