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News Releases

Releases that pertain to the Molokai and Hawaiian communities.

Molokai Ranch Shutting Down

Monday, March 24th, 2008

Molokai Ranch to Layoff 120 Employees 

Molokai Properties Limited is to shutdown its operations on Molokai at the end of March.

The Company will lay-off more than 120 staff on the island over the following 60 days.

Company CEO Peter Nicholas said that staff had been advised of the company’s position at employee meetings on Molokai and in Honolulu today.

He said that MPL (better known as Molokai Ranch) intends to “mothball” the company’s assets on its 60,000+ acre property on Molokai.

“The decision is purely a business one,” said Mr. Nicholas.

“For the past five years MPL has been working with Molokai community leaders and community members on developing and implementing a Master Plan for MPL’s property and the future of Molokai.

“Unacceptable delays caused by continued opposition to every aspect of the Master Plan means we are unable to fund continued normal company operations,” he said.

Operations to be shut will be the Molokai Lodge, the Kaupoa Beach Village, the Kaluakoi Golf Course, the Maunaloa gas station, the Maunaloa Tri-Flex theatre, cattle-rearing, and the company’s substantial maintenance
operations.

As well as shutting these operations, MPL will close all access to its property indefinitely, said Mr. Nicholas. “We deeply regret to have taken this step as the main impact will be on our loyal employees,” he said.

“This will also be a bitter blow to Plan supporters, whose main interests in supporting the Master Plan have been a sustained economic future for Molokai.

“However, as we have mentioned on many occasions, without the prospect of an economic future for the company that results from the implementation of all facets of the Master Plan, we are unable to continue to bear large losses from continuing these operations,” he said.

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Violin Virtuoso

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

 


One of the best violinists in the world will be performing a free concert on Molokai. This event will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at The Mitchell Pauole Center

Eugene Fodor is a violin virtuoso who has traveled the globe sharing his musical genius. During the past three decades, he has won awards, and played for thousands, including international leaders.

Come experience this unique event and catch a glimpse into the wonders of the violin. Mahalo nui to Molokai Parks and Rec. and Maui County for this free event. For further information call (808) 553-5775.

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Molokai Minute – March 2, 2008

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

 
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Poor Stewardship Jeopardizes the Survival of the Molokai Irrigation System

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

State audit slams the Department of Agriculture for mismanaging farmers’ water system.
The following is an excerpt from a report to the governor and legislature of the State of Hawaii. The entire report, published this month, can be found at: http://www.state.hi.us/auditor/Reports/2008/08-03.pdf

We conducted this audit in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 176, of the 2007 legislative session. The Molokai Irrigation System provides about 1.4 billion gallons of water annually to its users. Construction was started in 1957 to bring water from the eastern end of Molokai to the central farming areas as part of a federal and state commitment to native Hawaiian homesteaders. The system consists of collection dams and deep wells; a transmission tunnel, pipes, and flume; a reservoir; and distribution pipes to customers. Among the customers is the Molokai Ranch, via a rental agreement.

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Molokai’s Abbey Mayer Appointed State Director of Planning

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

Linda Lingle has appointed Abbey Mayer, a community-based planner on Molokai, to serve as director of the state Office of Planning. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

“Abbey has a strong background in strategic, long-range, community-based planning and he understands the importance of balancing economic growth and development with protecting our natural and cultural resources,” said Gov. Lingle.

Both Lingle and Mayer support Molokai Properties Limited’s (MPL) controversial plan to develop La`au Point. The millionaire’s subdivision recently took a big step backward when the Land Use Commission showed signs of not accepting the MPL’s Environmental Impact Statement.

If confirmed, Mayer will oversee the Office of Planning which represents the state in hearings before the Land Use Commission.

“I am extremely excited about working with Gov. Lingle,” said Mayer. “I am honored to be entrusted with such great responsibility and I thank the governor for her confidence in my abilities in these matters.”

Mayer is currently the executive director for Ke Aupuni Lokahi, the Molokai Enterprise Community. According to the EC, Ke Aupuni Lokahi is the planned recipient of 1,100 developable acres as well as payouts of up to $10 million dollars from MPL should the La`au development go through.

