Molokai Farm Wins in Ag Contest

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Kamehameha Schools News Release

In an effort to increase Hawaii’s food production and help decrease dependency on imported foods, Kamehameha Schools and Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation teamed up to create an agricultural business plan contest. The first Mahi`ai Match-Up hoped to attract experienced farmers with innovative ideas to grow food on vacant agricultural lands owned by Kamehameha Schools. The opportunity attracted 148 local farmers.

The organizations just announced the first, second and third place winners of the contest, and Molokai’s Mapulehu Farms placed third. Winning teams receive an agricultural lease from Kamehameha Schools with up to five years of waived rent and money from Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation.…

Winning Values from the Wrestling Mat

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Though the Molokai Middle School wrestling program has only competed for two years, young athletes walked away with some big titles by the end of this season’s program. Rather than skill, Coach Benny Venenciano attributes their two, first-place tournament wins to passion and soul.

“When you have the will, the beauty of this sport is the balance of taking care of yourself physically and mentally, and doing your schoolwork,” said Venenciano. “At this developmental age, I wanted wrestling to be that sport for them.”

During the winter season, 19 athletes wrestled after school and about half had no prior wrestling experience, according to Venenciano.…

Boys Basketball Ends Season in Fourth

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Entering the boys basketball season, coach Carl Adolpho Jr. called the year a building period. Two weeks ago, the boys ended their season earning fourth place at Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Championships.

“We thought we could do better, but it was a good experience for me as a first-year coach and for the team,” said Adolpho.

After coming close to beating Seabury in the regular season—sometimes, just a few points away from victory — Adolpho said the team was excited to get a chance to play them again in their first match-up of the MIL championship.

However, tournament ended for the Farmers in a 35-58 upset that Thursday.…

Tips from the Vet for Your Pet: Choosing Dog Food

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Dr. Stewart Morgan DVM, Molokai Humane Society

With all the different dog foods that someone could buy, it helps to get an idea of what is best for  your individual dog. Dogs that are pregnant, nursing, growing, used for hunting/sport or simply house pets have different needs when it comes to food. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a group that sets standards for marketing and labeling of animal feed and marketing. The standards they set on pet food labels are the guidelines companies use to make pet foods that are considered adequate for different times in a dog’s life.…

Historic Preservation Basics Seminar

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Historic Hawaii Foundation News Release

Historic Hawaii Foundation, in partnership with the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division, will offer a community seminar on Historic Preservation Basics on Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and Maui between March and June of 2014.

The Molokai event is on Saturday, May 17 at the Kulana `Oiwi Halau from 9 a.m. to noon.

The seminar will provide an overview of preservation essentials in the context of each island community. The three-hour class will include topics such as what is historic preservation and why does it matter, standards and framework: how does this all work, and historic preservation and the local community.…

Hula Under the Banyan

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Hula Under the Banyan

Through a swish of hips, gestures of graceful hands, shake of the `uli `uli and toss of flaming torches, attendees of Moana’s Hula Halau’s annual dinner show were treated to a journey of the elements and senses through hula and Polynesian arts. After the evening of first-class live music and entertainment, the full house of guests offered a standing ovation Saturday at the Molokai Community Health Center. Featuring Tahitian, traditional and modern dances, as well as special guests from Maui with fire and haka performances under the canopy of the banyan tree, the show was both impressive and emotional for many.…

County Funding to Expand Businesses

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

County of Maui News Release

Maui County businesses looking to expand, strengthen or diversity have an opportunity to apply for funding through the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED). The office is rolling out a program designed to support Maui, Molokai and Lanai businesses.

The Economic Development Revolving Fund (EDRF) was created by the Mayor’s Office and passed by the Maui County Council in late 2011. The fund currently has $1 million which, by ordinance, was designed to strengthen and diversify the County’s economy; to support existing County businesses; to promote job creation; to attract new business, industry, construction, and events that will foster economic development in the County; and to improve the overall economic and social well-being of the County.…

Four from Molokai Among Small Business Nominees

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Four Molokai business people have been nominated for the 2014 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Suzette Kahana of B&S Kahana Corp. dba Kalapaki Girl Dezigns, Tarrah and Noa John Horner of iCandie and iCopie, and Wailani Tanaka, owner of Something for Everybody are joining nearly 30 other Maui County nominees. Awards, put on by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Chamber of Commerce, will be announced on Wenesday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Golf Club’s Waikapu Ballroom.

“This is an exceptional group of nominees, and all of them are worthy of an award,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa.…

Farmers Baseball Takes Tournament

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Farmers Baseball Takes Tournament


Molokai Baseball swept their first pre-season tournament at Duke Maliu Regional Park last weekend, taking first place with a 3-0 record. The Farmers beat PAC-5 12-2 in five innings Friday, followed by sweeping Kaimuki 11-0, also in five innings. They finished up the tournament taking Damien 4-1 in the tournament championship on Saturday.  Photo by Rick Schonely…

Island Air to End Molokai Service

Wednesday, February 26th, 2014

Island Air will discontinue service to Molokai after April 1. In a five-sentence announcement last week, the airline said all Molokai-based employees will be offered transfer elsewhere within the company. Customers with confirmed reservations to or from the island after April 1 can either transfer their ticket to another airline or receive a refund.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines’ neighbor island service `Ohana by Hawaiian has announced its plans to begin flying to Molokai starting March 11.

“Now that we are certain the island of Molokai will have adequate air service to match its needs, we have decided to redeploy our aircraft to another route that needs more capacity,” Island Air CEO Paul Casey told the Dispatch via email.…