Sports

Molokai Masters Are Ready for Blast-Off

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Mel Chung, Gunsmith

Friday, October 24th, 2008

Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Monday, October 20th, 2008

This coming May, I will be pursuing a dream I’ve had since my love for bicycling and nature first provided me with momentary escape from the chaotic pace of our world. Outside of our relationship with The Lord, we are virtually on our own here on this earth. And there are some things, we just need to do.

My dream is to cross the Continental United States, by way of bicycle: to seek, explore, and to share; to meet new people, and experience the uniqueness of life in rural America.

We will be following the migration pattern of our forefathers as they settled this great country on a route commonly known as: “The Bi-Centennial Bicycle Route”, or “The Trans America.” We will begin in Yorktown, Virginia and terminate in Astoria, Oregon.

The path will take us cross ten states, five major mountain ranges, and four time zones.

We will put in more miles than the average person riding a bike 20 miles a week will do in 3-1/2 years. We will ascend altitudes of near 12,000 feet, as we cross the Rockies, Grand Teton, Sierra Nevada, Ozarks, and Appalachian mountain ranges. We will cross the Continental Divide 9 times as we meander our way northwest through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

This trek has become the ultimate goal for many cyclists world wide through recent years. An average of more than 400 cyclists do this journey every year, on this particular route alone. There are actually five pre-planned bike routes crossing North America all between three and five thousand miles long. Our route is 4,247.5 miles, longer if we get lost. We chose this particular route, going east to west because of its historical significance, and the fact that we will be inching our way closer to home as the months go by. Psychologically, this might just give us the boost we need.

 In 1976, on the inaugural crossing of The Bi-Cetitennia.l Bicycle Route in celebration of the 200th anniversary of our nation’s Independence, there were more than 5,000 individuals that started. Although each had their own personal goal, many did not finish for one reason or another. However, 2,700 of them did. Every year since then, crazy people like us, have been doing this - some crazy enough to do it more than once.

For me, this has become a final “MEGA’ attempt at pursuing this once in a lifetime dream. At my age and physical status, it would be wise for me to pursue this goal now, otherwise it may remain a dream. I have done some pretty crazy things on my bike, nearly killing myself on more than a couple of occasions.

I have completed the “Ride to the Sun” or “Haleakala Hill Climb” twice. This is a 36 mile, 10,000 foot climb that takes you from sea level at Paia, to the summit of Haleakala, in a time frame of under 4 and a half hours. If I were a year older, I could have won my division. Instead, I was the oldest one in my age group. I have completed the “Oahu Century” bicycle ride, 100-mile event, three times. I got lost all three times nearing the finish.

I have ridden just about every dirt road and bike trail at the “Molokai Ranch” when I worked there as a bike guide from 1997 to 2002. Ridden up to the forest reserve from Kaunakakai, and down every dirt road leading back. Carried my bike up and down the
Kalaupapa trail a dozen or more times to ride the lava stricken dirt roads of Kalawao and the perimeter of Makanaloa. Once I got a flat at the old landing near Kalawao. Unprepared for such a mishap, I ended up carrying my bike back across the peninsula, then up the trail, finally to my home in Kualapu`u at 9:30pm.

Had my bike stolen in California, batteries die Ofl night rides, and walked home late at night. I’ve had broken chains, stems, destroyed wheels, tore tires, you name it. from the tropical rain forest of Kamakou, to the rock infested dried stream beds of La`au. Pu’u 0 Hoku Ranch to Cape Halawa, along abandoned jeep roads, and dusty cow trails. From Kualapuu to Halawa Valley, to Kalua koi, to Kualapuu in a single day. I’ve even ridden the trail up to the Halawa falls and back.

From Lahaina to Lahaina, around the West Maui mountains. From Hana to Paia, the list goes on The names of the individuals who accompanied me on these episodes have purposely been left out to protect their otherwise civilized, and good character.

Now it is time for a greater challenge, a true test of whether or not I am who I think I am. So you ask...ARE YOU CRAZY?” You bet! This cross continental adventure will take approximately 13 weeks, cover a distance of 4,247.5 miles, and a cumulative altitude gain of about 168,000 vertical feet. There will be challenges around every bend, and lessons to be learned. But the experience, will last a life time. It will bring new meaning o life, a new perspective, and a glimpse of what the human spirit is capable of.