Prior to joining the MEC in 2006, Mayer was executive director and plant manager for the Molokai Livestock Cooperative. In this capacity, he managed and oversaw the financial and operational responsibilities for the cooperative, including developing a comprehensive business plan for the revitalization of the cattle industry on Molokai.

Mayer previously was the resident manager and contractor for the Eddy Foundation, Black Kettle Farm, a private land trust in Essex, New York. He also served as foreman and brokerage manager for Dutch Wharf Boat Yard and Marina in Branford, Conn.

A graduate of Yale University, Mayer recently completed the Executive Accounting Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Mayer replaces Laura H. Thielen, who was confirmed as director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. He starts his new position on Feb. 20.

 

Excerpts of this story are from a press release via Russell Pang, the Chief of Media Relations for the Office of the Governor.

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Water Restrictions on Molokai

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

On Molokai, water restrictions are in effect for Kalama’ula, Kipu, and Kalae due to a booster pump failure in Kualapu’u. Crews are working on the motor; however, it is unknown when service will be restored. By using water for health and safety purposes only, the supply available in the storage tank may be extended.

Customers are requested to call the 24-hour service line (270-7633 on Maui or 553-3531 on Molokai) only if a water problem occurs.

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Tutu Talk

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Teaching Young Children:  Kuleana-responsibility; ownership or authority for

It is important for our children to understand their role in the success of each of our families.  Giving children kuleana over tasks that serve to benefit themselves or those around them helps to build their self esteem.  Kuleana also serves to encourage positive self worth and empathy for others.  Explain to your child how important their contribution is to the overall happiness and success of your family.

  

Try this at home:

            Set good examples

            Give your child chores to do at home like setting the table, folding clothes, or putting away toys

            Do simple activities with your child such as baking cookies, mixing poi, or stringing a lei.  Praise him/her for             his/her efforts and contributions everyday.

Remember:  Understanding the kuleana within our own families helps us to further understand how important we are to our community and the world around us.

 

“Nathan & Kamakana are learning kuleana through play.  Play is work and work is play.”

 
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UPC Wind Will Address Governor’s Council on Molokai

Friday, October 5th, 2007

Noelani Kalipi, director of government and community relations for UPC Hawai‘i Wind Partners, will brief the council on the company’s wind farm proposal for Molokai as part of an effort to decrease Hawai‘i’s reliance on fossil fuels by increasing wind energy generation.  UPC Hawai‘i Wind developed and operates Hawai‘i’s largest utility-scale wind farm, Kaheawa Wind Power on Maui, which supplies power to Maui Electric Company.

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Molokai Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings on the third Tuesday of each month to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues on Molokai.  The council also recommends potential nominees for state boards and commissions.

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Young Brothers Seeking Barge Schedule Change

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007

Schedule change could make it harder to get fresh food.

Young Brothers Ltd. said it applied to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission for approval to change the schedule of one of its two weekly trips to Molokai.

The barge company wants to change its Monday night stopovers to Tuesday night. Currently, the first barge of the week departs Honolulu on Sunday, stops Monday morning on Maui and then at night on Molokai.

Under the new proposal, cargo would arrive Tuesday nights on Molokai, and would be available Wednesday mornings for pick up.

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Governor Lingle Releases Funds for Kalaupapa Harbor Facility Repairs

Friday, August 24th, 2007

HONOLULU – Emergency repairs to the bulkhead wall at the Kalaupapa Harbor facility on Moloka‘i began earlier this month as the first phase of improvements to the harbor. Governor Linda Lingle has released $595,000 for these repairs.

The Department of Health (DOH), which oversees medical and facility operations at the Kalaupapa Settlement, found that the deterioration of the wall was accelerating and it may not survive another season of winter waves. The wall protects a historic warehouse located at the edge of the harbor.

The Kalaupapa Harbor was built in 1967 by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Forty-one DOH employees, 30 Kalaupapa residents, 42 National Park Service employees and three state Department of Transportation employees who live in Kalaupapa rely on the delivery of supplies, including gasoline, heavy equipment, motor vehicles, bulk supplies and general merchandise that are shipped twice a year to the settlement.

“Kalaupapa is not only home to 30 residents, but also serves as a place for educating residents and visitors,” said Governor Lingle. “Repairing the bulkhead wall will ensure that crucial deliveries can continue to the Kalaupapa Settlement, one of the most important cultural and historic sites in our state.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed in September 2007.

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