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Veterans Corner

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events. In the April 11 issue of Time magazine, they reported about a scandal at Arlington National Cemetery. An Army inspector general’s investigation confirmed that the Army had lost control of its sacred ground, the resting place of John F. Kennedy and Audie Murphy, and 330,000 others who courageously served their country. The probe was played down by the Army, but the revelation prompted a congressional hearing, and howls of disgust from veterans’ organizations. This outrage prompted Army Secretary John McHugh to push out the superintendent of Arlington, and his deputy, and install a new boss to make things right on its hallowed site.

Molokai Protects Its Reef

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Molokai Protects Its Reef

Community Contributed

By Walter Ritte

“I felt like I was cleaning the rubbish off the reef,” said Dicky Dowling, who speared 46 roi for first place honors in last weekend’s Molokai Roi Tournament. The roi fish is an invasive species introduced 55 years ago by the state, and is now the most dominant inshore predator in Hawaii. Roi is known for eating the young juveniles of our native species, some 99 tons of fish a year in Hawaii.

The goal of the Molokai Roi Tournament held on April 16 was the eradication of the invasive roi. Fourteen teams and some 70 participants came out. Everyone knows we are losing our fish populations on our reefs for many reasons, and it was great to see those with the traditional diving skills come together to protect the reef. There were the young and the old, the men and the women all coming together passing on knowledge, eating, drinking, and listening to Six Pak play ono music.


Our kuleana to our future generations is to protect all of our natural resources, so no matter how bad the economy gets or if the barges stop coming, we will be able to survive. It was a great tournament – mahalo Black Dudoit, Walter Naki, Kevin Misaki, Bill Castor and Karen Holt and the many great divers for cleaning up our reef.

Here are the official results of the tournament:

Largest Individual Roi:
1st Place:    Eke Lima                  4.36 lb.
2nd Place:   Jeremiah Keohuloa    3.98 lb.
3rd Place:    Pernell Mondoy         3.96 lb.

Smallest Individual Roi:
1st Place Tie:    Nick Hiro             .23 oz.
                       Naomi Bicoy        .23 oz.
2nd Place:        Kenny Kansana    .25 oz.

Most Roi Caught by Individuals:
1st Place:     Dickie Dowling          46 roi
2nd Place:    Kimo Naki               39 roi
3rd Place:     Pernell Mondoy        28 roi   

Most Roi Caught by Teams:
1st Place:     Rawlins `Ohana       97 roi
2nd Place:    Mana`e Canoe Club  66 roi
3rd Place:     Kia`i                       64 roi

Largest Individual Roi Caught by Women:
1st Place:     Kimi Werner        2.91 lb.
2nd Place:    Ipo Moses          2.60 lb.
3rd Place:     Kia`i                 2.13 lb.

The Big Wind Scam

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Community Contributed

Opinion by Mike Bond

Despite Molokai’s nearly unanimous opposition to the proposed industrial wind factory, its backers, Pattern Energy, Castle & Cooke, Molokai Ranch, Hawaiian Electric and Gov. Abercrombie, refuse to give in. Instead, they’re sending a squad of consultants, including BioLogical Capital and Molokai Renewables LLC, to Molokai beginning April 25 to dangle bribes before us.

New Molokai Council Seats

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

New Molokai Council Seats

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has added two new seats to its advisory council, for Molokai and Lanai representatives.

Walter Ritte was named to the Molokai seat, with Diane Abraham as alternate.

“I am very excited about being on the [council],” Ritte said.  My goal is to have this sanctuary protect the environment and natural resources of the Hawaiian Islands. I believe that the Hawaiian culture was and is based on the sustainable use of these resources.”

He added that is goal on the council is to protect and enhance the Hawaiian culture through federal laws “since our state has no political will to do so.”


“I hope to convince the federal government to recognize and work with the `Aha Ki`ole and Molokai to protect and enhance these resources that we depend on to survive,” Ritte explained.

Established in 1996, the sanctuary Advisory Council provides sanctuary staff with advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The sanctuary is an area from shoreline out several miles to see around the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, as well as parts of Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island.

Police Commission
Pancho Alcon was recently named to the Maui County Police Commission, which appoints the Police Chief and investigates charges brought forth by the public against the conduct of the department or its members, among other duties, according to the Maui County website. Alcon was unavailable for comment.

Hospice Cares for You

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Community Contributed

By Patricia Tancayo, bereavement volunteer

All patients and families are provided with these types of services:
•    Nursing focuses on helping each patient with pain management and symptom control to ensure the highest level of comfort possible
•    Home health aides assist with practical care such as bathing
•    Social workers provide emotional and bereavement support, as well as assistance with personal documents
•    Our chaplains offer spiritual care. They also work with other religious leaders in our communities to help with specific religious desires
•    Volunteers can provide respite care, companionship, light patient care and errands for families

Taking Initiative with Organic Farming

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

USDA News Release

There’s a new reason to be an organic farmer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a national funding opportunity for certified organic producers, or those transitioning to organic production.

Locally, the USDA-NRCS office is hosting a sustainability workshop, focusing on conservation easements to achieve sustainability goals. Conservation funding will be discussed, as well as an introduction to conservation easements and benefits to landowners.

Softball Secures Undefeated Regular Season

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Softball Secures Undefeated Regular Season

The Lady Farmers’ softball team remains undefeated when they bested the Hana Dragons last weekend with a pair of exciting wins. The victories claimed the Farmers the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II regular season crown.

