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Sustainability

Wet Winter Likely to Bring Drought Relief

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

As the western half of Molokai continues to experience extreme drought conditions, weather forecasters are predicting above average rainfall to bring some relief this wet season.

Kevin Kodama of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Honolulu office said though many parts of the state began the summer drought-free due to extra wet conditions early this year, parts of Maui County, including Molokai, were an exception to that. Maui County had a drier-than-normal wet season last winter, worsening the current drought conditions.

“[Maui County] got a head start as far as drought,” Kodama said. “By the end of September, they ended up with the worst drought conditions across the state.…

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More Time, Funding for Small Business Relief

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui has added another $1 million to the Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery and Relief Fund, and small businesses now have until Oct. 31 to apply for grants of as much as $7,500.

The additional $1 million in CARES Act funding brings the Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund’s total funding to $7 million. The fund was established in a partnership with local federal credit unions to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

So far, 859 applications have been approved, with more than $5.6 million disbursed. Twenty-four Molokai businesses have been awarded nearly $143,000, and three Lanai businesses have received over $18,500.…

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Molokai Farming Cost-Reimbursement Program

Wednesday, October 21st, 2020

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development announces a second round of funding is available for the Molokai Farming Cost-Reimbursement Program.

Molokai farmers were allocated $23,213 in the first round of funding to help them comply with federal food regulations. Now, total funding available through this program is $221,535.

The program provides cost reimbursements to farmers and ranchers on Molokai to assist with the costs of compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act and state food safety laws. The total amount of cost reimbursement to any one applicant shall not exceed $5,000.…

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Hoʻolehua Water Conservation

Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

Hoʻolehua Water Conservation

DHHL News Release

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is asking all Hoʻolehua Water System customers to reduce their water consumption for necessary purposes only through the month of October.

Large quantities of water use, along with drought conditions, have impacted the Hoʻolehua Water System storage tanks. The tanks are currently below expected levels and the pumps are unable to keep up with the demand.

DHHL advises all customers to reduce their water usage by 25 to 50 percent using the following tips:

· Repair faucet leaks and water line leaks
· Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth
· Shorten shower time
· Install aerators and low-flow showerheads
· Reduce or eliminate watering of lawns or filling up “kiddie” pools

Customer efforts in reducing water usage will allow the tanks to replenish and avert the need for more restrictive measures.…

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County Food Distribution This Month

Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that food distribution events will be held on each Friday in the month of October for Molokai residents in need.

The last food distribution took place 10 a.m. on Oct. 9 at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center in Kaunakakai.

Volunteers passed out 150 boxes of fruits and vegetables on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients are required to wear face masks.

To maximize social distancing, food distribution will be done in a grab-and-go drive-through (no walk up). Motorists will have the option of getting boxes placed in their vehicle’s trunk or rear cargo area.…

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$2.5M in Grants for Local Farmers

Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui and Maui Economic Opportunity launched today a $2.5 million program to assist small local farmers in Maui County. The Agriculture Micro Grants Program provides grant funding of up to $25,000 to farmers on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Applications are available online at meoinc.org.

“This program will benefit local consumers by improving the availability of local produce, livestock and poultry in Maui County, while also increasing farm capacity, productivity, name recognition and income for farmers,” Mayor Michael Victorino said.

Farm qualifications include:

• Operating farms throughout Maui County (crops, livestock, poultry and products).…

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Free Grab-and-Go Meals for All Youth

Wednesday, October 7th, 2020

HIDOE News Release

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) Grab-and-Go school meals program will be returning for the fall semester at 203 public schools beginning on Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Dec. 18, to provide free meals to children ages 18 and younger. The meals are available to children regardless of whether or not they are enrolled at the distribution site, are public school students, or are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program.

On Molokai, distribution sites are Kaunakakai, Kilohana and Maunaloa elementary schools, as well as Molokai Middle and Molokai High School.

Unlike during the summer, meal distribution will be at lunchtime only.…

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Hawaii Sustainability Plan Update

Wednesday, September 30th, 2020

HI Office of Planning News Release

Molokai residents wanting to participate in the State of Hawaii Office of Planning (OP) Statewide Sustainability Program will be able to do so in a series of virtual statewide Information Sharing Sessions to inform everyone about the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan (the Plan). The Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan is being updated and revised to serve as the State’s climate and sustainability strategic action plan.

“The people of the State of Hawaii have long understood the challenges of our finite resources and the importance of co-existing with our ʻaina,” said Gov. David Ige. “We are witnessing rising sea levels, temperature rise, and a decrease in precipitation; these climate change hazards require long-term sustainability planning to guide strategic implementation.”…

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One New Molokai Case Last Week

Wednesday, September 30th, 2020

One New Molokai Case Last Week

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Molokai logged one new COVID-19 case last Wednesday, Sept. 23, bringing the island’s total case count to 17.

Despite requests to break down the island’s total and active cases, the Dept. of Health has not yet begun providing that information so it remains unclear how many of Molokai’s cases are active.

Last week, Gov. David Ige signed a proclamation extending the COVID-19 emergency period through Oct. 31, leaving in place the 14-day mandatory quarantine requirement for both out of state and interisland travelers. However, beginning Oct. 15, a pre-travel testing option will allow out of state travelers an alternative to the mandatory 14-day quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to travel to Hawaii.…

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Molokai School Meal Changes

Wednesday, September 16th, 2020

DOE News Release

This is an announcement about precautions being taken due to a positive COVID-19 case involving a Molokai High School employee. The affected employee was last on the Molokai High School campus on Friday, Sept. 4, and had minimal interaction with staff and no interaction with students. Any impacted areas were professionally cleaned and disinfected over the weekend.

The case had the potential to indirectly affect meal service at multiple campuses.

We extend a sincere mahalo to Rep. Lynn DeCoite for her kokua in securing an alternative provider for student meals during this temporary period. This will allow for uninterrupted grab-and-go meal service for our students.…

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