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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Kaunakakai Flood Plan Deemed Substandard

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Kaunakakai Flood Plan Deemed Substandard

Twenty years after Molokai’s first flood maps were released, Maui County and federal agencies have presented a major overhaul of flood zones on Molokai. These changes have caused concern for some residents of Kaunakakai who may now be required to purchase flood insurance.

Molokai’s updated flood areas are a part of a nation-wide study on the effects of hurricanes. Spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the study began in 2003.

Still, FEMA found that Molokai’s flood zone maps had not been updated since they were created in 1981, and in particular found that the levee running along the western side of Kaunakakai was not certified to FEMA standards. Until the levee is certified by an engineering team, Kaunakakai residents and business owners now face the requirements of being in a flood plain.

Some homeowners seem surprised at the recent change.

“I think this house has been here since the [1920s],” said Paul Fischer, a resident on Manako Lane, which is in the new flood zone. “It never got flooded before. If it did, it’s still here.”

,” he said. “Nobody’s ever looked at it.”

Fischer said he was upset at this new requirement, especially considering he is not worried about his house flooding.

“I’m not paying $400 or $1,500. I can’t afford that,” he said. “I’m on a limited income. Maybe my landlord will pay but I can’t pay that.”

Kaunakakai Levee
 Gayagas of the Corps levee is inspected annually, and that it is in “good condition, maintenance-wise.” Made of dirt and stone, Gayagas said its construction is to protect against seasonal weather and storms. He said the county gathered data to self-certify two years ago, but is in talks to hire the Corps to certify the levee. Cerizo said they are still looking for funding to hire the Corps, and the whole process will take up to three years.

If the levee is certified under FEMA standards, Kaunakakai will revert back to its protected zone, and property owners will no longer need flood insurance.

Cerizo said there is an appeal process – a chance to request that FEMA do a closer study. He said a resident can submit their comments, preferably two copies for his office and for FEMA, by April 19.

The prelimnary maps can be found at gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat; a tutorial on how to read the maps can be found at hawaiinfip.org. Contact Cerizo or Carolyn Cortez at 808-270-7253 for more information.

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Farmers Seed

Sunday, February 13th, 2011

Farmers Seed

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Ever since man gave up his nomadic hunting and gathering existence, and settled down to a piece of land to grow food, he has selected and refined seeds. Through constant selection, lowly grasses became nutritious grains, and wild tubers and corms became vital staples. From the Native Americans who have been cultivating beans, corn, squashes for centuries, to the first Polynesians who arrived in Hawaii, to the immigrants still arriving on these shores today, these groups contributed their important crops to the cornucopia of foods we eat today.

At one time, our congressional representatives were one of the main sources of new seeds, and distributed them as they met constituents in their home state. With the establishment of land-grant universities starting in the mid-1800s, new varieties of seeds were bred and selected for specific locations within a state.

In its heyday, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) developed many vegetable seed varieties, and also worked closely with farmers to develop these selections. Dr. Jim Gilbert, with a background in plant diseases and genetics, was instrumental in the success of vegetable farming in Hawaii through his work on disease-resistant crops. He developed Kailua and Kahala soybeans, Healani and Anahu tomatoes, Waianae Wonder and Hawaiian Wonder pole beans, among others.


Vegetable breeding at the universities nationwide reached its low point about 25 years ago as seed companies took on a larger role of breeding and developing new varieties. This change was not beneficial to Hawaii with its unique environmental conditions, creating special challenges for local farmers. For example, seed companies focus on developing seeds with tolerance to frost and early maturity due to their short growing season. More recently, seed companies have undergone major consolidation as small companies have been swallowed up by multi-national chemical companies, and with it, less seed varieties are available today with many varieties lost forever.
 
Universities have formed partnerships with local farmers to develop new varieties of interest to farmers in the area. One example is long purple eggplant, an oriental crop and one preferred type for Hawaii’s markets.  About 20 years ago, the UH-CTAHR conducted a long eggplant trial at the Waimanalo Research Station on Oahu. Mr. Nitta, an eggplant farmer from Waianae, was not impressed with the trial. His seed selections were included in the field trials, where his varieties had twice the yield of UH selections Waimanalo Long and Molokai Long. Knowing a good thing, UH breeder Jack Tanaka crossed the Nitta lines with the UH selections, creating Nitta Waimanalo Long Hybrid and Nitta Molokai Long Hybrid. These two selections are clearly superior in yield, quality, and appearance to their parents.

