No Fish, Just Paddle
Community Contributed by `Aha Ki`ole o Molokai
Add your commentExercising ‘Divine Right’
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Get ready to vote – and this time, instead of casting a ballot for the a U.S. government official, you can have a say in the future of the Reinstated Hawaiian Nation.
On Molokai, the Nation has been holding weekly classes to educate the community on the history of the lawful kingdom and how the public can get involved – particularly by voting in the upcoming elections on Nov. 5. Registration ends Sept. 30, though those who register after that will be counted in an unofficial vote, according to kupuna Moke Kim.
Anyone can vote, even if you are not a citizen of the nation or a Native Hawaiian.
“We need a little kokua for elections to see if people are willing to help and [contribute their] mana`o,” said Duke Kalipi, representative for the Molokai district – one of 24 districts in the reinstated nation.
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Since then, the government has been active, with nine registered “nationals” on Molokai. Statewide citizenship of the Nation has reached about 400 nationals, with another 7,000 citizenship applications in process.
Classes are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center and serve as a starting point for those interested in becoming citizens of the nation.
“One of the best ways to learn is to participate and ask questions,” said Kim.
“We’ve been here long enough to see…laws closing in,” said one attendee last week, referencing hunting and land tax laws under the Hawaii state government. “The pressure for us locals is getting bad.”
Kim taught the nearly 20 participants in last week’s class about the divine or God-given inherent right to sovereignty.
“We are all ali`i,” he said. “Is it our right? You bet!” he added, pointing to the chalk-written words “divine rights” on the blackboard. “We should all grow up teaching our children to be ali`i.”
In exercising that divine right on Nov. 5, voters will be casting their ballots on who they believe should be the next prime minister of the nation, and Molokai representative and noble.
“We want people to know that they have options,” said Henry French, filling the current Molokai seat in the House of Nobles.
Humane Society Welcomes New Vet
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By Dr. Stewart K. Morgan and the Molokai Humane Society
It has been over six years since we began our search for a veterinarian willing to move to Molokai and the Molokai Humane Society (MoHS) is thrilled to announce that we have finally overcome that challenge! MoHS has recently hired our first staff veterinarian, Dr. Stewart Morgan, who will begin working on Monday, Oct. 31. We are looking forward to being able to offer the animals of Molokai more regular care.
Until Dr. Morgan’s arrival, we have a regular schedule of visiting vets at MoHS; please visit our website molokaihumanesociety.org or call to get the most current visiting vet schedule.
Below you will find a letter to the community from Dr. Morgan. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 558-0000. Thank you for your continued support.
Hello Molokai!
My name is Stewart Morgan. I have accepted a position as veterinarian for the Molokai Humane Society. I met many of you this past August while visiting and working in the container. I both saw and heard from everyone I spoke with on Molokai how much a consistent veterinary presence is needed here.
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I am originally from Baltimore. I attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania for my undergraduate major in Evolutionary Studies. I then attended Stony Brook University, on Long Island, N.Y., for my doctorate in Genetics. Following this, I attended Cornell University, in Central New York, for veterinary school. Since graduating, I have mostly worked for nonprofits, providing care for animals in shelters and in underserved communities (most recently Washington Humane Society). I have keen interests in animal welfare (including feral cat populations) as well as an interest in internal medicine. I both enjoy teaching and learning from others. I will do my utmost to improve the quality of care for all animals on Molokai and I look forward to working with everyone.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stewart Morgan
Cut Back Energy Costs
Kanu Hawaii is pleased to announce the start of the Molokai Home Energy Monitor Program, a new energy pilot project intended to help Molokai renters and homeowners understand and manage their energy use.
The project will invite 100 Molokai households to receive a free whole-house energy monitor that displays real-time, minute-to-minute energy consumption and cost data via a table-stop display about the size of a cell phone. The display shows up-to-the minute dollar costs for all electricity use in the home, from "phantom" draw from electronics to opening the fridge door or taking a hot shower. As appliances are turned on and off, the monitor shows the changing cost.
DHS Molokai Office Increases Staff
Returning from the brink of survival last year after proposed Department of Human Services (DHS) cuts were vetoed, the DHS eligibility office on Molokai is now expanding its staff to handle a hefty case load. A recent visit by Rep. John Mizuno and DHS Deputy Director Panjit Bhanot bolstered the confidence of DHS Molokai employees, who say a new administration has made the difference between night and day.
“We were drowning, but we see the light now…” said Molokai eligibility worker Krisha Sahagun.
Bridget Mowat, Molokai supervisor, said she and each of her three employees currently handle up to 600 case loads each, due to lack of staffing and taking on Lanai’s cases after their DHS worker left in June.
“Luckily I have a really good team,” Mowat said.
Local Chef Releases Second Cookbook
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Community Contributed by James Temple
Did you know that there are over 45,000 tropical islands around the world? “Tropical Cooking,” the second in a series from Molokai chef James Temple is now being sold on Oahu and Molokai. It is a collection of 122 tropical island recipes featuring cuisine with a fusion of tropical flavors, unique to the culinary world. Take a tour of the world’s islands with hot and spicy appetizers to cool and refreshing desserts and everything in between. Recipes include dishes such as papaya and crabmeat boats, banana crumble muffins, spicy grilled beef short ribs, Aruban citrus chicken, pineapple rum cake, lime-garlic pork roast, coconut crab cakes with avocado mango salsa, coconut shrimp hush-puppies, or tropical island gazpacho, just to name a few.
