Fire Demo Teaches Safety

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Fire Demo Teaches Safety

Sirens rang, cars were cut apart in a simulated rescue, a helicopter circled and landed, and flames lept from the Kaunakakai Ball Park last Saturday. The Maui County Fire Department held a live demonstration to teach Molokai families how to prevent and react if fires were to occur in their homes.

Seventeen of Molokai’s firefighters put on their first fire prevention demonstration since 2007 as part of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week celebrated in October. The week commemorates the 1871 Chicago fire, which killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of buildings.

Since then, national fire prevention has been a primary health concern, and after being observed for more than 80 years, Fire Prevention Week is considered to be the longest running public safety program on record, according to NFPA.…

Circus Donates to Molokai Schools

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Circus Donates to Molokai Schools

Molokai High School (MHS) and Maunaloa Elementary School received donations from the Modern American Circus during their visit on Molokai Friday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 15.

MHS received $500 and Maunaloa received $1,000 after Molokai Ranch agreed to sponsor the circus, providing land and utilities and requested that the circus donate to two local schools, according to a Molokai Ranch news release.

The circus also provided an opportunity for the MHS football team to help clean up after the shows to raise an additional $500 for MHS athletics. Vice Principal Daniel Espaniola said the school will receive a total of $1,000 after the three-day event.…

East Slope Watershed Protection

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

East Slope Watershed Protection

Planners, landowners, natural resource managers and community members are putting their heads together to protect one of Molokai’s most important resources — water. Many have noticed deterioration of native forests in recent years, especially on the east end, because of invasive species, and they say something needs to be done. Molokai’s rainforests are key watershed areas, or land that collects rain and acts as the island’s water source.

“The forest is [receding] because of its unkempt state,” said Opu`ulani Albino, a cultural representative of the Aha Kiole, a tradition, community-based resource management group on Molokai. “I’m grateful that someone has come forth with a plan… to preserve it.”…

MHS vs Hana 42-0

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

MHS vs Hana 42-0

Molokai High School (MHS) senior David Rapanot (left) carries the ball at the end of the second quarter against Hana High School Saturday, Sept. 21 on Molokai. The game was the MHS football team’s first of the season with a sweeping final score of 42-0. The next game is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 28 against Seabury at the War Memorial Stadium. Photo by Jessica Ahles

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Disaster Preparedness Part 2

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Community Contributed

By MMS Robotics Team

We are the Molokai Middle School FLL Robotics team — Kaitlin, Lana, Taye and Marianna — and this is our second article to raise awareness about natural disasters. We are encouraging you to do three key things in order to be prepared for a natural disaster: get an emergency supply kit, make a family plan, and be informed about the emergencies that can occur and the appropriate actions for you to take. For schools, a well-stocked classroom emergency kit can be a lifesaver.

All Americans — especially Molokai residents, who have more limited access to off-island resources — should have supplies in order to survive for at least three days after a natural disaster occurs.…

Green & White Carnival, College & Career Fair

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

OHA News Release

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable weekend of fun and games Oct. 4-5 as everyone celebrates the things that make Molokai High School and its alumni so special.  Hosted by Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation and sponsored by Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), this will be a two day event that brings classmates of all ages together for some friendly competition to vie for the most spirited Molokai High School class.  The current champions are none other than the Class of 1982, and they are challenging everyone to “bring it” as they defend their title.…

Makani Kai Air Offers $39 Fare

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Makani Kai News Release

Makani Kai Air is offering a special $39 fare between Honolulu and Molokai as a means of introducing itself to the traveling public. The $39 fare, which is being offered for a limited time only and must be made online at MakaniKaiAir.com, includes all fees and taxes. The airline, which began its topside Molokai service in June of this year, has up to eight daily round trip flights between Honolulu and Molokai.

“This special fare is to thank the local people who have embraced Makani Kai and helped make our entry into the market a success,” said Richard Schuman, president of Makani Kai Air.…

Inspired and Fired Art Show

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) will present an exhibition of new works by local artist Kathleen Mendes from Oct. 5-18 at the He `Ike Lihi Showroom. Called “Inspired and Fired by Kathleen Mendes,” the exhibit will feature ceramic pieces composed with a variety of techniques, including slab, coil, and wheel.

When Molokai’s master potter Dan Bennett opened his studio doors in 2007 to those eager to explore ceramics, Mendes had the opportunity to pick up a ball of clay and turn it into a useful object.  Since then she has been working with this medium, discovering all the exciting possibilities it holds for the artist. …

Molokai Clean Energy Initiative: What’s Next

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

IAM News Release

Last week, we offered an update on the Molokai Clean Energy Initiative (MCEI), a forum for communities, organizations and other stakeholders to meet together, share ideas, and envision an affordable clean energy future for everybody. This is the conclusion of that update.

I Aloha Molokai (IAM) President Kanoho Helm saw early on that energy planning is closely linked with emergency preparedness. Without built-in redundancy and back up, no system is likely to function in a crisis. Several MCEI presenters alerted us to the fact that state disaster plans are incomplete, and that some statewide response sequences have not been established or tested.…

What’s New is Not Good: Biosecurity Challenges in Hawaii

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

What’s New is Not Good: Biosecurity Challenges in Hawaii

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, UH Molokai Extension Agent

Biosecurity is a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of introduction into Hawaii of infectious diseases, quarantined pests, invasive alien species, and living modified organisms. Each year, approximately 10 to 15 new major insect pests are accidentally introduced onto Oahu. On top of this, many other seemingly unimportant pests are also accidentally introduced, though we may not fully understand their impacts at that time.

Oahu’s major ports of entry — including harbors, airports, and military installations — are the main entry points for these pests, but they can also be sent through mail systems.…