Molokai Water And Sewer Problems
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Political
2 CommentsMolokai Water Wars part two
By The Hemowai Brothers
In the last issue we talked about how water problems brought down Molokai Ranch, and the problems Maui County now faces with their salty wells. We ended with the water problems Monsanto faces with the limited water supply for Ag use in the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS), which was built to satisfy the needs of Molokai Homesteaders.
It appears Monsanto is ready to buy the surface water system from Molokai Ranch. This system includes water catchment dams, pipes, reservoirs and water tanks. This system takes water from seven of our mountain streams, from Kalamaula to Kawela. The water goes from central Molokai to west Molokai using some twenty miles of pipes, on an island only thirty-seven miles long.
The problem is that Molokai Ranch may own the system, but the water belongs to the public. Molokai Ranch does not own the water, the water is a public trust, held by the State for all the people of Hawaii. Water is managed by the State Water Commission, and water sales, are regulated by the State Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The Ranch cannot sell something they do not own.
A petition to designate Molokai a Surface Water Management Area (SWMA) has been before the State Water Commission for some 13 years now, since 1995. Now that Molokai Ranch has decided to shut down its operations, it is time to insist action be taken by the State on this long over due petition and for an in stream flow standards (IFS), which was asked for in 1992.
State Laws insure that perennial streams are flowing at all times, from mauka to makai. An interim flow standard was set for all streams on Molokai in 1988, which was based on no scientific data collection. The state must now set IFS, as required by law for our streams in order to protect the life of these streams and the things living in the streams. Average base flow of our streams in our state has gone from 10cfs to 6cfs within the last 88 years.
Lack of Water is a big problem on our Island of Molokai, because we insist on living on the dry side of our Island. We need to be very careful how and who gets to use this precious limited resource
Monsanto needs to think twice before they try to buy something they cannot own, the mountains are the home of our gods, and the streams belong to all of us.
These same water wars are going on in Maui, type in Hemowai.tv and Click on to Maui Water Wars.
A Call to Molokai to Shape Our Future
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The document Molokai: Future of a Hawaiian Island proposes a starting point for a balanced movement toward future change. Because this plan is not set in stone it does not require a YES or NO vote and is not something for you to accept or reject. It is simply a foundation to build upon. The subtitle of the document "I ka wa ma mua, ka wa ma hope," tells us that our direction for the future can build upon wisdom from our past. This document incorporates mana'o from many Molokai community plans written over a period of thirty years and also includes new and innovative visions for Molokai. It draws on the mana'o of everyone from young elementary children to our cherished kupuna—some of whom are no longer with us but whose knowledge lives on—and it invites additional mana'o from everyone in this community.
A healthy plan must be a living document open to modification. With your input and kokua, we hope this document will evolve into a balanced blueprint for our community's future. We may not all agree on every aspect of planning, but all sections of the plan encourage further research, idea building, and community discussion so we can collectively determine acceptable options and best courses of action. This document does not claim to have all the answers, but this document does open a dialogue to ask two crucial questions: what do we value? And what do we want for our island?
Each of us has a stake in this community and each of us has things we love about Molokai, things we want to be preserved for future generations, whether it's our everybody-knows-everybody community of 'ohana and neighbors who kokua each other, our rural lifestyle, or our clean beaches where we can fish, swim and surf. Each of us can also name positive changes we'd like to see, such as more sustainable jobs for our people, enriched education systems, and a restored and abundant 'aina.
Now is the time to look within and think about what you value and what you want for the future. This plan can help you begin that process. Please read it, get out your pens, and mark it up with your own comments. This document is not only relevant for those who worked on it or those who speak out at community meetings; this document is for every Molokai resident from opio to makua to kupuna.
Stay tuned for upcoming community meetings where you can voice your input on the plan in an open and positive environment. With your help this initial vision can evolve into a truly workable plan for a better Molokai. The strength of Molokai's future depends on our ability to unite as a community and to take an active and pono role in shaping our future. I MUA KAKOU. EO MOLOKAI NUI A HINA.
The Valley of Sufficient Life
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“How can you know if you do not ask, if you are not from here,” he says with his heart.