In 1990, I met Mr. Nitta at a farm conference on Oahu, and asked him where he had found this eggplant seed. He replied, “From a garden behind a little store on the east side of Molokai.” I’m pretty sure he meant the Neighborhood Store, and it was probably a garden grown by the Quinones family or a relative. The reason why this variety had twice as many fruits is a multiple flowering characteristic found in some Filipino eggplant varieties. Instead of one flower coming out like most eggplants, two emerged, which gave it twice the yield of a normal long eggplant.

Seeds developed for Hawaii’s unique climatic conditions and challenges can mean the difference between success and failure in farming, but sometimes we don’t have to look far to find superior seed.

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Wind Resistance

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Wind Resistance

The state, in conjunction with federal agencies, is moving forward with a plan which could connect Oahu, Maui, Lanai and Molokai by an undersea power cable. The cable would funnel wind-generated electricity from the three smaller islands to Oahu. Public input on Molokai has so far been negative.

Up for discussion – or non-discussion in the case of last Thursday night’s meeting at the Mitchell Pauole Center – is whether or not the state should proceed with the monumental interisland energy project, currently estimated to cost $1 billion.

Meeting attendees were visibly frustrated when they were told by state representatives that questions about the project could not be answered. Instead, procedural information was all that was shared.

A group of about 10 protestors stood outside MPC with signs declaring “Hawaiian Way or No Way” and “Ask Da People First.”

“This is not a done deal,” said Dawn Chang, the meeting’s facilitator and the project’s outreach specialist, before she opened up the floor to comments.

 “My community really [doesn’t] know what’s going on,” said Molokai Planning Commission member Lori Buchanan.

“If I don’t understand [and] it’s shoved down our throats; I don’t want it,” said Barbara Haliniak, president of the Molokai Chamber Foundation.

“I know it’s frustrating for you guys,” said Josh Strickland, head of Renewable Energy Programs in the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). He added that the meetings are designed to help the state identify which questions the study will answer and what kinds of impacts the project could have.

A Detailed Study Begins
The federal Department of Energy (DOE) and the state are working together to draft a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) which assesses whether it will be worthwhile for the state to proceed in building the undersea cable.

say they going to give us,” he said.

Chaikin said he also wanted to know who is the deciding body in accepting the project.

 “You need to lay out exactly how the Molokai community will be involved in this process,” Chaikin told the officials.

DOE advisor Tony Como told the Dispatch, the DOE, the Department of the Interior, the Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) all have an “approval role.”

But Steve Lindenberg, senior advisor at DOE, said they are stewards of the process and that the community will make the final decision.

“We’re hoping very earnestly to help the people of Molokai understand what’s being proposed,” he added. “No one here has all the answers.”

Future Participation
In the meantime, Chang said PEIS officials would like to hold a more informal, culturally-appropriate meeting for Molokai before the draft PEIS is released in the fall.

“You know this, it’s your job to tell them,” Buchanan said to Chang, ‘them’ being the state officials. “That’s why you got people boycotting outside.”

Hawaiian rights activist Walter Ritte hosted a wind farm-related discussion on Molokai two weeks ago arguing a boycott of the state-sponsored study until meetings could be held in a more culturally appropriate manner. Ritte led the boycott outside last week’s state-run meeting.

The PEIS officials said there is still time for community members to have their voices heard. Scoping ends March 1, and residents of all islands can submit comments at the program’s website, hirep-wind.com; email hirep@dbedt.hawaii.gov; fax to (808) 586-2536, attention Allen Kam; or by mail to State of Hawaii, DBEDT, P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu HI 96804, attention Allen Kam

Ranch Weighs In On Wind
MPL holding wind energy informational meetings:
March 2, Mitchell Pauole Center, 5:30 p.m.
March 3, Maunaloa Rec Center, 5:30 p.m.
March 4, Kilohana School, 5:30 p.m.

