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Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Class of 2020 Celebrates Unconventional Graduation

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

When this year’s Molokai High School senior class left for spring break, they had no idea they’d never have a class on the Molokai High campus again, get to have a traditional graduation ceremony in the Barn, or even hug each other after receiving their diplomas. But after the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, they became the first class to ever be handed their diplomas at arm’s length in front of the school steps as their families looked on from their vehicles.

“As a class we won’t be able to experience what it would be like to have a traditional graduation in the Barn,” said class president and salutatorian Kayla DeRouin in her speech.…

Two Residents Earn Degrees Online

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

WGU News Release

Two Molokai residents have earned a degree from Western Governors University (WGU). The online, nonprofit university has graduated over 178,000 students from across the country since its inception in 1997.

Lian Chong Kalima of Kaunakakai has earned a Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree. Rachel Abshire of Kaunakakai has earned a Bachelor of Science, Business – Healthcare Management degree.

Since January 2, 2020, WGU has awarded 6,313 undergraduate and 4,975 graduate degrees. Graduates’ areas of study include business, K-12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. The average time to graduation for those earning a bachelor’s degree was two years, three months, while the average time for graduate programs was one year, six months.…

Second Phase of Reopening Parks

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

County of Maui News Release

Additional County parks and beach parks reopened on Saturday, May 16, Mayor Michael Victorino announced. The reopening of parks facilities includes select tennis and pickleball courts. Players of both tennis and pickleball may invest in essentials and equipment such as rackets, paddles, tennis and pickleball scoreboards, etc., to improve their plays. County parks and beach parks will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those looking to join events or leagues, the padelfast signup process offers a convenient way to get started and stay connected.

“Many of these parks are neighborhood parks, which give our families more options for exercise near home,” Mayor Victorino said.…

Hunting or Killing?

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Definitions of hunting can include the activity of pursuing wild game for sport and food harvest. I grew up in a hunting family, and for me, hunting is filled with anticipation, excitement, and challenge, along with the possibility of eating the best, healthiest meat on Earth. Hunting isn’t just about the harvest for me; it’s also about observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Tools like a starlight scope have enhanced my experience and helped me score some of my best hunts. My son and I have often sat together for hours, watching deer, goats, or pigs enjoying life in their natural environment.…

County Budget First Reading Now May 26

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Maui County Council News Release

To allow for the inclusion of additional funding from the state and federal government, first reading of Maui County’s fiscal year 2021 budget has been moved to May 26, Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced.

The budget was initially set to be heard on May 22, Lee said. The delay will allow the council to consider appropriating more than $66 million from Coronavirus Relief Fund, approved by Congress in the CARES Act, and additional money in transient accommodations tax revenue, she said.

“With the help of our partners at the state Legislature, we will be able to receive and appropriate tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue,” Lee said.…

Nurse of the Year

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Nurse of the Year

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

In a surprise announcement at Molokai General Hospital last Thursday morning, Jeanette Oshiro, BSN, RN, OCN, was named Queen’s Molokai Nurse of the Year.

The award is given annually from Queen’s Health Systems and Molokai General Hospital.

In her nomination, Oshiro was called an “outstanding leader, professional, mentor to staff, and colleague, [and]… an outstanding nurse.”

“Patients, families and the healthcare team consistently benefit from Jeanette’s wisdom, caring and creativity,” her nominator wrote. “Jeanette inspires everyone at Molokai General Hospital to strive to provide innovative, evidence-based care, and to pursue excellence every day. She is a strong patient advocate and has a strong desire to continuously improve systems with simplification in mind….…

One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

One Educator’s Experience with Virtual Teaching

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Teachers, along with parents and students, have had to work through a lot more challenges than anyone bargained for this year. School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have meant learning has had to take place virtually — and for Molokai Middle School immersion teacher ‘Iolani Kuoha, it’s been an experience that’s required her to “get creative.”

She converted her garage into a virtual classroom and for several hours each day, she uses the video chat program Zoom to engage her students — and their families. She shares language and cultural lessons, guest speakers, lei making, ukulele lessons, cooking classes, career readiness, learning contests, and even physical education.…

MHS Alum Named BYU-HI President

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

MHS Alum Named BYU-HI President

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

“I learned that people are what matter,” said Dr. John “Keoni” Kauwe of his time at Molokai High School, where he graduated in 1996. Kauwe, an internationally recognized researcher specializing in Alzheimer’s disease, was just named the new president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

Kauwe has deep roots in Hawaii and spent several years of his childhood on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai. He currently lives in Utah with his wife and five kids, where he joined the biology department, in the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University in 2009 and later served as chair of the biology department.…

Flyover Salute

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Flyover Salute

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Employees at Molokai General Hospital stood outside and cheered last Thursday as a military KC-135 aircraft flew overhead in a salute to healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel.

The event was an effort from the Hawaii National Guard and the 15th Wing Active Duty Airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to fly over the state’s main hospitals and major metropolitan areas to honor COVID-19 frontline workers. They completed the flyover as part of routine training exercises, at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The statewide flyover included C-17, KC-135 and F-22 aircraft. The KC-135 that flew over Molokai was operated by Hawaii’s Air National Guard Air Refueling Squadron.…

Seumalo Headed for College Football

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020

Seumalo Headed for College Football

By Rick Schonely, Sports Reporter

Molokai High senior Vaai “Uso” Seumalo has been an outstanding student-athlete all his four years with the Farmers, lettering in volleyball and basketball. Last fall, he tried football for the first time under Head Coach Mike Kahale. After just one season of football, Seumalo — who is a big man at 6’ 4” and 290 pounds — caught the eye of many coaches in Hawaii and then received some offers to further his education and play college football at the next level.

Seumalo made the most of his short high school football career. He was invited to the Hawaii Bowl, a game with seniors from all over the state and his team not only won, but he received the defensive MVP award.…