Some malama Halawa as families once did, but the rainforest of today has conquered the lo`i of yesterday. Nature and man have changed the `aina, but the story Pilipo tells has not changed, passed down from countless generations of Halawa kupuna.
He says, things are not secret, they are sacred. Pilipo’s ultimate message is respect – to care for the valley he believes one must know what it was before and to understand the ultimate sense of place. Nana i ke Kumu, “seek the source.”
His tutu kane, David Kapuwai Akina, once told him to share the mo`olelo of Halawa, so people can know and respect where they live and where they are.
“When?” Pilipo asked.
“When you feel it, burning in your soul – that is me, and you know the time is right,” was the message his tutu kane left.
Pilipo may not be here tomorrow. He is one of the last of the unbroken generations of Halawa farmers still in the valley. He asks all to look at Halawa as a whole, spiritual and physical, to obtain a greater sense of place. Mana is found in the knowledge and respect of the ahupua`a.
The sun has journeyed across the valley once more, and as it readies for sleep behind the Western cliffs, shadows cast from the dominating forest grow long. The mo`olelo is there, hidden by the forest but not darkened by the shadows.
“Feel the spirit of Halawa and the ancestors that gave it life,” he asks. “The kupuna of Halawa are alive; like Haloa, they are everywhere.”
Pilipo Solatario is a master storyteller and a Kumu of the Halawa mo`olelo. After many years as the cultural director of Molokai Ranch he has returned to his birthplace. Blow the pu, Pilipo makes time to talk story to all who inquire.
“I speak to educate so all who listen can respect, otherwise our people will be overgrown like the Halawa of today.” This is Pilipo’s hope. This is Pilipo’s message.
The Binding of Past and Present
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Aunty Vanda Hanakahi believes the ahupua`a of Pala`au will be the first on Molokai to re-implement the ancient management system of `aha kiole.
Molokai’s ancient resource management system is reborn.
By Brandon Roberts
Molokai’s historic bounty is sleeping, awaiting its awakening. Once the fertile land, (Molokai he `aina momona no), groves were planted to hold the soil and summon the rains and vegetation was not forced to survive where it was not happy. Each ahupua`a (traditional land division) had its own resources that inhabitants took responsibility of. Thus the `Aha Kiole, a people’s council founded on resource management, was born in the Eighth Century by Paepaeko`a Kuhuna `Umoumou.
The Hawaiians of old understood their kuleana to the `aina, which requires both the physical and the spiritual. The late Kumu John Ka`imikaua said pono was a spiritual balance in all things, it is lived – it is seen not in words, but in actions, in results. Molokai was said to have thrived as a result of pono.
Many of today’s island residents believe the Western system of governance is depleting and destroying what is left of Molokai’s resources. However, the `Aha Kiole was formed to act as a consultant to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), blending native Hawaiian knowledge and protocol into resource management.
The chain of `ike (knowledge) has not been broken - Aunty Vanda Hanakahi is a Molokai kupuna whose roots hold firm in the mo`olelo of Molokai. She was chosen to represent the “Last Hawaiian Island”, and is the chair woman of the `Aha Kiole formed by Act 212, which was introduced by Molokai’s Representative Mele Carroll.
The DLNR is looking to turn the tide by implementing Hawaiian tradition into Western bureaucracy.
There is deep symbolic meaning to the `Aha Kiole, like much of the Hawaiian language and culture. In a community meeting held at Kulana `Oiwi on June 5, Kumu Ka`imikaua explained on video the birth of the `Aha Kiole on Molokai.
An aho is a single strand of material, and many aho are woven together to form one strong chord. Each aho represents a specialist: for example, a lawai`a (fisherman), a mahi`ai (farmer), a konohiki (caretaker of the land). It is this type of binding that is called `aha.
The second part of the term, kiole, refers to the schools of fish hatchlings that used to darken the waters on Molokai’s southern shores. The kiole became a symbol for the island’s dense population, and from these symbolic references, the `Aha Kiole was born.
Kumu Ka`imikaua said one purpose of the `Aha Kiole was to prepare the land spiritually so it could thrive physically.
Aunty Vanda said the traditional governance is an inclusive effort to malama Molokai resources. She said the ancient chants “tell us what was here”, and that is the starting point to return the land to pono.