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Temple is a chef, writer and graphic designer who has traveled the world. His love of tropical island cuisine and his passion for the fine art of cooking led him to a degree in culinary arts from the San Francisco Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu Program. He and his wife, Kimberly, have lived on Molokai for the last nine years and previously owned Bamboo Pantry across from Friendly Market. This limited edition cookbook has just been printed in Honolulu and is full of beautiful color illustrations from Temple's "food art" gallery seen at james-temple.fineartamerica.com. You can now buy a copy before they are sold out at local retailers, including Kalele Bookstore, Big Wind Kite Factory, Kumu Farms, Kamakana Country Store, the gift store at Hotel Molokai, or directly from Kimberly Temple who has a booth every Saturday at our local farmer's market in front of Bank of Hawaii. Before you know it you will be enjoying a little taste of tropical island cuisine from around the world without leaving home.¬
Molokai Men Paddle in Long Distance
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Community Contributed by Tammy Castor
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On Sept. 3, Kai Opua Canoe Club held its 40th annual Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race at Kailua, Kona on Hawaii Island. The 18-mile race featured men and women competing in their respective divisions. The Molokai men’s crew paddling for Mana`e Canoe Club finished with an impressive 7th place in the men’s iron open division and 9th overall. There were a total of 144 entries in the men’s division. Teammates included (pictured above from left to right) back: Asa Ward, Chad Lima, John Russell Pheifer, Titus Castor; front: Kaeo Abby and Keola Kino.
Aunty’s Corner
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Speaking of birds, my little Kolea is back. He didn’t get here until early this month. I was so worried I called Arleone to find out why my bird didn’t come back and she told me that the male birds come later than the females. Perhaps the boys had to stop and ask for directions. Tee hee.
Does anyone know anything about the cannon that was moved to the Armory? Anakala Pilipo was asking The Dispatch to get the word out that Maui or the Big Island wants to take it. If anyone knows anything can you give me a call at 552-2781? I’d really appreciate it. I’ve called several people but they didn’t know anything about it. As I learned in an old “Looking for the Cannon” query in the June 15, 1989 Molokai Dispatch, the cannon was possibly part of King Kalakaua’s Austrian battery. In an effort to build up the military arsenal of the Kingdom, King Kalakaua corresponded with Emperor Franz Joseph for the purchase of Prussian arms. As a special favor extended to no other government, the Austrian government allowed His Majesty to purchase a battery of these guns consisting of six pieces as well as mountain battery of four pieces. In 1989, the Iolani Palace began a search for the cannon but nothing has been mentioned regarding it thus far. Please call us if you know anything more about this. Mahalo.
Have you checked out the new General Store? I really recommend it. So many nooks and crannies to look at. I went on a Saturday and there is a lady that works with a quilting machine. Fascinating to watch it work. It certainly makes it faster to quilt. At the Drug Store on the prescription counter is a box that says “Do You Know Who Is in Your Medicine Cabinet?” Open the box, it’s an eye opener!
Well, it seems I’ve rattled on enough. I’ll leave you with this tidbit I found. Butterflies taste with their feet! Hope they’re clean. Pet the dog, feet the cat, hug your children, kiss your sweetie and malama your mama. A hui hou, Aunty Kapua
Services Commended
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Community Contributed by Gladys Brown
The 19th Annual Molokai Employee Recognition Luncheon was held at the Mitchell Pauole Center on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. It was opened by emcee Ella Alcon. Welcome remarks by Mayor Alan Arakawa included current benefits for Maui County workers and Council Chair Danny Mateo offered his greetings to all attendees also.
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The highlight of the luncheon was the recognition of the Molokai Employee of the Year. A plaque was presented to Stafford Caparida, Police Officer II, of the Molokai Police Department. Stafford was cited for his conduct of the narcotic investigation on the island. He was active and vigilant in pursing activities resulting in seizure of narcotics, contraband and monies. He is active in community projects in his free time. Lt. Clyde Holokai was there to congratulate him. Stafford’s name will be entered on the perpetual plaque listing former winners from Molokai.
Donna Evans, human resources technician of the Maui Department of Personnel Services, coordinated the morning activities. Also present were members of the Mayor’s department.
Money Matters
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Continue funding the MEO bus, several Molokai residents and educators told Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa last week.
Arakawa visited Molokai last Thursday to host a ceremony honoring county employees in the morning, his “County on Your Corner” open community discussion in the afternoon and a community budget meeting with representatives of his cabinet that night.
During the latter, residents and workers showed their support for many of the island’s county-run programs, thanking the mayor and his cabinet for current funding and requesting it continue during the 2013 fiscal year. The MEO bus, many said, is a vital part of the success of other on-island programs.
“Losing [the MEO bus] would greatly diminish our effectiveness” in reaching students through after-school programs, Molokai Middle School Principal Gary Davidson said in a prepared speech read by a student.
Kupono McPherson of Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool said the school “lives off of [the MEO bus system]” and without their service, “we don’t really exist,” while a message submitted by Molokai High School Athletic Director Camie Kimball said that “without MEO, many of our students would not be able to participate” in school sports.
Linda Liddell, a disabled person who uses an electric wheelchair and sits on the Maui County Commission on Persons with Disabilities, also said she depends on MEO for transportation.
After the meeting, Arakawa said he was interested in addressing concerns that the public bus system be as efficient as possible in its schedule.
In addition to MEO transportation, residents expressed support for a wide variety of local operations, including the Molokai Youth Center, Ka Hale Pomaikai substance abuse treatment center and the Kuha`o Business Center. Under the guidance of Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo, the center has helped more than 120 businesses open their doors, said Malia Akutagawa.
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Community members also had the chance to speak with Mayor Arakawa on Sept. 22 during his “County on your Corner” open forum. Residents expressed mana`o on several issues that need county support, including the Molokai Humane Society, 4-H and the Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance. I Aloha Molokai also expressed concerns of future wind turbines on Molokai.
