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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Molokai Wins Big at International Science Fair

Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

Molokai Wins Big at International Science Fair

 

At the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), an event that included around 1,700 students from more than 75 countries, five Molokai students spent hours being grilled by Ph.D. holders and Nobel Laureates. In a room full of geniuses, Molokai proved it is home to some of the world’s brightest young scientific minds.

In the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, Molokai High School senior Sarah Jenkins and sister Lily Jenkins, a sophomore, won first place and a $3,000 award. Their project, “March of the Molokai Mangrove,” charted the spread of mangrove along Molokai’s south shore and its potential impacts on the island.…

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Molokai Ferry Seeks to Run ‘As Needed’

Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

With competition increasing, the Molokai ferry wants to scale back further than originally planned. On May 13, Sea Link of Hawaii, Inc. withdrew its petition to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to suspend one daily route between Molokai and Maui. The company instead plans to petition the PUC to require a minimum number of passengers to make a trip between the two islands.

“The concept we’re working on now is being what’s called a common carrier versus a scheduled carrier,” said company President Dave Jung. “A scheduled carrier has to run if you’ve got one passenger. … We want to be a common carrier where we have a minimum.”…

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Have you seen the `A`O?

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

Have you seen the `A`O?

Community Contributed

By Arleone Dibben-Young

Recent observations of the endangered `A`O on Molokai suggest that this endangered species probably nests in remote areas on Molokai. Once known to nest on the steep slopes of the north shore and fern-covered forested areas, since 1906, this seabird has only been heard or seen in 1979, 1988, 1995 and 2009, with a single individual found grounded at One Ali`i Park three times between 2014 and 2015.  The `A`O or Hawaiian shearwater (Newell’s shearwater, Puffinus auricularis newelli), is a small black and white seabird measuring about a foot in length and with a wing span of almost three feet.…

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Albizzia, Friend or Foe

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH CTAHR County Extension Agent

The first introduction of plants to Hawaii started with the arrival of Polynesians, who brought important food and utility plants to their new home. I remember noted Hawaiian botanist Isabella Abbott calling kukui an invasive species because it displaced many natives in valleys and mountainsides.

Over the last 240 years, thousands of plant species were introduced to create new economic opportunities as a western capitalist system replaced an ancient self-sufficient system. Today, most of the vegetation found below 2,000 feet, with the exception of a few isolated coastal systems, is introduced.…

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Molokai Getaway Package

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

 Makani Kai News Release

Hotel Molokai, in conjunction with Makani Kai Air and Molokai Car Rental is now offering an “Escape to Molokai” combination package. The package includes two nights’ stay at the Hotel Molokai, round trip airfare for two to Molokai from either Honolulu or Kahului, and a two-day car rental from Molokai Car Rental, all for $489, taxes and fees included.

“This combination package makes travel to our island affordable,” said Michael Drew, General Manager of Hotel Molokai. “We’re happy to do what we can to encourage Hawaii residents to come to Molokai and enjoy the open spaces and unspoiled environment.”…

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Ikehu Molokai Meetings

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Ikehu Molokai News Release

The Ikehu Molokai planning team is excited to be returning to Molokai and hope that you can attend an Ikehu Molokai renewable energy project community meeting. Community meetings are scheduled for the week of May 24.  The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 23, 3 to 4 p.m. Manae Goods & Grindz (at the picnic table), informal discussion Tuesday, May 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Kilohana Community Center Wednesday, May 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Maunaloa Community Center Thursday, May 28, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Kalanianaole Hall Friday, May 29, 11 a.m.…
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The Secret Lives of Monk Seals

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

The Secret Lives of Monk Seals

A year and a half ago, scientists and community members wanting to learn more about endangered Hawaiian monk seals decided to try a new method of observation. Instead of continuing to speculate and make assumptions about the life and habits of monk seals – much of which happens under water – they decided to record it on video. Attaching satellite trackers and cameras known as “critter cams” to the backs of seals allows biologists, students and the public to gain insight into the largely obscured life of this endemic sea mammal.

Most people observe Hawaiian monk seals sleeping on the beach or feeding right off the shore, said Charles Littnan, lead scientist of NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program.…

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Two Islands, One Goal

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Two Islands, One Goal

On a bright and breezy Thursday morning, two men from different parts of the world knelt over a pile of freshly netted weke. One was a Molokai born-and-raised fishpond keeper, the other, a Spanish-speaking Rapa Nui fisherman, each knowing just a few words of the other’s native tongue. Under a shady tree, they pulled out knife and fork and began scraping translucent scales from the fish in the same methodical style. Neither could say very much to each other, but they spoke the common language of men whose livelihoods revolve around fish.

It was this connection to the ocean, to kai, to el mar, that brought a conglomerate of Hawaiians and Rapa Nui together last month at Keawanui Fishpond on Molokai’s east end.…

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Study Alternatives for New Electric Utility Model

Friday, May 15th, 2015

County of Maui News Release

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development announced today it has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) to study the options available for a new electric utility model.

The $30,000 analysis is in response to the County’s concerns about the looming NextEra/Hawaiian Electric Industries merger before the Public Utilities Commission, and how it may affect area residents and businesses. The study will look at alternative forms of ownership and the alternative utility business models for Maui County’s electric utility company.

“We must look at our options, but to do that and have a constructive conversation about the matter we need more information,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa.…

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Renewable Energy Project Update

Thursday, May 14th, 2015

Ikehu Molokai News Release

Aloha to the Molokai community!  The Ikehu Molokai project is intended to convert Molokai to renewable energy, while lowering costs and stabilizing the electric grid.  We presented the project to many community groups last year and were pleased that so many Molokai people supported it. Our vision for the project has always tried to reflect the sentiments and values embraced and expressed by the residents for a healthy, sustainable, and energy independent island.

Over the past few months, the Ikehu Molokai team has been working on the design, engineering, and financing of the Ikehu Molokai project. Our recent progress includes the following highlights:

The costs are coming in better than expected, meaning more rate relief for Molokai residents and businesses.…
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