Mac Poepoe has rejuvenated Mo`omomi in accordance to the ancient `ike, which is now a model for rehabilitation and best practices according to Aunty Vanda.
Poepoe said that teaching begins in the `ohana, and that actions will speak. “If you let someone take care, you need to teach them. The `opio have to be taught to be a part of the group to malama.” He recommends setting priorities and working them out one by one.
Impending Change
DLNR biologist Bill Puleloa said the agency often “fails to recognize the human element.” He told meeting attendees the community needs to organize quickly as the `Aha Kiole will sunset in June 2009, and the DLNR is making management decisions without their input. He warned Molokai of an impending fishing regulation that will limit bag size as well as minimum fish size.
Puleloa said the DLNR is looking to incorporate and accommodate the community and the `Aha Kiole is the vehicle to do so. “We will not make rules and regulations that the people don’t want.”
Homesteader Walter Ritte said now is the time to take back the management of our resources. “Take this opportunity, we may not have another. The harder we work to get people involved, the more control we will have.”
The `Aha Kiole timeline states a draft report for the next legislative session will be up for public review and comment by August. The revised report will then be submitted in December, 20 days prior to the 2009 legislature. Aunty Vanda said Pala`au may be the area where the `Aha Kiole can malama Molokai.
Aunty Vanda concluded the meeting by introducing members of Kumu Ka`imikaua’s Halau Hula O Kukunaokala who shared the prophecy of the Lepo Popolo given at the Paku`i Heiau in Mana`e. She explained that the people shall rise up like the crest of a wave. “We are here to stay; we will build our `Aha Ki`ole.”
For further information, contact Aunty Vanda here on Molokai at (808) 560-6203 or email her at hanakahi@sandwichisles.net.
Tide Turning for Molokai Water
Molokai Properties Limited fails in attempt to abandon water responsibilities.
By Jennifer Smith
State and county lawmakers are frantically trying to pick up the pieces after Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) announced it would abandon company-wide water and sewer operations by the end of August. The news has left 1,200 west Molokai customers worried about the possibility of losing water.
“The immediate worry is that it’s hard to get by without water. If they cutoff water, the (government) would have to declare a state of emergency,” said west end resident Gerry Anderson. “It would be an absolute disaster.”
But the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) released a statement on Thursday ordering MPL not to abandon its water utility services on Molokai.
Rising Oil is Sinking Transportation
Jung and fellow intracounty operator Steve Knight of the Expeditions ferry are asking the state public utilities commission for permission to raise rates.
Young Brothers
Young Brothers, Limited will increase its Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) to 4.22 percent from 2.78 percent, as of June 3. The increase was initiated in response to fuel prices that have risen almost 44 percent since Young Brothers’ last fuel adjustment in March.
“Three months ago, diesel was at $2.90 a gallon; now it’s at $4.17. The rapid spike in fuel prices is driving the FPA; however, because the adjustment reflects the average fuel costs for the previous three-month period, it does not reflect the current cost of fuel,” said Roy Catalani, vice president of Strategic Planning and Governmental Relations for Young Brothers in a press release.
The 4.22 percent FPA will potentially add about 2 cents to the cost of shipping a 24-package case of saimin (shipped on a pallet of 90 cases) and about 1.5 cents to the cost of shipping a case of 24 cans of juice (shipped on a pallet of 110 cases).
Young Brothers, Limited provides inter-island cargo service throughout the State of Hawaii. For more information visit Young Brothers at www.youngbrothershawaii.com.
Plans a Plenty
Molokai readies for new guidelines.By Brandon Roberts
Governing guidance is gearing up on Molokai and in Maui County. The next generation of plans which will incorporate water, development, sustainability, and conservation are on the drawing board.
Several strategic committees, filled with community and county figures, have formed to further discussions on how to preserve Molokai from mauka to makai. Last Tuesday kicked off a week of planning meetings with the Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP) at Kulana `Oiwi, and the Molokai Planning Commission (MoPC), along with the General Plan Advisory Council (GPAC) kept the Mitchell Pauole Center abuzz on Wednesday.
