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Environment

News stories regarding Molokai’s outdoor environment

Solar Hot Water Molokai Training

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Sustainable Living Institute of Maui News Release
Want to learn about solar hot water installation? Now’s your chance, in an upcoming training program offered on Molokai. The Solar Hot Water Training Program is a hybrid course that combines six weeks of online classes followed by three final days of classes held on-site at the UH Molokai Education Center.

The training provides entry-level training in solar hot water design and installation. The curriculum introduces students to solar thermal applications, theory, safety issues, troubleshooting and monitoring, solar thermal design and installation, and licensing and permitting requirements. The course includes both classroom and hands-on experience.…

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Mac Poepoe Gets Conservation Award

Sunday, January 27th, 2013

Mac Poepoe Gets Conservation Award

Uncle Mac Poepoe has spent a lifetime putting traditional fishing practices and resource management into action on Molokai’s northern coast. And for that, he was honored last week with the 2013 Umu Kai Award. Established in 2008 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region, the award recognizes Native Hawaiian practitioners’ contributions to modern fisheries conservation.

As a fisherman and educator, Poepoe’s goal is to pass on to youth what he calls “Hawaiian science” — or “the stuff we observe.”

“Ultimately, our success will be determined by the next generation,” said Poepoe. “It’s not about what degree you have but what you teach [youth].”…

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Molokai Ranch Returns to Ranching Roots

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

Molokai Ranch Returns to Ranching Roots

Community Contributed

By Clay R. Rumbaoa, Molokai Ranch CEO

Editor’s note: This is a letter reprinted with permission from the winter issue of Molokai Ranch’s quarterly newsletter.

Aloha & Comosta Molokai, These last few months have been a whirlwind of activity at Molokai Ranch, as we move forward with many of the initiatives I outlined in our last newsletter [the four pillars: animal husbandry, sustainable farming, renewable energy and green improvements]. First and foremost, we officially returned to our ranching and agricultural roots with the reintroduction of cattle operations.

Our intention is to raise and breed high-quality grass-fed and finished cattle for consumption in Hawaii.…

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Land Trust Ownership of Mokio Preserve Finalized

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

Land Trust Ownership of Mokio Preserve Finalized

 

Molokai Land Trust News Release

Molokai Land Trust (MLT) has received the deed to Mokio Preserve, 1,719 acres of some of the most pristine and environmentally sensitive land on Molokai. The land was gifted by Molokai Properties Limited (MPL), also known as Molokai Ranch, in April 2008.

Mokio stretches along the north shore of Molokai between Mo`omomi Preserve boundary and the state’s Ilio Point parcel. The preserve encompasses five miles of remote and rugged coastline, with significant subsistence gathering areas and an extensive tidal pool system. The area has numerous koa or fishing shrines intact with offerings, as well as large ancient adze quarries.…

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Nominate a Big Tree

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Nominate a Big Tree

DLNR News Release

Do you know of a tree you’ve always thought was special? Now’s the opportunity to recognize it by nominating it for the National Big Trees Competition. Anyone can nominate a native or culturally important tree from 21 currently-eligible species in Hawaii. Last year, two coconut trees at Molokai’s Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park were among six trees in the state that gained national titles. For tree services Lynchburg call Viewpoint Tree Service.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to help Hawaii compete in American Forests’ National Big Tree Program. The Big Tree Program seeks the largest trees of their species in the U.S.…

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Dual Product Power Plant Proposed

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Aurora Renewable Energy News Release

Aurora Renewable Energy, Inc. (ARE) has proposed the first combined waste-to-energy/waste-to-product plant to the residents of Molokai as a means of becoming energy independent. During I Aloha Molokai’s Energy Festival, attendees on Molokai got a first look at the diagram for a combined 10 megawatt (MW) power plant and compound production plant that would use the island’s combined waste streams as fuel.

ARE’s integrated system gasifies municipal solid wastes, sewage sludge, farm wastes, and other biomass waste streams to their base elements and then reforms these gas if led elements tor electricity generation. The remaining reformed gas — commonly referred to as synthesis gas or Syngas — will be further processed into other usable products such as fertilizer or biodiesel for on-island use.…

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Celebrating Energy Alternatives

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Celebrating Energy Alternatives

In the Ocatillo region of southern California, the Quechan tribe of Native American Indians has lived for thousands of years. The bones of their ancestors are buried in that ground, and it’s that earth that holds the prayers of their elders. So when Pattern Energy wanted to build wind turbines there several years ago, tribal leaders came together and decided to fight to protect the land.

At last weekend’s Energy Festival hosted by I Aloha Molokai, several Quechan tribe members were honored guests and panelists. They shared a story with local attendees of their experience with Pattern Energy, the same company currently proposing wind turbines for Molokai — a story many Molokai residents say sounds all too familiar.…

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Agreement Marks Peaceful Conclusion to Yacht Conflict

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Agreement Marks Peaceful Conclusion to Yacht Conflict

This time last year, a group of Molokai residents greeted the Safari Explorer yacht with protest signs, while the state called for a security zone to ensure the vessel’s safe docking. Last week, the ongoing conflict was peacefully resolved, not only allowing continued visits from the 36-person yacht, but also designating Molokai as future home port of operations for the company.

Amid smiles and hugs, former protesters, state officials and American Safari Cruises staff signed an agreement that’s been called the first of its kind in the state. It’s a positive conclusion to more than a year of struggles that involved community members, yacht company American Safari Cruises (ASC), the state and federal government and local business owners.…

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Molokai Energy Festival

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

IAM News Release

The second annual Energy Festival, hosted by I Aloha Molokai (IAM) will be held next weekend and focuses on sensible, renewable energy solutions. On Jan. 11 and 12, 2013, at Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai over 1000 people are expected to participate in panels and workshops, listen to local music, and eat ono food at the event.

The opening ceremony on Friday, Jan. 11 will be a cultural welcome to Native American guests from the mainland and feature guest speaker Colette Machado, chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Saturday workshops will educate about construction of a low-cost solar water heater, do-it-yourself energy audits, reducing electricity use in the home, and photovoltaic (PV) options for homes and businesses.…

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On the Edge

Sunday, January 6th, 2013

On the Edge

Community Contributed

By Ted Kanemitsu

Editor’s note: This photo was contributed by Ted Kanemitsu through the Molokai Dispatch Facebook page, with the caption, “Sometimes getting the best view requires taking risks.”

My reason for sharing my images with viewers of the Dispatch Facebook page is because I know that there are many locals and visitors alike who cannot be here as much as they would like. A glimpse of home, especially during long, hard winter months, warms the heart and the soul. It makes one appreciate what we have even more.

On this particular day, I was hiking along the north shore sea cliff with my dog Pokahu.…

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