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Government

Lawmakers Plan Wind Talks on Molokai

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Sen. Mike Gabbard and at least two other legislators will visit Molokai Nov. 2 to discuss the so-called “Big Wind” project with local residents, the senator confirmed today.

Gabbard, who chairs the Senate Energy/Environment Committee, is leading the visit with Sen. Kalani English and Rep. Denny Coffman. Rep. Mele Carroll may also attend.

The legislators are finalizing plans to hold listening sessions with various groups on the island, including people who might be for or against industrial wind farms on Molokai and Lanai, between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. They plan to visit Lanai Nov. 3.

Residents interested in scheduling a session may call Gabbard’s office at 808-586-6830.

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DLNR Listens Up

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

DLNR Listens Up

Molokai residents brought a bag full of suggestions and concerns to a visit from the head of one of the largest branches of the state government – the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). From discussions about protecting subsistence lifestyles to management of wind, water and other resources, DLNR Chairperson William “Bill” Aila interacted with residents for nearly two hours during his first visit to Molokai. 

Aila, who was appointed DLNR chairperson by Gov. Abercrombie in November 2010, talked story with local residents as part of a statewide series. The meeting was unusual because Aila’s visit was not to address a particular project or issue, but instead simply to listen. The gesture was appreciated by Molokai residents, who repeatedly thanked him for his effort and openness.

a lot more significant” than on other islands, Aila said after the meeting.

Other issues included allowing residents to restore exposed graves in Mana`e, which Aila said he would directly address with the Burial Council during a return visit he’s planning in November; fixing the water supply so that new water meters may be allowed in East Molokai; supporting the Molokai Invasive Species Committee and Plant Extinction Prevention Program; removing asbestos from the old Coast Guard stations at Ilio Point; and formalizing DLNR outreach with `Aha Ki`ole.

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OHA Announces Search for New CEO

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

With anticipation and sadness, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees announces today it will begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). OHA’s current CEO, Clyde Namu`o, will be leaving OHA on December 30, 2011. The process to initiate a search for a new CEO is anticipated to unfold over the course of the next three to five months.

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Reclaiming Hawaiian Lands

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Submitted by Duke Kalipi on behalf of the Lawful Hawaiian Government

In July, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 1520 into law, becoming Act 195. This act is the prelude to the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, also known as the Akaka Bill. We believe its true intent is to have the Hawaiian people agree to give up their rightful claim to their national lands, identified by the U.S. government as ceded lands. These are the lands of the former Hawaiian Kingdom – government, crown and public acreage.

“Although the Statehood Act retroceded these lands to the State of Hawaii, nearly 400,000 acres of what was originally Hawaiian government lands are still owned by the U.S. government,” according to a report from Sen. Dan Inouye in Dateline Washington from 1972.

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DLNR Listening Session on Molokai Friday, Oct. 7

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is visiting Molokai to conduct a Listening Session on Friday, Oct. 7.  The DLNR Chairperson William J. Aila, Jr., First Deputy Guy H. Kaulukukui, and Water Deputy Bill M. Tam from Honolulu, is visiting Molokai to hear community comments, questions and concerns regarding topics under the Department’s jurisdiction.  This is part of a series of DLNR Listening Sessions to be conducted statewide.

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Kalaupapa Residents Defend Post Office

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Kalaupapa Residents Defend Post Office

More than half of Kalaupapa’s 100 residents turned out in support of their tiny post office last week, when United States Postal Service (USPS) representatives visited the settlement to discuss its potential closure.

The post office is one of four in the state and nearly 4,000 nationwide targeted for review as the USPS faces an unprecedented financial crisis. USPS is currently gathering community feedback and financial information for all post offices under consideration.

think a survey would have answered.”

“There was added value for us to be here,” she said, adding she was “touched” by the strong turnout.

The public now has until the end of the month to mail comments to USPS. Letters, which must be postmarked by Sept. 30, may be mailed to CSDC Manager, US Postal Service, 3600 Aolele St., Honolulu, HI 96820.

Once a local review team develops a proposal for action, it must be posted for 60 days for additional comments before being sent to Nascimento for approval, who may send it to the USPS Vice President of Delivery and Post Office Operations for the final decision. That determination will be posted for 30 days, at which time customers may appeal the decision to the Postal Regulatory Commission.

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Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Get ready to vote – and this time, instead of casting a ballot for the a U.S. government official, you can have a say in the future of the Reinstated Hawaiian Nation.

On Molokai, the Nation has been holding weekly classes to educate the community on the history of the lawful kingdom and how the public can get involved – particularly by voting in the upcoming elections on Nov. 5. Registration ends Sept. 30, though those who register after that will be counted in an unofficial vote, according to kupuna Moke Kim.

Anyone can vote, even if you are not a citizen of the nation or a Native Hawaiian.

“We need a little kokua for elections to see if people are willing to help and [contribute their] mana`o,” said Duke Kalipi, representative for the Molokai district – one of 24 districts in the reinstated nation.

