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Add your commentPoor Stewardship Jeopardizes the Survival of the Molokai Irrigation System
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.
Molokai’s Abbey Mayer Appointed State Director of Planning
“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.
Water Restrictions on Molokai
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.
Tutu Talk
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.”
UPC Wind Will Address Governor’s Council on Molokai
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.
Young Brothers Seeking Barge Schedule Change
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.
Governor Lingle Releases Funds for Kalaupapa Harbor Facility Repairs
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.
“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.
1500 new homes on the West End?
An attempt to get enough votes to stop subdivision of existing Kaluako`i land parcels has been abandoned by the West Moloka'i Association. This is a huge issue for Molokai and it's potential impact can not be underestimated. Without a prohibition on further subdivision, Maui County zoning rules could allow for up to 1500 additional homes to be built in the Kaluako`i area. One property owner on the west end has already exercised the provision to subdivide by dividing a single beach front lot into two lots and is now attempting to sell one of the two lots at a profit of $1,360,000.
In the voting process, 65% of the landowners on the west end voted against subdivision, thus demonstrating that the majority of residents on the west end recognize the potential future harm that extensive subdivision would create, however in order to mandate a new CC&R preventing subdivision, a super majority of 75% would have been required. Despite the efforts of the West Molokai Association and the west end community, this percentage was unattainable.
Maui Economic Opportunity – Struggling for Shelter in Maui County
An Affordable Rental Forum
Wailuku, Maui (April 12, 2007) Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) will hold an Affordable Rental Forum on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at the MEO Classrooms at 99 Mahalani Street, Wailuku. Registration starts at 8:00 am with the forum beginning at 8:30 am and it will end by 1:00 pm. Lunch will be served for this free forum and it is open to the entire community. Seating is limited and interested participants are asked to contact Kai or May at 249-2990 by April 26, 2007 to pre-register for this event.
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