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Conservation Permitting Costs to Increase 500%

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

The Department of Land Natural Resources (DLNR) hasn’t made major changes to its conservation rules in 16 years. DLNR, through the Office of Conservation and Costal Lands, said the rules protect areas such as historic fishponds, shoreline setbacks, beaches, coral reefs, native species and other natural resources. Nearly 12,000 of the state’s two million protected acres are on Molokai, according to company sources.“We’re trying to make the process more streamlined, but at the same time try to protect the resources,” said Samuel J. Lemmo, administrator of Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, at a meeting last week.Rising Costs of Permits
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MPL Hoping for Land Designation

Monday, February 7th, 2011

MPL Hoping for Land DesignationMolokai Properties Ltd. (MPL) is petitioning the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to designate about 5,000 acres of its west end grazing lands under a 99-year Important Agriculture Land classification. But that designation hangs in the balance as the state decides if ranching land qualifies for the zoning change.If granted, Peter Nicholas, CEO of MPL, would lease the land to local rancher Jimmy Duvauchelle under a 20-year contract. Besides cattle ranching, the land would also host 4-H events and rodeos according the MPL propsal.Duvauchelle, who said he has ranched west Molokai his entire life, currently owns Pohakuloa Ranch which is situated on 3,000 acres within the proposed designated area. The ranch employs about seven cowboys and other staff.Duvauchelle also manages Diamond B Ranch for its Maui owner, Brendan Balthazar, also a lessee of MPL. The land designation would allow Duvauchelle to take over the 1000 acres of Diamond B Ranch which is also within MPL’s petitioned area.

Duvauchelle says he is confident that with the go-ahead of the proposed classification, he can double his herd from about 250 to 500 cattle.A Scrutinized Review Last week, the Land Use Commission and the DOA visited the site and discussed the designation’s merits with members of the public. The two government agencies oversee Important Land Designation (IAL) petitions.However, MPL’s petition is receiving scrutiny. In a letter to MPL, DOA stated several reasons why the land might not qualify as IAL.One reason includes a lack of information provided by MPL, “particularly when involving agricultural lands with challenging soil [and] water availability.”The DOA also wrote that because the primary use of the land would be ranching, competition for food sources between deer and cattle would cause a “handicap” for increasing cattle operations. DOA also states IALs are not intended for “accessory activities” such as deer hunting, or rodeos.A Supporting Community Many of Duvauchelle’s friends and family spoke in support of the designation.“The IAL designation will enhance agricultural activities on Molokai for years to come,” said homesteader Adolph Helm. “Not only will it help Jimmy, but it will help many businesses in the community.”If successful, the designation could provide MPL up to $7.5 million in tax breaks. The money could be claimed “for roads or utilities, agricultural processing facilities, water wells, reservoirs, dams, pipelines, agricultural housing, feasibility studies, legal and accounting services, and equipment,” according to information on the DOA Web site.However, when asked about the potential for irrigation development under the proposed designation, Nicholas said in an earlier meeting, that MPL had no plans other than allowing Duvauchelle to ranch the property.Lori Buchanan, who sits on the Molokai Planning Commission, said she agreed with DOA opinion.“There’s actually nothing that I can’t concur with in the DOA’s letter of objection. It’s all correct,” she said.Steve Chaikin, chairman of the Molokai Planning Commission, said that “whether they succeed or fail in their request, it will set a precedent for others who want to do the same thing.”“I don’t think [DOA and Land Use Commission’s] original intent was to allow for that type of land to be allowed in that [IAL] program.”
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Ranch Weighs In On Wind

Friday, February 4th, 2011

It seems lately, everyone has been hosting meetings on alternative energy options for Molokai – the state, the federal government, community members – and now, land owners.

Peter Nicholas, CEO of Molokai Properties Ltd (MPL) said he has set up three meetings around the Molokai community to discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of a wind farm. He added MPL is not currently negotiating or having talks with any wind energy company.

“There are dozens of questions that we have,” he said recently. “We are arranging to have someone there who will be a real expert on wind farms.”

MPL will be holding a meeting on March 2 at the Mitchell Pauole Center; March 3 at the Maunaloa Rec Center; and March 4 at Kilohana School. All meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m.

