Sports

Lady Farmers Clinch MIL Tournament, Advance to Semifinals

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Wednesday at Kalani High, the Molokai High girls’ basketball team won its quarterfinal game against Kaiser, 67-56, advancing them into today’s semifinals of the state championships.

Seeded No. 1, the Lady Farmers (11-0) gained a 15-8 edge in the first eight minutes of Wednesday’s game against the Cougars, which increased to 38-24 at halftime. After a third-quarter tie, Kaiser outscored Molokai by three points, only to lose it shortly thereafter, when the Lady Farmers came back to win it.

The Farmers are going on to play Kahuku Thursday at 7 p.m. at Kalani in their semi-final game.

Last weekend, the Lady Farmers left the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) tournament the same way they arrived: undefeated. In a two-game tournament at Hana, the Molokai High girls’ basketball team snagged the overall league title by an average of 49 points.

The girls took a 54-18 victory their first game, and then had a blowout second game with a score of 72-8.

“It was a team effort,” assistant coach Kevan Dudoit said. “All of our players gained post-season experience. Not many teams can say that.”

Dudoit said the girls go into every season with one goal – to be state champions.

“This year, they want to come back to Molokai with a second state title,” he said.

Boy’s Basketball

Although Molokai High’s boys’ basketball team was defeated by Lanai Friday, the boys retaliated and stole a win Saturday, 58-40 over the Pine Lads.

Molokai coach Lee DeRouin said during Friday’s game the boys came out with too much energy that resulted in some foul trouble and an “over-extended defense.”

“They came out Friday playing too hard,” DeRouin said, “and Lanai took advantage of our misses.”

The boys came out Saturday more relaxed, and with more patience, DeRouin said – ultimately giving them the victory.

Molokai senior Alvin Ringor scored the game’s high of 16 points, Kamakana Duvauchelle-Andrade followed shortly behind with 15, and Julien Bumatay had 10 to lead the Farmers into a split win against Lanai.

“It had been three to four years since Lanai had lost,” DeRouin said. “It was a big win in a hostile environment.”

DeRouin contributed the comeback to a “great” collaborative effort by the team and said the win will help fire up motivation when the boys face off with Lanai again next week for the MIL tournament.

“They need to rest physically and mentally,” DeRouin said.

The boys’ team finished its regular Division II season at 5-3, and will meet at the War Memorial Gym in Maui on Thursday for the MIL tournament.

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Skating to Freedom

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Nick Keoho, 19, began skating a year ago, “to stay out of trouble.” And that’s exactly why Surfing the Nations comes to Molokai and hosts their Freedom Skate Contest, held last Saturday.

The organization promotes skateboarding and surfing activities for Hawaii’s youth, to keep them free from drugs and alcohol. Surfing the Nations originally built Molokai’s skate park a few years ago, and was asked to come back. So they created the skateboarding contest, now in its second year.

“It’s what we can do to excited the youth…give them a variety of things to do,” said director Charis Bauer. Her organization also does service projects while on Molokai, such as yard clean-ups and working at the mental health drop-in center.

This year’s number of participants doubled, from 16 to 34 this year. Nicole…, a Surfing the Nation volunteer, said she recognized some kids from last year and saw their improvements.

“They’re just charging it,” she said.

The contestants varied from ages three to over 50, broken down into three age groups: under 11, 11-18, and 18-plus – this was the first year the older age group was included.

Although Keoho only competed against two others in his age group, after only skating a year won first place.

Kainalu Dudoit, a seventh-grader at MMS, has also only been skateboarding for a short time – two years – while his parents weren’t even sure he’d be able to walk. Dudoit was born with spinal dysraphism, causing bilateral club feet. Even with surgery, his parents weren’t sure if he’d be able to walk – but at Saturday’s contest, Dudoit won fifth place for his fast feet skills.

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Raising Funds for Fun

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

A few dozen Special Olympics athletes put their running shoes and basketballs aside and slipped on waiter aprons for their fifth annual fundraiser, “Dance Under The Stars”.

Around 100 supporters enjoyed a meal, entertainment, raffles and a silent auction at Hotel Molokai. Guests could bid on items from Molokai Hot Bread, a collection of Lono’s CDs to Molokai Princess ferry tickets.

Rita Kalahiki, Special Olympics Molokai area administrator, said the most expensive part of their budget is airfare.

” – which means they don’t get to compete at all, she said.

Kalahiki said a lot of these athletes were often the first to be cut on the high school teams, and without the encouragement and work of the volunteer coaches, wouldn’t be playing anymore.

