The Impacts of Rain

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Glenn Teves, UH County Extension Agent

Probably the only time it rained this much is when it rained for 40 days and 40 nights a long, long time ago. Torrential overnight rain of 5 inches is rare on Molokai, but when it arrives every five to seven days, as it did in Hoolehua, this is a little too much. The impacts of heavy rain on plants are many, and we won’t see some of these impacts until a little later in the season. Too much water favors the growth of fungus and bacteria that can hinder plant growth and even kill them.…

Fruit Growers Featured Farmer

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

Fruit Growers Featured Farmer

HTFG Molokai Chapter News Release

Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG) is a statewide nonprofit organization, dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion. The Molokai Chapter is made up of members that are gardeners, farmers and interested community members who meet monthly to share ideas about promoting products, skills and agricultural opportunities. Meetings are held the first Monday evening of every month. The next meeting is March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Mahana Gardens.

This month’s featured farmer is Marshall Joy, owner of Joy Farms in Ho`olehua. Marshall is an amazing man, one of five young (“true hearted”) farmers in Molokai and the youngest beekeeper in the state attaining recognition with his award winning Hoolehua honey.…

Molokai Fitness: Benefits of Water

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

In my last article, I talked about starting your journey to health and fitness by taking small steps. Let’s look now at the first step that you can start right away. This week, start by trying to drink more pure water. Let’s look at the benefits.

Water increases energy. Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be more alert. And your energy levels will increase.
Water helps you lose weight – filling your tummy if consumed prior to meals, it reduces hunger, raises your metabolism and has zero calories!…

Free Energy Education Workshops for Teachers

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

Hawaii Energy News Release

This spring, Hawaii Energy is offering free, one-day workshops with tools and resources for Hawaii’s teachers to learn about and teach energy efficiency in the classroom. The Molokai workshop will be held on March 1 at Molokai High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Teachers of all subjects from Kindergarten –through 12th grade are welcome to attend.  There are two types of workshops. One is Energy Education that teaches the concepts of force, motion, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism and energy transformations. The other is Building Science, aimed at helping students learn how buildings can become more energy-efficient through various measures such as lighting inspections, measuring electricity plug loads and taking temperature readings.…

New Permit Process for Fishpond Restoration

Wednesday, February 19th, 2014

DLNR News Release

Navigating a complicated and time-consuming regulatory path for restoration of traditional fishpond systems in Hawaii should soon become more efficient and manageable, thanks to a proposed statewide programmatic general permit process. Statewide public hearings on this proposed process are being held to gather input. The Molokai hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Kulana `Oiwi Halau from 6 to 8 p.m.

Known as Ho`ala Loko I`a, this consolidated process is intended to provide cultural practitioners with a single application and permit, processed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL).…

Molokai Swimmers Headed for States

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Six Molokai swimmers are headed to the state competition this weekend on Hawaii Island to culminate a season of dedication and records.

“This is the best year since I’ve been coaching for four years,” said coach Jessie Ford. “We’re building on our successes and we want to build the momentum.”

The swimmers will be racing in two boys relay events, the 200 yard medley and the 200 freestyle. Medley competitors are Luke Kikugawa, Caulin Nelson, Nui Helm and Michaiah Soares, while Keao Ross and Conan Kawano will make up the freestyle team along with Helm and Soares, who are competing in both races.…

Molokai Science Students Shine

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Molokai Science Students Shine

Five Molokai students will be representing Maui County at the Hawaii State Science Fair later this spring after earning top results at the 55th Annual Maui Schools’ Science & Engineering Fair on Feb. 6. Molokai has established a strong track record at the state and county levels in recent years. This year, five of the 10 projects from Maui County advancing to the state competition are from Molokai, with three from MHS and two from MMS, according to Heidi Jenkins, Canoe Complex Area STEM Resource Teacher.

“As in previous years, we are very proud of our Molokai students and staff for their strong showing and performance at the Maui District Science Fair,” said Lindsay Ball, complex area superintendent.…

Girls Paddling Gets $1,000

Friday, February 14th, 2014

The Molokai girls paddling crew traveled to the state championships two weeks ago, earning fifth place out of 16 crews. While they finished their season strong, they also came home with a little something extra — a $1,000 award from the Oahu Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA).

“The Molokai people are so gracious we felt it was time to give back,” said OHCRA President Luana Froiseth. OHCRA sponsors the Molokai Hoe canoe race held annually between Molokai and Oahu. This passed year marked their 62nd race. “We appreciate all the help they give to us, their support all these years and we just wanted to give something back.”…

Betting on Butterflies

Friday, February 14th, 2014

Betting on Butterflies

Urban development in Hawaii has left native butterflies with dwindling habitat, but on Molokai, butterflies will soon enjoy a buffet in downtown Kaunakakai. A specially-designed garden in front of the Molokai Public Library, created last week through volunteer community efforts, offers butterfly flower favorites, beauty for passersby and an agriculture education for keiki.

“Just like bees, butterflies are important for agriculture because they’re pollinators and a lot of people don’t know that,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Molokai inspector Chevy Levasa, who spearheaded the project in her free time. “There is a real problem on Oahu and… Maui because humans are building condos and taking over [butterflies’] habitat.…

Ohana By Hawaiian Starts Molokai Service March 11

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

Ohana By Hawaiian Starts Molokai Service March 11

Hawaiian Airlines News Release

Tickets for Hawaii’s newest interisland operation, ‘Ohana by Hawaiian,  are now available for its long-awaited turboprop service from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Molokai Airport (MKK) and Lanai Airport (LNY) by booking online at HawaiianAirlines.com. Three daily flights to MKK will launch on Tues., March 11 and twice daily service to LNY will begin Tues. March 18. In celebration of the launch, the airline is offering a special fare of $59 each way for tickets booked through Mon., Feb. 17 for travel through April 17, 2014 to both destinations.

“As Hawaii’s first airline, this new operation anchors us to our legacy and vision to connect all of our island communities through flight, making it easier for kama`aina and visitors alike to share time together,” said Hadden Watt, managing director of ‘Ohana by Hawaiian.…