My dear friend and partner for this journey, will be Lisa Davis, of Kaluakoi. A long time resident of the island, and my former boss at The Molokai Ranch’s Mountain Biking department. Lisa has also realized a yearning for this life changing experience. Together, we hope to accomplish the physical, mental, and emotional task that only true adventures will even consider.

This will be a self-supported journey which means we carry everything to sustain us. Every precaution has been considered, and plans have been been laid out. We have the desire, the discipline, and the ability to reach our goal. Our tentative departure will be somewhere around May the 10th, 2009. Returning on or about August the 10th J want be back home to celebrate my mom’s 92nd birthday with my family.

We would like to invite you, the people of Molokai, to take part in this incredible journey, by way of a fund raising drive for your organization. With our permission, you will be allowed to collect pledges from the community, friends, relatives, anyone. The possibilities are endless, since the pledges will not only be limited to those around us, but from those abroad as well.

Even at a penny a mile, this fundraiser could bring in over $40.00 per person. One hundred percent of which will go to your cause. We ask for nothing in return, just the support of our loved ones, and your prayers to accompany us. This opportunity will be offered to any organization with a worthy cause. Churches, schools, humanitarian needs, what ever is impressed upon your heart. Let The Lord Guide you, as He Will the two of us.

Originally you would have been able to track or efforts via Google earth through a POD (Personal Locating Device). However the SPOT Satellite Messenger unit which utilizes two-way signal processing could not guarantee reliable service in Hawaii. There for we decided to go with the old fashion way, via e-mail updates where ever there is a signal. This method saves us about $275.00. We will send an e-mail update a couple of times a week as to our progress, as we venture through the American heartland.

There is absolutely no guarantee that things will go as planned. Therefore, the particulars of how you set up your fundraiser will be left totally up to you. We cannot be held accountable for situations out of our control.

Thank you so much for your time. May this bring us closer as friends, and closer to The Lord as human beings.
Aloha kaua, Ted.

PARTICULARS
The estimated cost for this journey will be approximately $8,000.00. So obviously, we are going to need some help. I have devised some clever means to offset the cost by somewhere around 25%. These expenses include:

Airfare: One way from Molokai to Yorktown, Virginia, $750.00 per person.
One way from Astoria, Oregon to Molokai, $550.00 per person.

Bike: We decided on our mountain bikes for this trip. This will cut down on our out of pocket expenses. Retrofitting these bikes will cost approximately $300.00 to $400.00 per bike instead of the $1500.00 for a specific touring bike and set up, the later would have put us over our budget.

Trailer: A towable bike trailer and a lockable, waterproof storage allow for tti e ability to carry the extra necessities to sustain such a long and vigorous endeavor. $400.00 ea.

Fedex: Shipment of bikes, trailers, etc, $400.00 each way$800.00 per person.

Lodging: There will be a total of 17 to 20 nights in some sort of hostel. These include a two-day set-up and staging stay in Yorktown, Virginia One night a week on the road (13 nights) for a good nights rest, hot shower, sit down meals, laundry, and restocking of supplies, etc. In addition, there will be two days in Astoria, Oregon for packing and shipping of equipment back home. $1000.00 per person,

Food: This kind of work out requires plenty of calories. We will be burning 6000 to 7000 calories a day, fueling four times a day plus energy snacks and liquids. $2000 ea.

Car rental or Taxi: We have no choice. On a couple of occasions or more, we will require some sort of transportation to get to our equipment, and again once we ship our equipment back. $200.00.

Gear: Special gear will need to be obtained to make this a safe and enjoyable trip. Some of these include Lightweight technical clothing, we will encounter temperatures of below freezing in the high country, to near 100 degrees m the low lying flat land. There will be thunder storms, tornados, and I understand hail storms arc common in the summer months in the mid-west.

Specialized compact, lightweight camping equipment. Such as tents, sleeping bag, cooking utensils, etc. Personal defense apparatus for protection against dogs, bears and other unwanted threats. Well stocked first aid kit, maps, GPS, Personal locating device, travel insurance, lap top computer, etc. $2000.00 ea.

Misc. Expenses: These include toll fees, camping, park entry, and all other applicable fees. $200.00 to $300.00.

