Learn to Protect Bees on Molokai
UH CTAHR News Release
Calling all Molokai beekeepers – it’s time to bee proactive! Bee responsible! Bee informed! And bee a part of the plan to control small hive beetles on Molokai.
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Environment
Add your commentSecurity Measures, Peaceful Protests Greet Yacht’s Return
Nearly 50 U.S. Coast Guard personnel, as well as dozens of county, state and federal law enforcement guarded a security zone around Kaunakakai Harbor for the return of American Safari Cruises’ yacht Safari Explorer last Saturday. Armed members of the San Francisco-based Maritime Safety and Security Team, specializing in anti-terrorism, manned Zodiacs, while officials also patrolled by jet-ski and on foot. In equivalent numbers, Molokai residents held signs protesting not only the yacht, but also the security measures – which many community members said made them feel like terrorists.
Celebrating Alternatives
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.
Makani Kai Begins Service to Kalaupapa
Kalaupapa residents have a lot to celebrate at their airport this month. With air service into the peninsula now provided by Makani Kai Air Charters at a fraction of what residents were charged by Pacific Wings last year, patients and staff are now “traveling in large numbers,” according to Mark Miller, Department of Health (DOH) Kalaupapa administrator.
“It has changed the character of the community knowing we can come and go,” he said.
Makani Kai is providing regular twice-daily round trips from Honolulu and three round trips daily to topside Molokai – a service made affordable thanks to a federal subsidy awarded to the carrier in December.
Security Measures Planned for Ship’s Visit
The U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will be establishing a temporary security zone at Kaunakakai Harbor as the 36-passenger vessel, the Safari Explorer, resumes docking at the wharf on Jan. 21. The security zone will be enforced one hour prior to the vessel’s arrival and departure to the harbor, for the protection of “people, vessels and facilities in and around Kaunakakai Harbor during potential non-compliant protests involving the… Safari Explorer,” according to Docket No. USCG–2011–1159, published in the Jan. 13 issue of the Federal Register, the daily publication for rules, regulations and notices of the federal government.State to Update Molokai Community on Operations at Kaunakakai Harbor
Governor's News Release
Reward Offered for Tips in Monk Seal Deaths
Humane Society News Release
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust announced new efforts to support the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement’s work to combat poaching and designated wildlife-related crimes by sponsoring a toll-free, confidential reward tip line, 1-855-DLNR-TIP.
Investigations Continue in Monk Seal Deaths
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.Mokulele Airlines Cancel Flights Effective Immediately
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced all Mokulele Airlines flights have been canceled until further notice effective immediately statewide. The suspension comes after the company found certain parts of the Cessna 208 may be faulty and require replacement. For ticketing questions, call 888-435-9462.
American Safari Cruises Cancels Another Molokai Stop
Statement from Dan Blanchard, CEO and principal at American Safari:
We are continuing to work with state, federal and local representatives in Hawaii on concerns brought forth in the last community meeting on Molokai. In respect for the continuing discussions, the Safari Explorer yacht will not visit Moloka’i as planned on its next voyage, Dec. 16 and 17. We are committed to our vendors and supporters on Molokai. We look forward to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution and our peaceful return to Molokai soon. Mahalo.
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