WUDP
Molokai Water Wars
By the Hemowai BrothersMolokai Ranch, ran by Molokai Properties Limited (MPL), had to shut down because of many water issues such as the State Supreme Court ruling that they had no permit for drinking water from Well 17, which supplies all of West Molokai. The courts also ruled against the Ranch in their bid to get a permit for their new Waiola Well. The State Attorney General said MPL had to get off the Homesteader’s Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) because they had no Environmental Impact Statement. The county passed a new ordinance requiring a developer to prove water availability before being permitted to develop.
Maui County has to find other water sources east of Kaunakakai because its wells are going salty, like that of Kawela and the Ualapue Well. How far east do they have to go?
Molokai Represents
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District 13 Democratic delegates Lynn DeCoite, Danny Mateo, Beverly Pauole-Moore and Lawrence Joao
An insider’s look at the Hawaii Democratic Convention.
An editorial by Brandon Roberts
As we stepped into the Hilton Convention Center, a wave of Democratic excitementwashed over us. We felt official, important – knowing that our weekend was one of change. We were to shape the blue team, mold the future of the party platform, and vote our conscience.
I had the honor, by default mind you, of attending the Hawaii Democratic Convention as a Molokai Delegate over Memorial weekend. Aunty Beverly Pauole-Moore and Aunty Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo made me their hanai for the weekend. We were there for Molokai, we were there for Barack Obama.
We were not the only ones there to support Obama. By the convention’s close the presidential hopeful would collect three more superdelegate votes and carry 21 of Hawaii’s 29 pledged delegates to the national convention.
“Maui County will have great representation at the Democratic National Convention,” Pauole-Moore said with a beaming smile.
District 13, which consists of Molokai, Lanai, and East Maui, had some of the highest Obama support in the nation with 85 percent. The unprecedented turn out broke records, leading many to believe the democratic philosophy is best for the Hawaiian Islands.
Senator Kalani English had nothing but pride for the Friendly Isle delegates, “they always represent, and Molokai never ceases to amaze me.”
And Molokai definitely represented – bringing 10 spirited delegates, the only island with 100 percent delegate representation, as well as one of the youngest delegates in attendance, 19-year-old Caroline Kahue.
The lack of `opio surprised me though. Obama has a connection with the country’s youth, registering 30,000 new voters in Hawaii alone. I do not mean any disrespect; however, the youth need to get involved, and the party leadership needs to reach out and nominate more `opio. They need to prepare us because it will soon be our turn to lead.
Nearly 1,000 Hawaii Democratic delegates took a step in this direction by electing 35-year-old Brian Shatz as the new party chair. Pauole-Ahakuelo said the election of Shatz was one of her convention highlights. Reflecting on her experience, she said she has not seen enthusiasm like this for a long time. “Everyone was just so hyped, pumped up, and we all came together to get a Democrat in the office.”
Molokai Veteran and delegate Larry Helm, has always been an independent, but believed in Obama’s message and potential early on. He has dropped the “I” and adorned a “D,” this election year. “The recipe the country is following is wrong, we need to consider a way that is equal, we need change.”
One of the most exuberant Molokai delegates was Lawrence Joao. He has attended four other democratic conventions and could not hide his Obama support. Jaoa, along with the Molokai Democrats, participated in an Obama parade, holding his sign high and chanting “Yes we can!”
Pauole-Moore is the president of the Kaunakakai Democrats, and organized the Molokai delegates. She shared the privilege with Councilman Danny Mateo of presenting convention attendees with a memorial on the life of dedicated Democratic Party member, Wilma Grambusch, who passed away in April.
“She was my mentor, and welcomed me into the Democratic Party,” Pauole-Moore said. “On Molokai, Grambusch and party politics are synonymous. She was a mover and shaker.”
“Grambusch was the Democratic Party of Hawaii,” Mateo said. “It is such an honor to have the state acknowledging one of our own.”
Mateo believes the Democrats are rebuilding, but he said “the interest is there, and this convention will catapult us into the future.”
Molokai’s 2008 Democratic delegate team was Pauole-Moore, Pauole-Ahakuelo, Joao, Helm, Lynn DeCoite, Rosie Davis, Walter Ritte, Kulia Peters, Kahue, and I.
The next step is the August Democratic national convention in Denver, and Molokai – look forward to more Democratic events here on Molokai as the campaign season continues to heat up.
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