And that is how we came about the $8000.00 total cost. As you can see, there is no allowance for personal effects. These costs are based only on the necessities to complete this trip in a reasonable and safe manor, Although not a planned expenditure, emergencies are a possibility, cost will vary. Obviously, a lot of home woi k went into planning this.

COST DEFERANCE
Of course, there are a number of ways that one can defer the cost of individual expenses. Here are a few we are looking in to. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Aluminum can collecting at 5 cents each, I estimate a possible income of at
least $100.00
2. Yard sale: I have as much stuff lying around not being used as the rest of
you. A possible income here of at least $200.00 to $300.00.
3. Family: If I beg hard enough, I bet I could get at least $100.00 from each of
um. A possible $400.00 depending on how hard I beg.
4. Services rendered: as a craftsman, there are miscellaneous projects I can do
quite well. A possible $1000.00.
5. Donations: I will not come right out and ask, but I can throw a hint or two,
and some of you will be willing to chip in. A possible $200.00
6. Riding my bike to work: At over $5.00 a gallon of regular, this could be the
biggest deference of them all. A possible $25.00 a week.
There are other ways of generating income. I already have $6000.00 set aside as of the writing of this letter. If I can defer the cost beyond what we need, w: would be more than willing to pledge miles ourselves.

Thank you for considering to help in any way you can.

Aloha kaua, Ted and Lisa

For fundraising information, or to donate to Ted and Lisa’s trip, contact Ted at 567-9209.

Cop on Top

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Who knew hanging out on a roof could make so much money?

By Linda DeGraw

On October 17 at total of a nine volunteers and athletes from our Special Olympics Moloka’i delegation traveled to Maui for its annual 2008 Cop on Top where law enforcement officers camp out above Safeway stores for three days and two nights. Our Special Olympics Police officer was our very own born and raised Moloka’i Police Officer Nathaniel “Chinky” Hubbard and his family to help us raise the $10,000.00.

The first work day Thursday morning started at 6:00 a.m. and everyone stayed late until 10:30-11:00 p.m. This went on for the next two days. On Molokai, volunteers and athletes also sat out front at Friendly Market asking for donation. 

Honu Hatchlings

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Rescued baby honu wait in a bucket to be released.

By Catherine Cluett

Hundreds of tiny tracks mark the sand from the grasses’ edge down to the ocean. They are neither the tracks of a crab, nor the marks of a bird. These footprints belong to baby green sea turtles making the 50-yard trek from their nest to begin their lives at sea.

It was the tracks which alerted a Popohaku home owner and Nature Conservancy volunteer to the turtle nest. George Balazs, a marine turtle research biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), carefully dug a hole in the sand as a group of volunteers peered down into what had been the nest of over a hundred baby green sea turtles. Balazs was looking for clues that might bring insight to the genetic distribution of green sea turtles on Molokai.

There are three genetic fingerprints of green sea turtles, or honu, found in Molokai waters. One of these variations makes up about 70% of the overall population, says Balazs, while the other two are much less common, each comprising about 15% of green sea turtles around the island.

Balazs has been tracking the DNA makeup of turtles found on Kawa`aloa Beach, just west of Mo`omomi, for the past several years. The discovery that every single nest so far has belonged to one of the two less common DNA groups is a fact he says is surprising.

Sea turtles normally go back to where they were born to nest -- “but not perfectly,” explains Balazs. If all turtles only nested where they were born, the species would never spread. Some turtles have to break the pattern.

The homogeneous DNA thread found on Kawa`aloa Beach means, Balazs explains, that one mother turtle started nesting there, called a “founding turtle,” creating a new colony. Green sea turtles don’t reach sexual maturity until the age of 25 to 40 years old. So 30 years after the founding turtle first nested there, her offspring came back to nest at the same site, creating a legacy of the same DNA fingerprint.

The nest found on Papohaku was the first recorded hatching on that beach. Balazs is curious to find out whether those turtles belong to the same genetic group as those nesting at Kawa`aloa. To get this information, volunteers, under Balazs’ supervision, dug up the nest after the young had already hatched, and collected a sample of partially developed or decomposing eggs from which to extract DNA.

Statistics were also gathered about how many eggs were laid (99), and how many of those hatched successfully (over 90). In addition, five baby turtles were rescued from the nest that probably wouldn’t have made it otherwise, says Balazs.