In 1893, under Queen Liliuokalani’s rule, the Hawaiian government was overthrown and went into “vacation” rather than fighting for the cause and losing lives, according to Kim, who helps teach weekly classes on the Nation The Hawaiian government was in exile until it was reinstated in 1999.

Since then, the government has been active, with nine registered “nationals” on Molokai. Statewide citizenship of the Nation has reached about 400 nationals, with another 7,000 citizenship applications in process.

Classes are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center and serve as a starting point for those interested in becoming citizens of the nation.

“One of the best ways to learn is to participate and ask questions,” said Kim.

“We’ve been here long enough to see…laws closing in,” said one attendee last week, referencing hunting and land tax laws under the Hawaii state government. “The pressure for us locals is getting bad.”

Kim taught the nearly 20 participants in last week’s class about the divine or God-given inherent right to sovereignty.

“We are all ali`i,” he said. “Is it our right? You bet!” he added, pointing to the chalk-written words “divine rights” on the blackboard. “We should all grow up teaching our children to be ali`i.”

In exercising that divine right on Nov. 5, voters will be casting their ballots on who they believe should be the next prime minister of the nation, and Molokai representative and noble.

“We want people to know that they have options,” said Henry French, filling the current Molokai seat in the House of Nobles.

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DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Returning from the brink of survival last year after proposed Department of Human Services (DHS) cuts were vetoed, the DHS eligibility office on Molokai is now expanding its staff to handle a hefty case load. A recent visit by Rep. John Mizuno and DHS Deputy Director Panjit Bhanot bolstered the confidence of DHS Molokai employees, who say a new administration has made the difference between night and day. 

“We were drowning, but we see the light now…” said Molokai eligibility worker Krisha Sahagun.

Bridget Mowat, Molokai supervisor, said she and each of her three employees currently handle up to 600 case loads each, due to lack of staffing and taking on Lanai’s cases after their DHS worker left in June.

“Luckily I have a really good team,” Mowat said.

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Services Commended

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Services Commended

Community Contributed by Gladys Brown

The 19th Annual Molokai Employee Recognition Luncheon was held at the Mitchell Pauole Center on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. It was opened by emcee Ella Alcon. Welcome remarks by Mayor Alan Arakawa included current benefits for Maui County workers and Council Chair Danny Mateo offered his greetings to all attendees also.

The awards presentation by the mayor included service anniversary awards for 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service. Three retirees were given certificates: Timothy Meyer, Sr. Miller Maioho, and Adelina Cera. Twelve employees were given perfect attendance awards.

The highlight of the luncheon was the recognition of the Molokai Employee of the Year. A plaque was presented to Stafford Caparida, Police Officer II, of the Molokai Police Department. Stafford was cited for his conduct of the narcotic investigation on the island. He was active and vigilant in pursing activities resulting in seizure of narcotics, contraband and monies. He is active in community projects in his free time. Lt. Clyde Holokai was there to congratulate him. Stafford’s name will be entered on the perpetual plaque listing former winners from Molokai.

Donna Evans, human resources technician of the Maui Department of Personnel Services, coordinated the morning activities. Also present were members of the Mayor’s department.

 

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Money Matters

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Money Matters

Continue funding the MEO bus, several Molokai residents and educators told Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa last week.

Arakawa visited Molokai last Thursday to host a ceremony honoring county employees in the morning, his “County on Your Corner” open community discussion in the afternoon and a community budget meeting with representatives of his cabinet that night.

During the latter, residents and workers showed their support for many of the island’s county-run programs, thanking the mayor and his cabinet for current funding and requesting it continue during the 2013 fiscal year. The MEO bus, many said, is a vital part of the success of other on-island programs.

“Losing [the MEO bus] would greatly diminish our effectiveness” in reaching students through after-school programs, Molokai Middle School Principal Gary Davidson said in a prepared speech read by a student.

Kupono McPherson of Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool said the school “lives off of [the MEO bus system]” and without their service, “we don’t really exist,” while a message submitted by Molokai High School Athletic Director Camie Kimball said that “without MEO, many of our students would not be able to participate” in school sports.

Linda Liddell, a disabled person who uses an electric wheelchair and sits on the Maui County Commission on Persons with Disabilities, also said she depends on MEO for transportation.

After the meeting, Arakawa said he was interested in addressing concerns that the public bus system be as efficient as possible in its schedule.

In addition to MEO transportation, residents expressed support for a wide variety of local operations, including the Molokai Youth Center, Ka Hale Pomaikai substance abuse treatment center and the Kuha`o Business Center. Under the guidance of Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo, the center has helped more than 120 businesses open their doors, said Malia Akutagawa.
 
A budget plan will be presented to the Maui County Council in March 2012, Arakawa said, and the council will finalize it by mid-June that year.

County on Your Corner
Community members also had the chance to speak with Mayor Arakawa on Sept. 22 during his “County on your Corner” open forum. Residents expressed mana`o on several issues that need county support, including the Molokai Humane Society, 4-H and the Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance. I Aloha Molokai also expressed concerns of future wind turbines on Molokai.

 

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