Jim Sonnikson, chairperson of Special Olympics Molokai, is also the coach of bocce ball, which he came across by circumstance.

While driving along the highway many years back, he saw some kids playing and stopped to say hi. They didn’t have a coach, so Sonnikson decided to help them out.

“They’re fun, it’s enjoyable,” he said. “They’re always smiling.”

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Lady Farmers Sweep Victory

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Senior night at The Barn saw a group of rallying fans cheer on the Molokai High girls’ basketball team as they dominated the court and brought home a 52-13 victory over Hana High. In a repeat of Friday night’s game, the Lady Farmers took home a second win against the Dragons (55-20) in their two-game series over the weekend.

Molokai wrestler Michael Torres-Umi stole the junior varsity champ title last weekend with three first-place wins in her respective weight class. Junior Kevin Dudoit also continued to impress with his three matches in the 135-pound division.

Coach Ben Venenciano said that although they lost to Lahaina’s A and B teams, they still beat out Maui High and if anything, this last weekend’s dual meet has made them humble.

“They performed well,” Venenciano said. “We have high hopes for the girls’ team.”

The wrestling MIL tournament will be in Maui on Feb. 20.

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Hawaiian Monk Seals Legislation Pending

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Facing multiple threats of early extinction, Hawaiian monk seals are high on the minds of several state legislators.

Last week, state Sen. Gary Hooser (7th Senatorial District) brought forth SB 2441, which proposes to raise the penalty for intentionally harming or killing Hawaiian monk seals and other endangered species from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

The bill was passed out of a joint hearing by the Senate's Water and Land Committee and Energy and Environment Committee last Wednesday. It is set to be heard by the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs on Feb. 10.

If passed, perpetrators could face up to a $100,000 fine and 40 year imprisonment.

This bill, along with others, arose from th

was because of the misinformation in Hawaii," Ritte said. "Word on the street is that monk seals were introduced by the government, but that's not true. They've always been here.

"They're living fossils. There's no reason for the negative actions taken against them."

Among others to be introduced was HB 2767, a companion bill to Hooser's led by state Rep. Chris Lee (51st Representative District). Mirroring Hooser's efforts, Lee said he hopes for either bill to pass in order to halt the steep decline of monk seals.

"Here's an opportunity to protect an endangered species and it's something that needs to happen today," Lee said. "The real goal is to directly raise the penalties and create public awareness. It's our chance to lay the foundation for the stabilization of a dying population."

HB 2767 has passed its first reading and is currently being heard by the House's Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources.

State Rep. Mina Morita is also joining the movement, introducing legislation of a similar nature. Morita has brought forth a bill (HB 2235) that would also raise the penalty to a felony, alongside a companion bill that would see endangered species informational kiosks placed in airports. HB 2235 has passed its first reading and is being reviewed by the House's Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources.

A pair of bills (SB 2362 and SB 2263) was also introduced by state Sen. Mike Gabbard, and if passed, would help educate tourists about the Hawaiian monk seals and beaches alike. Meanwhile, state Rep. Danny Coffman has introduced a House version of SB 2362 that would require all flights destined for Hawaii to play a public-service announcement on endangered species.

SB 2362 has been passed by the Senate's Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs; SB2263 has passed its first reading and awaits further hearings.

While the Hawaiian monk seals' population is likely to drop below 1,000 in the coming years, Ritte says it’s important to address the killings of these rare marine mammals and take the steps necessary to preserve their existence.

“If anyone can understand how an endangered species feels, it's Hawaiians," Ritte said. "We, as Hawaiians, should be able to see ourselves in these monk seals.”

For more information on these bills and where they stand in the House and Senate committees, visit http://hawaii.gov/lrb/par/

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I’m On a Boat

Monday, February 8th, 2010

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has become a regular guest at the Molokai Makahiki Games. Boats from surrounding islands have been making the trip to Kaunakakai for several years to take in the unique native Hawaiian customs.

This year, three boats made the journey and were offering tours to local residents throughout the day on Saturday. The Kiska from Hilo, the Kittiwake from Kauai and a small 45-foot response boat from Maui opened their decks to a steady stream of visitors.

Second Class Boatswain Chris Batton, who was making his second trip to Ka Makahiki, said over 120 people took the 15 minute tours that gave visitors a taste of life below the decks as well as a look at the rescue boats, 25 millimeter cannon and .50 caliber guns on the Kiska and the Kittiwake.

“The tours have been good,” Batton said. “I am a little disappointed that I’m on the boat and not at the games, but that’s alright.”