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Calls For Unity on the Wind Issue

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

The last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili`uokalani said to her people, “oni pa`a” – stand strong. Last week, around 100 Molokai residents did just that.

The meeting, called Hawaiians Ku`e, called for a return to traditional Hawaiian protocol and a Hawaiian voice to the table when it comes to resource management within the state and county.

“It’s hard to participate when don’t know what you’re participating in,” said Walter Ritte, one of the meeting’s organizers. “We don’t want to participate in [a] haole process.”

The meeting began with `oli kahea, where those invited to speak – Hawaiian or not – asked for permission to enter. This is a simple practice which allowed ancient Hawaiians to coexist in limited spaces, said Ritte.

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Life of the Land

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Life of the Land

Community Contributed

By G.T. Larson

“We are life that wants to live in the midst of other life that wants to live,” Albert Einstein once said.

Many of us love this island, this land, but the question should be asked: do we love the life of this land? Much of our attention has been given to the interaction between humans and everything else, for we are the only creatures on Earth capable of destroying all the life of the land or protecting any of the life of the land.

The early Hawaiians knew that the natural world was their sole source of food, clothing and shelter, which necessitated a deep since of respect, even reverence for the land. Today, the preservation of the natural world has been somewhat relegated to the realm of being a nice thing to do, a good cause, be green, save the whales and all that. But the true essence of the land, the lessons contained therein, lessons that speak of balance, lessons, that for some of us, speak of the Creator, are being drowned out by the noise of the world.


We have more time-saving devices than ever, but less time than ever. In reality, time is the same length as it’s always been: a minute, an hour, a day, a month and a year are still a minute, an hour, a day, a month, and a year long. We just have much more to do now; important things, like trying to make a living, paying the bills, maybe raising a family. These are responsible endeavors, but even they are being crowded into smaller and smaller corners of the day. Technological advances have brought us to the point of 24/7 technology. Using the term advances usually has a positive connotation, but is it a sign of advancement to spend large amounts of the day texting, tweeting, and twittering? And if we are truly honest with ourselves, are all those phone calls, messages and tweets drawing us closer to our loved ones and advancing a useful, caring society?

Civilization is being separated from its roots. We are an integral part of the natural world, but we have allowed ourselves to be distracted from the real world and lured into an electronic illusion. This does not mean that all technology is bad, for this article was written on a modern computer. Instead, we need to be the masters of our technology not the slaves to it. Most importantly, we need to get up from the computer, turn off the TV, put down the gaming device and get our head outside. Look up at the stars, down at the flowers and across the mountains to the sea.

Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono – the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. Seek for the righteousness of the land. Aloha Ke Akua.

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Food for the Aging Mind

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Memory loss for the 77 million baby boomers can be very worrisome. Remembering friends’ names, or what you did yesterday can put you in a tailspin, but what we eat can definitely help to fend-off memory loss. Serious deficiencies in vitamin B-12 and iron can lead to impaired cognitive functions due to memory and nerve fiber complications. We use our cognitive functions by using simple as well as complex information to meet the challenges of daily living.

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New Flood Maps Announced

Monday, January 31st, 2011

New Flood Maps Announced

County of Maui News Release

Are you ready for the flood? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed new flood insurance rate maps, and your home might be now within a flood risk zone.

A public information meeting will be held on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Kaunakakai Gym conference room.

Property owners are urged to attend these meetings to get the latest information on how the flood map changes will affect them. The changes are scheduled to take effect sometime during the last quarter of 2011. Options that are available to those whose homes are in a flood zone will be discussed.


Among the areas that will be significantly impacted by the flood map changes are properties adjacent to Kaunakakai Stream and Iao Stream; Hana, and the southern shores of Lanai, Maui and Molokai.

Federal, state and county personnel will be available to answer questions and assist property owners with determining their flood risk, and the county Department of Planning will be on hand to answer questions for property owners who are considering developing in newly mapped, high-risk flood zones.

The public may also preview the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DIRMs) by visiting the Hawai'i Flood Hazard Assessment Tool website, gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat/

For more information, please contact Francis Cerizo or Carolyn Cortez at francis.cerizo@co.maui.hi.us or carolyn.cortez@co.maui.hi.us or by phone at (808) 270-7253.

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