Political

Molokai and Hawaii – Island Politics

False Missile Alert Causes Panic

Thursday, January 18th, 2018

False Missile Alert Causes Panic

An accidental alert warning of a ballistic missile attack sent to Hawaii cell phones last Saturday morning left residents in shock and panic. The message, sent in error by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency at 8:05 a.m., read, “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

Officials said the message was sent out as a result of human error — an employee “pushing the wrong button.”

Vern Miyagi, administrator for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said a state emergency management employee clicked the wrong message during a routine drill that happens three times a day during shift changes.…

Sen. Schatz Addressed Residents

Friday, August 25th, 2017

Sen. Schatz Addressed Residents

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz visited with Molokai residents last Tuesday during a town hall event at Kualapu`u Center, sharing news on national policy and answering questions. From North Korea to natural resource protection, the Democrat from Hawaii engaged on a wide range of topics and talked about being in politics during “an incredibly tumultuous time.” He also encouraged community members to reach out to his Hawaii staff anytime and promised they would be heard and responded to.

“I have an obligation to take care of the needs of the people across Hawaii,” said Schatz. “So even as I’m being critical of the President, or fighting climate change or working on improving our healthcare system… I also know that in the end, my job is to bring home resources for needs that we have back home… and also in the age of Trump, to stand up for what is right.”…

Town Hall with Tulsi Gabbard

Friday, April 7th, 2017

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard News Release

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be holding a statewide Town Hall Tour in April, including a visit to Molokai.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of Hawaii in Congress,” said Rep. Gabbard, who represents the people of Congressional District 2. “Our district is spread out, includes every island in the state, and is a long way from Washington, so my staff and I focus on outreach in a variety of ways to serve Hawaii’s people and keep them updated on what’s happening in our nation’s capital. At my upcoming statewide Town Hall Tour, I look forward to meeting with folks on every island, sharing a congressional update, discussing local and national issues, and answering questions.”…

Molokai’s Women’s March

Thursday, January 26th, 2017

Molokai’s Women’s March

Nearly 100 Molokai residents joined more than two million worldwide in the Women’s March movement that took place last Saturday.

Inspired by an initial initiative to march on Washington, D.C. corresponding to Donald Trump’s first full day as President, hundreds of thousands of people around the world rallied, voicing a variety of sentiments. Some marched for women’s rights, others made a statement against Trump, and still others championed equal rights for all. Though officially called the Women’s March, the event featured participants of all ages and genders. In more than 700 cities, towns and villages — in locations that included the near Arctic Circle, the Congo, France, Iceland, Israel, Mexico, Serbia, the U.K.,…

Local Election Results

Thursday, November 17th, 2016

 

This year’s General Election brought results that shook the nation, with Republican Donald Trump becoming the President elect over Hillary Clinton. Maui County’s results largely favored incumbents but saw some changes in the County Council. Molokai’s Lynn DeCoite won the District 13 State Representative race over challenger Nick Nikhilananda. For federal representation, Brian Schatz held his seat as U.S. Senator and Tulsi Gabbard remains the District II U.S. Representative. Stacy Helm Crivello remains Molokai’s County Council member, winning the election over Keani Rawlins-Fernandez. Upsets in the county council include Alika Atay sweeping incumbent Dain Kane, and Kelly King topping incumbent Don Couch.…

Rep. DeCoite Files Election Papers

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Rep. DeCoite Files Election Papers

Rep. DeCoite News Release

Last week, Representative Lynn DeCoite (D- East Maui, Molokai, Lanai) filed her papers to seek election to the District 13 seat in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, the seat she was appointed to by Governor Ige on Feb. 19, 2015 to fill the remainder of the two year term of the late Mele Carroll.

“Being appointed to represent District 13 was a tremendous honor. It has been a whirl-wind adventure; I don’t think I’ve ever been so inspired, amazed, overwhelmed, tired, and energized all at the same time- and I wouldn’t change one second of it!…

Hawaiian Election Halted, Convention Scheduled

Monday, December 21st, 2015

Following a U.S. Supreme Court order that prohibited the counting of votes in a contested Native Hawaiian election, Na`i Aupuni – the nonprofit running the election – has announced it has terminated the election process. Rather than registered voters picking 40 delegates for a convention, or `Aha, that will be held in February, Na`i Aupuni officials have said all 196 candidates will be offered a seat at the `Aha.

In late November, a Supreme Court justice issued a temporary hold on ballot counting in response to a legal challenge filed by a group that claimed it is unconstitutional to hold a racially exclusive election.…

Hawaiian Election Continues Amid Concerns

Wednesday, November 25th, 2015

A Native Hawaiian election due to close Nov. 30 is heating up as kanaka ma`oli debate the direction of self-determination and the future of over half a million Hawaiians nationwide.

Starting Nov. 1 for 30 days, nearly 90,000 Hawaiians registered with the Kana`iolowalu Native Hawaiian Roll Commission can cast their ballot for candidates in their district who would represent them at an upcoming constitutional convention of 40 delegates. The Molokai ballot has three candidates who are among more than 200 candidates statewide: Noa Emmett Aluli, Lori Buchanan and Walter Ritte. One of them will represent both Molokai and Lanai at the convention, to be held between February and April of 2016.…

Elections for Hawaiian Convention Underway

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

A historic and contested election is taking place this month for Natives Hawaiians that could help determine the direction of self-determination. Starting Nov. 1 for 30 days, about 100,000 Hawaiians registered with the Kana`iolowalu Native Hawaiian Roll Commission can cast their ballot for candidates in their district who would represent them at an upcoming constitutional convention of 40 delegates.

The Molokai ballot has three candidates who are among more than 200 candidates statewide. One of them will represent both Molokai and Lanai at the convention, to be held between February and April of 2016. According to the Roll Commission, just under 3,000 Molokai residents are registered.…

Lynn DeCoite Appointed District 13 Rep

Thursday, February 19th, 2015

Lynn DeCoite Appointed District 13 Rep

Molokai farmer Lynn DeCoite was named by Gov. Ige to the Hawaii State House of Representatives, District 13 seat and was sworn into office last Friday.

“I know I have a lot to learn,” said DeCoite. “I am committed to setting forth with an open mind and to do the best for District 13, the people of East Maui, Molokai and Lanai.  I am thankful for this opportunity and will not take it for granted.”

DeCoite is the owner of L&R Farm Enterprises and R.J. Snacks.  Along with her husband Russell, they run the largest sweet potato farm in the state. …