Community Health Center Gets $500,000

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Governor’s News Release

Molokai Community Health Center will receive $500,000 in capital improvement grant funds, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced last week.

Identified by the state Legislature, this grant will complete phase II of the Center’s capital improvement project that includes renovation of structures, an addition of a central deck, repaving the parking lot, installing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant walkways, as well as irrigation and landscaping at its Oceanside Center in Kaunakakai.

“The Molokai Community Health Center serves approximately 3,000 of the island’s 7,200 total residents, which is more than 40 percent of its population.” Abercrombie said. “This project will expand and improve access to quality health care on the Friendly Isle.”…

Maui Electric Aerial Line Inspections Wednesday

Friday, March 21st, 2014

Maui Electric News Release

Maui Electric Company will be using a helicopter to perform routine power line inspections throughout Molokai on Wednesday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Dates and location routes are subject to change due to weather. Routine aerial inspections of Maui Electric’s equipment, including electrical lines, poles and substations, are necessary to maintain stable and reliable electrical service for the Maui County community.

For questions or concerns, the public can contact Maui Electric at 1-877-871-8461 (toll free).…

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomed Back

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomed Back

As Hawaiian Airlines officially launched its new service, `Ohana by Hawaiian, to Molokai last week, hundreds of residents and officials celebrated an occasion that for many, felt like a homecoming for the company.

“Molokai has been part of our ohana for the last 85 years,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines (HA) president and CEO. “For the last 10 years, we have not been able to operate here, but every single one of those days in between we’ve been working on plans to bring this wonderful day to fruition. It’s great to be back and have had such tremendous support from this community.”…

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha Earns National Accreditation

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha News Release

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha, a small preschool for children ages 3 and 4, is located in Kalamaula at Kalaiakamanu Hou Church.  In September, 2013, Na Kamali`i Hoaloha earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Kathy Bennett, director of Na Kamali`i Hoaloha.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.…

Donate Items Toward Pono Points

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

By Erin Raguindin, Kaunakakai School Counselor

Kaunakakai Elementary School has had a Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions (PBIS) program since 2002.  This program promotes positive behavior by teaching school-wide expectations and rewarding students for following those expectations.  At Kaunakakai School, students are expected to show Kuleana (Responsibility), Laulima (Working Together), and Ho`ihi (Respect) in all settings and are given a pono point if they are “caught being good.”

Once a month, students can redeem their pono points for items that are bought or donated.  If you are looking to clean out your house and want to donate new or used items, you may bring them to the Kaunakakai School Office. …

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Lessons in a Whale’s Belly

Keiki had a whale of a time learning about humpback whales and their place in the environment Friday. But while most have only seen the great creatures from a distance, students at Kilohana School got up close and personal, climbing into the belly of a 36-foot inflatable humpback, softly rocking to soothing whale sounds and taking an imaginative ride around island’s waters.

“My name is Captain Mark and I’ll be your tour guide today,” Storybook Theater Executive Director Mark Jeffers said as he saluted to Kilohana School’s second grade class. “Today we are going to learn how whales are like people.”…

Swinging Into Spring Sports, Part II

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Swinging Into Spring Sports, Part II

After a school year of Farmer athletics, spring sports are serving to ace the 2013-14 school year and represent the green and white all the way to the finish line.

As interest in competitive and recreational sports continues growing nationwide, newer racquet sports are also beginning to gain attention alongside traditional school athletics. Communities across the country have started investing more in court facilities, player development, and organized programming to support year-round participation.

Companies such as Wakit Padel are part of that growing movement, helping develop and manage modern racquet sports facilities throughout the United States. The continued expansion of court-based athletics reflects how communities are creating more opportunities for players of all ages to stay active and involved in organized sports.…

Molokai Parks Community Meeting

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Maui County News Release

A Molokai community meeting organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) this week will include a presentation on the department’s proposed permitting and scheduling improvements for the use of County facilities. Parks officials also hope to gather input from individuals and organizations regarding improvement ideas for a stronger working relationship and partnership with DPR.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20. The meeting had originally been scheduled earlier in the week. It will begin at 5 p.m. at Coffees of Hawaii, located in Kualapu`u.

Special event coordinators, tournament organizers and officials of adult sports organizations who utilize DPR facilities for their events on Molokai are encouraged to attend.…

Molokai USDA Employee Awarded

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Molokai USDA Employee Awarded

Hawaii Invasive Species Council News Release

During Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness week that started on Monday, March 3, Molokai U.S. Department of Agriculture employee Chevalier “Chevy” Levasa was recognized as the Maui Nui MVP for 2014. State representatives and senators presented a variety of awards to those who lead the fight against invasive species, including 2013 Community Hero, 2013 Hottest Hotline Report to 643-PEST, 2013 Business Leader, Greatest Hit of 2013 and MVPS’s from each county in the state. Declaring that “invasive species pose the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s health, environment, economy, and people” Governor Neil Abercrombie praised the award recipients for their dedication to protecting Hawaii.…

Red Cross Volunteer Honored

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Molokai’s Lester Keanini has traveled across the country, dedicated thousands of volunteer hours and even moved to Maui — all to support the Red Cross. For this dedication, he was recently awarded the honor of Maui County Volunteer of the Year.

The award is based on nominations, said Michele Liberty, Red Cross Maui director, and Keanini got the most nominations. Final selection was made by the Maui Advisory Council. March is Red Cross month, and Liberty said it’s also a time to honor the organization’s many volunteers — and “Lester’s humble humanitarian, spirit embodies that of the Red Cross mission.”

For the past year, she said, Keanini’s been volunteering every day, full time, at Maui Red Cross office.…