After hatching, sea turtle young work collectively to dig out of the nest. But eggs laid on the periphery are at a disadvantage because they are not surrounded by the warmth of their fellow developing nest-mates during the 60-day incubation period. These eggs may hatch a little later than eggs in the middle of the batch, explains Balazs, and may account for the few babies left behind.

Balazs and Nature Conversancy volunteers released the five hatchlings into the ocean and watched as the tiny bobbing heads made their way out to sea.

Usually, he says, researchers don’t interfere with nature’s course. But giving five extra green sea turtles, a species on the brink of extinction only 30 years ago, a chance to survive in the wild, is a rewarding bonus of the job. There are many predators that prey on the tiny sea turtles. But, as one volunteer said, “we did our best. And that’s all we can do.”

Na Wahine O Ke Kai

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Sixty-seven crews and about 700 paddlers participated in the 30th annual Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race last Sunday. The race started at Hale O Lono on Molokai and finished at the Hilton Hotel on Oahu across the Ka`iwi Channel for a total distance of 41 miles. The day brought flat water, which made the conditions more mentally challenging than physically taxing, said Rose Lum, 30-year paddling coach at Kamehameha Schools whose daughter paddled in Sunday’s race. “Love for the sport is all you have out there,” she added. “It’s all about culture and who we are. You can’t get this feeling anywhere else in the world.”

Dead Sea Turtle Found

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Hooves and Lassos Fly

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Boomshkie! It’s hard to imagine jokester Keola Kino as serious as he looks here, flying out of the gate during the Ikua Purdy Centennial Rodeo.

By Catherine Cluett

There’s a moment of hush before the chute door clanks shut and the calf bolts out; then a thunder of hooves and a cloud of dust as two cowboys gallop into the ring, their lassos raised and their mounts pure motion.

“And they’re clean!” cries announcer Zhantelle Dudoit, her voice rising above the rush. “Hano swings and he’s… got a head.” The rope is secured around the horns of the yearling, and Hano Naehu shifts his weight left. His horse veers with him.

Goat Dudoit is right on his heels, waiting for his moment of precision. As the calf straightens out, he flicks his wrist and in the next second, everything comes to an abrupt halt. The crowd cheers as the dust settles.

“Aaand he’s got both heels with a time of 18.19 seconds!” shouts Dudoit from the announcer’s booth. It’s the winning time for the Dally Team Roping event at the Ikua Purdy Rodeo held at Kapualei Ranch last Saturday.

The rodeo was held in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Hawaiian cowboy Ikua Purdy and his world roping championship in Wyoming in 1908.

Some of his descendants and ohana cheered on the contestants that day. “He’s a hero,” says Loretta Ritte. “No one even knew who he was before the day he became the World Champion. He had to borrow a horse to ride!”

Young and old participated in the rodeo, which included such events as keiki dummy roping, wahine pole bending, and the final calf branding event.

Hanohano Naehu says one of the most challenging parts of the team roping event is “coming out clean.” “It’s all about timing,” he says. “You have to give the cattle a head start.” Riders are penalized 10 seconds if they come out of the holding area early. And there’s rarely communication between ropers as they work with speed and agility to secure the cattle. “It happens too fast,” explains Hano.

“I’ve been riding since I was his age,” says Real Pocock, daughter of Kapualei Ranch manager Goat Dudoit, motioning to her toddler son. She says she still feels a knot in her stomach waiting for the calf to be released from the chute.

The Ikua Purdy rodeo was made possible through the sponsorship of Jeff Apaka, Jamba Juice, PJ Chang, Wakiki Beach Marriot Hotels, Equus Aqua Marina Hotel, Hard Rock Café.

Winners of the day are listed below.

