A three-person conch shell ensemble harmoniously signaled the beginning of Ka La Hanau o Lili`uokalani, the annual observance of Queen Lili`uokalani’s birthday on Sept. 2, 1838. The occasion is observed every year by Molokai’s Hawaiian Language Immersion students from grades pre-K to 12. This year’s celebration was held on Sept. 14 at Lanikeha, Ho`olehua with almost 150 of Molokai’s Hawaiian-speaking student population in attendance along with kupuna and family members.
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Community Contributed by G.T. Larson
In the heated debate concerning global warming, much of the discussion has been centered on greenhouse gasses. Unfortunately, much of what is being said by both sides in this debate, at times, resembles hot air. As we examined in our last installment, if it were not for naturally occurring greenhouse gasses, life on Earth would not exist as we know it today. They are the insulation for us in our atmosphere to keep us from freezing. Where we run into trouble, is when the atmospheric balance of the gasses becomes imbalanced, particularly if we have contributed to this shift. The problem at the center of this debate is how much, if any, we, as humans, are adversely contributing to the atmosphere’s inventory of these gasses.
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On Saturday night, Sept. 10, while Molokai was jamming to the sounds of Sashamon and friends, I was in Kapalua, Maui, enjoying awesome island music at the Ritz Carlton as they hosted the 10th Annual Richard Hoopii Falsetto Competition. This event was created to help promote and perpetuate the beautiful and unique art of Hawaiian falsetto singing.
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In second place was 22-year-old Micah Hoapili De Aguilar from Hawaii Island. He won a well-deserved $300 cash, $150 in gift certificates, a canoe paddle trophy and a gift basket.
In third place was myself, Kalae Arnold, representing Molokai. I was more than happy with $200 in cash, as well as the same gift certificates, trophy, and a gift basket.
The runners-up were Kamakana Lopez from Lanai and James Koakane Mattos from Oahu. These two young men were exceptionally talented with amazing vocals and they both walked away with gift baskets and certificates of excellence.
After the competition, we were all treated to a performance by the one and only Na Pala Palai. I would like to thank all my sponsors for their kindness and support. Mahalo to Lucy and Dave Jung of Lahaina Cruise Company. Danny Mateo, Tina Thompson, Nani Watanabe of Festivals of Aloha and Moana’s Hula Halau. Mahalo also to Uncle Richard Hoopii and ohana and the Ritz Carlton for a wonderful experience.
‘Til next time, much mahalos and aloha.
Kalae Arnold
Some person(s) is taking down other people’s notices of events, sales, etc. before the day of the event. Why? Thank you to the Molokai businesses (Bank of Hawaii, Friendly Market, Wines & Spirit, Kualapu`u Market, Post Offices, and others) that allow posts on their establishment bulletin boards such as Celebrations of Life, Concerts, Yards Sales, athletic sport games, fundraising, sales and want ads. It is a very important communication resource to the Molokai community.
I have learned of a game being played today by our youth. It is called "faith," but it is known by many other different names such as, "blackout," "passout," etc. It's a potentially deadly oxygen deprivation activity that kids do to achieve a “floaty,” “high” sensation. Some keiki do it out of curiosity or peer pressure. Since I have learned of its existence on Molokai, it has consumed my thoughts and I have been researching this and trying to get the word out to make others aware of this so-called "game," not only in fear for my own keiki, but for anyone's keiki.
Christian Jay Fermin P. Motas was born Sept. 1 to the proud parents of Jessica and Noel Joseph Motas. He was born at Molokai General Hospital weighing 6 pounds 5 ounces and is welcomed by sister Deisha Esther and grandparents Patricio and Rosemarie Pantaleon and Fermin Jr. and Felicitas Motas.
Community contributed by Brenda K Smith DVM, Molokai Humane Society
Newborn puppies and kittens receive some immunity or protection against disease from their mother's milk during the first few days of their lives. The mother can only pass on the immunity that she herself has, and her ability to do this depends on whether or not she has been properly vaccinated. This protection is only temporary and it declines in the first few weeks of life.
At the same time the maternal antibodies are starting to decrease, the immune system of the puppy or kitten is starting to become effective. It is also during this time that we start to vaccinate pets, in order to let their developing immune system start to produce antibodies to disease.
It is recommended to vaccinate puppies and kittens starting at about eight weeks of age, and continuing every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. It takes time for the immune system to respond to the vaccines, usually between 10 and 14 days after the last dose has been given. Until the series of vaccinations is complete, it is very important that you keep your puppy away from other dogs and to avoid places where other dogs might have been.
Older puppies/kittens and adult animals need a series of two vaccines three to four weeks apart to obtain the initial immunity. This is followed by a booster one year after the initial series in all pets, then every one to three years depending on the pet's lifestyle.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Most veterinary vaccinations are relatively inexpensive, and are substantially less expensive than the cost of treatment for the diseases they protect against. Many dangerous diseases seen in dogs and cats are completely preventable with the right vaccinations.
The Molokai Humane Society offers dog vaccinations for $10 each and cat vaccinations for $20 each. Please call the Molokai Humane Society at 558-0000 for more information. The Molokai Humane Society is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with extended hours when we have a vet on island.
Community Contributed by Alestra Menendez, Molokai Art and Media Academy director
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He may be only 55 pounds. He may be barely one year old. But that means little to Tai Chi, the Chinese shar pei owned by Lyndon and Janis Dela Cruz. The pup earned “best of breed” honors three times at American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows on Oahu earlier this month.
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