Kick-starting Scholarships

Thursday, February 13th, 2014

Kick-starting Scholarships

The Financial Aid Kick-Off event last Friday brought “one-stop shopping” to connect Molokai high school and college students with resources to assist them in pursuing their education. More than 30 different organizations from on- and off-island were represented under one tent at University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai, according to event organizer Nahiwa Naki, an educational specialist at the campus’ Educational Opportunity Center

“There are a lot of resources out there, and students just need to know where to look,” said Naki. “No matter what school you want to go to, it’s about the path to get there… and we want to get the most resources for our students.”…

DiAna Makaokalani Lima

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

DiAna Makaokalani Lima

DiAna Makaokalani Lima, 33, of Kapa`akea, Molokai, died on Feb. 3, 2014 in Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. She was born in Kaunakakai, Molokai. She is survived by her companion, Albert Kaikoa Espaniola; sons, Anoi Kaoo Kaukaleo Ihookalanipo Lima-English, David Kahikina Lima-English, Dylan Tanielu Lima-English and Shawn-Isaac Makanaakealoha Wise; daughters, Haliaka Lahela Makaokalani Naliko Lima-English and Taua Lealofa Ehukainani Lima-English; parents, David Ka`oo Lima, Davelynn Lima-Hardwick and Tuka Agemotu Jr.; brothers, Itula Keolanalani Suafoa, Jr., Keith Kaoo Tuka Suafoa, Andrew Mareko Logoai Kalima Suafoa, Keolamaikalani Samuel Agemoti and Kristen Franklin Agemotu; and sisters, Elenita Kuuleialoha Suafoa, Selega April Kaaua Suafoa- Yanez, Esther Napua Agemotu, Lisa Marie Agemotu, Nakita Ino Agemotu and Mischa Vay Agemotu.…

Students Raise Funds for College Tour

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Nineteen of Molokai High School’s (MHS) students have made lofty goals, setting their sights on some the country’s top universities. In a collaborative effort with their parents and educators to form the Molokai College Career Tour Club (MCCTC), they are working to raise $65,000 for a week-long college tour this year and prepare for post-graduation success.

“Our commitment is to our students throughout their high school career,” said Ric Ornellas, co-advisor of MCCTC. “We are committed that by the time they graduate, they are on their way to achieving their career goals, and part of that is preparing them to enter one of the most competitive education institutions in the world.”…

Unattended Vehicle Causes Power Outage in Kaunakakai

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Unattended Vehicle Causes Power Outage in Kaunakakai

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Residents of Kaunakakai were left without power Friday night after an unoccupied truck crashed into a utility pole. The truck had been left in neutral on the hill near Molokai General Hospital, according to police. Shortly after 10 p.m., it careened backward, totaling the vehicle and toppling the pole.

Witnesses said they heard a loud crash followed by a big flash of light. No injuries were reported.

About 500 residents were without electricity for approximately an hour, and the utility pole was replaced the following day, according to Maui Electric.…

Playing, Fundraising and Homecoming for MHS Athletics

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Playing, Fundraising and Homecoming for MHS Athletics

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

Molokai High boys basketball won the last game of their regular season over St. Anthony, as well as celebrated Farmer Homecoming last Friday. Closing the night at the Barn with a 44-40 score, the team also honored their two seniors, David Rapanot, and Likeke Schonely. The boys will play in the MIL championship this weekend.

In an effort to boost homecoming attendance and raise money for the cash-short Molokai athletics department, stakes were raised for one lucky game attendee to win $10,000 by making a half-court shot. Shirley Rawlins of Rawlins Chevron and David Mikami of Molokai Drugs donated the money, and tickets for the drawing sold for $5.…

Ikehu Molokai Energy Project Update

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Ikehu Molokai News Release

Mahalo to the Molokai community for your many expressions of support for the Ikehu Molokai project. Thanks also for the many comments and feedback on the project.  Among other things, we have heard concerns about impacts on the Manila Camp neighborhood if the project is located there, visual and wildlife impacts from possible wind turbines in the west end, impacts on water from use of the reservoirs.

We have also heard that the basic goals of the project are very welcome on Molokai.  These goals include rate relief, grid stability, island self-sufficiency, leaving plenty of room for more rooftop solar, and energy emergency preparedness. …

Chinese New Year with the Chungs

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Chinese New Year with the Chungs

“Kung Hee Fat Choy,” meaning “congratulate you with prosperity,” is how you say Happy New Year, said Mrs. Chung with outstretched arms, cheerfully handing festive treats and gifts to visitors.

“It is a very inspiring saying,” she said. “It reminds us how lucky we are to be Chinese and to have this tradition to observe.”

For Mrs. Chung and her husband Mel, this time of the season means good food, good company and a time to celebrate their heritage. Red and gold lanterns, banners and decorative firecrackers adorned their business, Shop 2 & Beauty Salon. Guests were welcomed with Chinese music and lucky candies, and left with knowledge in rifle history and best wishes, starting the New Year off with a bang.…

Caring for Kalaupapa’s Cats

Friday, February 7th, 2014

Caring for Kalaupapa’s Cats

Feral cats living on the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula have become an attribute of the settlement, welcoming visitors and providing companionship for residents by lingering around homes and community buildings. For those interested in feline companions, this site about Ragdolls offers a glimpse into the gentle nature of one beloved cat breed. But as the numbers of ferals continue to rise, gathering in colonies of 20 to 30 cats, it creates an environmental hazard to the settlement, according to National Park Service workers.

“In the last few months, a couple people have moved out and the cat colonies [they were feeding] have been abandoned,” said Paul Hosten, a terrestrial ecologist for the National Park Service.“…The…

Kualapu`u School 5K Race Series

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Kualapu`u School 5K Race Series

Kualapu`u School News Release

Kualapu`u Charter School announces the first of six 5K fun-raising races to be held this Saturday, Feb. 8.  All interested runners, joggers and walkers are invited to come to Coffees of Hawaii this Saturday to race.  Registration begins at 8 a.m.  Event start time is 8:30 a.m. The $10 adult registration fee will be used to send a team of Kualapu`u School runners to Oahu for the Honolulu 5K for Kids, slated for April 27.  There is no entry fee for students.

The six races in the series will be used as qualifying races for Kualapu`u School’s six member team that competes on Oahu.…

`Aha Ho`okuku `Olelo

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Hui Hoʻola ʻOlelo News Release

Welina e ko Molokai, e na makamaka o ia `aina momona nei.

In celebration of Mahina Aloha `Olelo (Hawaiian Language Month), February, we will be hosting our first `Aha Ho`okuku `Olelo (Hawaiian Language Competition) on Molokai. This event will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 at Kulana `Oiwi Halau. It is open to all levels of Hawaiian Language speakers. There will be two categories: Ho`opa`ana`au (Memorized Verse) and Uluwale (Impromptu). You may choose to enter in just one category or both. Levels will be separated by grades for youth and by skill for adult entries.

Our theme, “He ali`i ka `aina, he kauwa ke kanaka,” honors our ali`i as well as our `aina of Molokai.…