Dally Team Roping (average winners): 1. Hano Naehu and Goat Dudoit 18.19. 2. Aukai Rawlins and Buzzy Sproat 23.40. 3. Hano Nehu and JR Dudoit 23.56. 4. Cello Dudoit and JR Dudoit 26.82.
Dally Team Roping (fast time) 1. GO Goat Dudoit and Reyn Dudoit 8.55. 2. GO Aukai Rawlins and Buzzy Sproat 7.33.
Double Mugging: 1. Aukai Rawlins Maka Augustro 19.94. 2. Don Habon Kalapana Keliihoomalu 24.65. 3. Hano Naehu Goat Dudoit 28.25.
Team Branding: 1. Aukai Rawlins, Rex Kamakana and MP Kamakana. 2. Cello Dudoit, Puna Domingo and Brada Dudoit.
Keiki Barrels: 1. Brooke Keliihoomalu 18.9. 2. Bubu Kamakana 20.92. 3. Caele Manly 43.03. 4. Cameryn Kahalewai 45.52. 5. Anela Montemayor 50.03.
JR Barrels: 1. Kawena Augustiro 20.65. 2. Kahale Naehu 20.82. 3. Taylor Keliihoomalu 22.40. 4. Kainalu Dudoit 23.84.
Keiki Dummy Roping: 1. Noel Tancayo 2.62. 2. Bubu Tancayo 11.53. 3. Brooke Keliihoomalu 11.8. 4. Sydni Rawlins 13.7. 5. Chevy Augustiro 15.96.
JR Dummy Roping: 1. Cendal Manly 1.94. 2. Regan Morris 2.15. 3. Kahale Naehu 2.37. 4. Taylor Keliihoomalu 9.6. 5. Decker Bicoy 10.59.
Wahine Barrels: 1. Deanna Keliihoomalu 35.76. 2. Real Pocock 36.77. 3. Zhantell Dudoit 42.5
Wahine Poles: 1. Sherry Tancayo 25.41. 2. Deanna Keliihoomalu 27.39. 3. Moani Rawlins 27.78
Wahine Breakaway: 1. Zhantell Dudoit 9.28. 2. Real Pocock 11.75

Mahalo from Rodeo Organizers:
We want to thank our chute crew Dennis & Paki Kamakana, Catch Pen Crew- Macky Oneha, George Naki, Our announcers, Molokai Princess- Zhantell Dudoit, Officals Cami Naehu, Sis Naehu and Real Pocock. Many Thanks to Goat Dudoit Kapualei ranch manager.

Mahalo Nui to Ikua Purdy descendants, Ohana who supported our roping and shared with their rodeo ohana the great spirit of Hawaii's Legendary World Champion Steer Roper! God Bless.

Our next Ropings will be held on October 25th and November 8th. See you there!

There’s Mahi in his Madness

Monday, September 8th, 2008

By Albert Lanier

Amateur and professional fisherman who love catching Mahi-Mahi will certainly love a new DVD entitled Hawaii Fishing Action Blue Water Season #1 subtitled “Mahimahi Madness.”

The 68 minute DVD is a co-production of Molokai based production company Quazifilms Media and local fishing charter boat company Hallelujah Hou Fishing.
In fact, the host of “Mahimahi Madness” is the owner of Hallelujah Hou, Clayton Ching known as Captain Clay.

The Captain takes viewers on a deep sea fishing trek that involves largely catching greenish-yellow MahiMahi, also known as Dorado and Dolphinfish, as well as a few Ahi.

The DVD is divided into a main presentation lasting about 38 minutes with 30 minutes of Bonus features consisting of how to clean and fillet Mahi Mahi, setting your reel’s drag and dressing and rigging lures.

Shot and edited by Quazifilm’s owner Matt Yamashita, the majority of the DVD is lensed on the back of Captain Clay’s fishing boat as he sets up lines and lures, reels in fish, and shares knowledge and advice via voice-over narration.

Clay offers some pearls of wisdom gleaned over 30 years of fishing such as “Fish don’t care what you pay” when it come to lures or “you got to be where the fish are” in order to catch as many as possible.

Although the footage shown on “Mahimahi madness” was shot off the coast of the Friendly isle, Molokai is intentionally neither cited nor stated by Clay during the course of the DVD in order to protect the island’s natural resources.

Highlights capture Clay having to sit on a couple of Mahi after reeling them in and holding one up with a hole in its head like a warrior lofting a sword in victory.
The Captain has a relaxed, conversational tone that is as pleasant to listen to as the ukulele-heavy Hawaiian music composed by musician Lono helps layer the soundtrack.

The weekend fisherman and overall fishing enthusiast should enjoy this DVD as it provides not only engaging fishing scenes but also helpful tips in the bonus section.
To find out more information or to order, go to quazifilms.com or ask Captain Clay next time you see him.