Many of the sailors from the Coast Guard competed in the games. Rear Admiral Manson Brown, who is in charge of the entire Pacific section of USCG, took part in the opening ceremonies on Saturday morning. The team from the Kittiwake won fourth place overall in the men’s division.

“They’ve been coming for a while now,” said Loretta Ritte, a member of the Makahiki Games committee. “They don’t really know how to play many of the games, but they always seem to enjoy themselves.”

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He’s Going To Be a Contender

Friday, February 5th, 2010

One of Molokai’s favorite local sons, Ekolu Kalama, is hitting the waves again for the Stand Up World Tour 2010. Sunset Beach Pro on the North Shore of Oahu starts on Feb. 6 and the trials go until Feb. 14.

Before this year’s world tour started, the Waterman League hosted Hinano’s ‘Stand Up World Tour Contenders,’ where Kalama and others participated in an exhibition contest in Teahupo`o, Tahiti late last year. Amongst some of the most challenging conditions in the world, Kalama was voted the winner of that contest and set the level of judging for the world tour.

Last July, Kalama won the 32-mile Rainbow Sandals Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race Stand Up Paddle division, his first solo win. He also beat the previous world record by an hour, clocking in at 5:02:06.

More information can be found at the Waterman League’s website, http://watermanleague.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=41

Good luck Ekolu!

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Spartan Showdown

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

With less than a minute left in Friday night’s game at The Barn, Seabuary Hall’s Reynald Sorayama nailed a three-pointer to cap off a 73-23 victory over the Molokai High boys’ basketball team. The Spartans couldn’t miss from beyond the three-point line and rode their hot shooting streak to a pair of wins over the previously undefeated Farmers last weekend.

“[Seabury] shot the ball really well all weekend,” Molokai coach Lee DeRouin said. “They are good shooters and they are good basketball players.”

,” she said.

Saturday afternoon started on a warmer note, as all six girls and Aalona prepared to race their final events of the season. Because only eight teams competed in the championships, all relays were raced on Saturday – giving the Molokai girls one more chance.

“They all swam great, all swam to their current potential,” Ford said.

The Molokai kane swimmers finished the season in sixth place, but didn’t place in the wahine division. Ford and the swimmers are already thinking about next season, and a potential club team by summertime.

“They’ve made so much progress in three months, now all they need to improve is more training and development of details,” Ford said.

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Building Economy with Sports

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

State of Hawaii News Release

Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. announced last week that he is proposing legislation to establish a Hawai‘i Sports Commission that would enhance the state’s potential to become a worldwide leader in sports and sporting events.

The 13-member commission would be given the full-time responsibility to attract, develop and promote sports and sporting events throughout the state and generate revenues for Hawai‘i’s economy.

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Sports Round-Up

Monday, January 18th, 2010

The Farmers brought home three first place finishes from the wrestling meet held at King Kekaulike last weekend. The meet was the second of the year for the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL), but the first that Molokai competed in.

Junior Kevin Dudoit battled through a series of tough opponents to win the 135-pound weight class. On the girls’ side Charisse Manley won the 130-pound division and the biggest surprise of the day was freshman Michal Torres-Umi who won the 120-pound division in her first ever high school meet.

Dudoit and Manley were top competitors last year and are continuing to get better, but Torres-Umi was a pleasant surprise.

“Her last match was a pretty big win. She beat out a junior or a senior from Baldwin,” said Molokai coach Randy Manley. “Our girls’s team did very well overall. If things stay consistent, they should have a very good finish.”

Manley said he was missing several wrestlers who couldn’t make the trip this weekend, but would help fill some of the gaps in the Farmers’ lineup. He was able to use this meet to figure out what weight classes he needed to place his strongest wrestlers in and is looking forward to this week’s meet.

“We're thinking that if we put everybody in the mix, we should look pretty good by the end of the season,” Manley said.

The Farmers are back in action this weekend with another MIL meet at Kamehameha- Maui.

Swimming
Even though the Molokai High School boys’ swim team is too small for a relay, the kane swimmers managed to place seventh out of nine teams in the first of two meets this past weekend.

The MIL Invitational at Kihei was the first back-to-back meet for the swimmers this year, who dropped their individual times considerably on the first day and held them steady on the second.

,” Spires said.

The Friendly Isle swimmers’ next meet will be the MIL Championships at Kihei on January 29 and 30.

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Sports

Lady Farmers Clinch MIL Tournament, Advance to Semifinals

Skating to Freedom

Raising Funds for Fun

Lady Farmers Sweep Victory

Hawaiian Monk Seals Legislation Pending

I’m On a Boat

He’s Going To Be a Contender

Spartan Showdown

Building Economy with Sports

Sports Round-Up

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