News Releases

New water lines for Kualapu`u School

Saturday, November 11th, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $201,124 for improvements to the water lines at Kualapu`u Elementary School on Molokai, including replacing aging deteriorated lines.

A recent water line break at Kualapu`u has exacerbated the school’s water pressure problems, prompting this project to commence ahead of schedule.

The funds released by the Governor will be used to design the water line replacement project. The total project is estimated to cost $2,201,124. The Department of Education expects to begin the design phase in January 2007, and construction is scheduled to start in the fall of next year.

Local prduce designated as “Fine and Fresh”

Sunday, November 5th, 2006

Thanks to a new marketing program residents and visitors will soon find it much easier to buy local when shopping for fresh produce. A new triangular green “Fine and Fresh” logo will identify fruits, vegetables, flowers and other farm products that are grown here on Molokai or on Maui.

The program, developed by Maui County, Molokai Chamber of Commerce, Molokai Farm Bureau and other local partnerships, is not only designed to help consumers, it also acknowledges retailers who buy, sell and promote local growers. Most importantly, the program is aimed at increasing sales and developing new markets for local farmers.

“We are delighted this is a countywide program that can make a difference to our economy on Molokai,” said Barbara Haliniak, President of the Molokai Chamber of Commerce. “We’re looking forward to gaining more exposure for the products we grow on Molokai both for our local population and for sale on the other islands.”

Besides a campaign of signs, banners, and logo usage, a new, continuously maintained web site, www.mauicountyfinefresh.net, has been created to be used as a major information source by the community, visitors, food stores, farmers markets and restaurants. The site features a farm product source guide that lists farmers, the produce they grow and seasons when the various crops will be available. A group of nearly 20 farmers from Maui and Molokai already appear on the site.

All farmers in Maui County are eligible to sign up for free for the Fine and Fresh program by filling out the “how guide” on the web site at mauicountyfinefresh.net or by calling 808-270-7203. Food stores and restaurants interested in participating should call the same number.

Molokai EC documents community involvement in the Community-Based Master Land Use Plan for Molokai Ranch

Tuesday, October 24th, 2006

Kaunakakai, Hawaii, October 24, 2006 -- Ke Aupuni Lokahi, the Molokai Enterprise Community (EC) releases the following information in response to numerous public inquiries regarding the Moloka‘i community’s involvement in the formation of the Community-Based Master Land Use Plan for Molokai Ranch.

Since the establishment of the EC Project #47 for Compatible Community-Based Development in August 2003, members of the Molokai community have gathered to discuss and formulate the Community-Based Master Land Use Plan for Molokai Ranch. Throughout this community planning process, there have been numerous opportunities for public involvement, input, and review. In fact, this process is often described as the most extensive community-based planning processes ever undertaken in the State of Hawaii.

Hawaiian organizations to picket OHA & DHHL

Saturday, October 21st, 2006

LA’AU PICKET PRESS RELEASE
Hui Ho’opakele Aina along with several homestead associations will be picketing the Molokai offfices of the Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands and The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs. Picketing will begin Wed 7:00 a.m. on Oct 25 at Kulana O Iwi complex.

DHHL and OHA have turned their backs on their Hawaiian constituents and joined the Developers of a 200 million dollar beachfront development, which threatens Hawaiian cultural life style and water reserves of Molokai homesteaders.

OHA Trustee Colette Machado, and DHHL Commissioner Milton Pa have joined the Developers, to the detriment of their Hawaiian constituents, whom they have taken an oath to serve.

DHHL has refused requests to attend several public gatherings held by Molokai Homestead associations on this issue of La’au Point Development. DHHL has refused to take a position on protecting the water reserves of Molokai Homesteaders from the La’au Point Development. Commissioner Milton Pa and trustee Colette Machado have appeared in Molokai Ranch’s pubic relations video supporting the La’au Development. This development’s water needs will increase Molokai Ranch’s water consumption to three times the amount used by Molokai homesteaders.

We expect OHA to withdraw their resolution of support for the La’au Point Development, intervene in Molokai Ranches LUC application for rezoning La’au Point and provide funding for legal assistance to those other organizations who are intervening.

We expect commissioner Milton Pa to stop his public support of the La’au development and to take a stand protecting our water reserves.

We expect Micah Kane to take a position opposing this development and provide legal staff to protect the water rights of Molokai homesteaders in Molokai Ranches application to the LUC for the La’au Point Development.

We encourage voters not to vote for any OHA incumbents, all of which have signed the support resolution for the La’au Development.

Please call Walter Ritte 1 808 5580111 or cell 3360510 for more info.