They will have a shot to win it all when they compete in the MIL championships, beginning this Thursday in Lanai City.

“Our goal is to win MILs and finish what we lost last year,” said Kayla Tanner-Davids, catcher, after Saturday’s win.

The Lady Farmers, with a season record of 8-0, defeated Hana on Friday evening 5-2.


“The girls played very hard and they wanted to win, so they went for it. I’m really proud of them,” said assistant coach Loke Kamakana.

On Saturday, Molokai led most of the game, with help from pitcher Jasmine Borden, who allowed three hits and struck out eight.

“I feel like we played really well today and we are ready for the MILs,” Borden said.

The Lady Farmers’ led in the first inning 3-0. As the Dragons gained the lead and the score went up 6-4, Molokai fans started to get worried and the Hana fans started to get louder. The Lady Farmers made defensive errors on routine plays.

But Molokai caught up and tied it 6-6 by the sixth inning. They continued their rally into the seventh inning, not letting up on defense or offense.

Molokai ensured their tournament berth in the bottom of the seventh inning. Natalia Levi hit a two-run RBI to make it 8-6 and the deal was sealed after Kayla Tanner-Davids hit in two more RBIs with an in-the-park single.

“I feel great. I wanted to steal bases and hit an RBI. I met my goals,” Tanner-Davids said.

Levi made the final out as she snagged a fly-ball in center field. Her teammates flocked to mid-field for celebration.

“I think our playing today was super,” said Tootie Rawlins, catcher. “ This was what we have been waiting for all season.”

In addition to playing in front of a supportive group of Molokai parents and fans, the Lady Farmers also battled it out this weekend in front of a raucous Hana fan base.

 “Hit the ball, long and hard!” they chanted in unison.

But Molokai did not hesitate to be hospitable to the Hana players. Both teams sang the Molokai anthem together and even joined each other in a dance on the field after the game.

Side Streets to be Widened

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Side Streets to be Widened

Friendly Market Center (FMC) has recently been approved for a Special Management Area (SMA) permit to subdivide a lot, a first step in widening Kamoi and Alohi Streets along FMC property.

The grocery store’s property falls under the county zoning area classified as Country Town Business District (B-CT). Those zoning requirements, set in 1993 during former Mayor Linda Lingle’s tenure, mandate that the two streets be two feet wider than their current width.

Alohi and Kamoi Streets are 40 feet wide, while the C-BT side street rules designate 42 feet.

The county is undertaking the road widening project, in partnership with FMC.

“It’s part of the B-CT. We have to comply,” said FMC co-owner Crystal Egusa.

The proposed value of the project is $25,000, if it is undertaken, according to its SMA application.

The permit to subdivide was approved by Molokai Planning Commission last week.

FMC also hopes to receive an SMA permit in the future to build a storage warehouse on the lot between Molokai Drive-Inn and FMC. The necessary subdivision for the road widening is also the first step for the possible building of the warehouse.

The MoPC has required McPherson to research more on B-CT, which will be discussed at the next MoPC meeting.

Last week, Molokai Planning Commission introduced Mikiala Pescaia as new chairperson and John Sprinzel as vice-chair of the commission.

 

Departures from Planning Commission

Joseph Kalipi, served since 2006


Radio persnality, public relations consultant and sales consultant for KMKK radio,Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity


“I hope that my presence and my participation on the Molokai Planning Commission will help to ensure our current and future needs as far as the scope of our work is concerned.At the same time, preserve our cultural value and the important things we love about Molokai – the people, simplicity of life, and that our resources are well-protected and preserved.Not only that, but so they can be cultivated and keep can going.”

Molokai Boys’ Volleyball Downed

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Molokai Boys’ Volleyball Downed

Down during the fourth set at the Barn last Friday evening, the Farmers saw a short revival against the defending Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) champs, Seabury Hall, but it was not enough.

The Farmers fell to the Spartans, 23-25, 20-25, 28-26, 22-25, on Friday evening, and saw the same loss of 1-3 on Saturday afternoon, with a set round-up of 13-25, 22-25, 25-23, 23-25.


Friday’s game had strong blocks and kills up front from David Gomes, who had seven kills. Claude Kapuni had seven kills and three blocks. Dahvin Spencer-Basa also got the momentum going toward the end of the third set with one ace and four kills.

“I think team-wise it’s the best game we played season long,” said head coach Bill Dudoit of Friday night’s game.

Molokai seemed to be gaining the upper-hand with 20-19 when a Seabury Hall player went down with a possible neck injury, sending the game in a 10-minute delay. Seabury Hall ended up with 25-22.

“We played more as a team today, everybody who came off the bench did really well, even the starters,” Spencer-Basa said.

Saturday’s game saw nine kills each from David and Dayson Gomes, as well as seven kills from Paka Adolpho, and Roycee Calairo had six kills. Claude Kapuni helped the Farmers with four blocks.

The Farmers (2-4) will play a rescheduled match against Maui High this weekend for their last home games of the season.

MOC Looking Ahead

Monday, April 18th, 2011

MOC Looking Ahead

Molokai Occupational Center’s (MOC) new management is putting a rocky past aside and working toward building a better future and making stronger ties with the community it serves.

After management defaults by MOC’s previous executive director, Grant Sullivan last December, the MOC board voted Jim Schelinski as Board of Director’s president in December and appointed Amy Maeda as executive director in March.

Before Maeda arrived, Noe Pascua assumed executive director responsibilities. She also manages MOC’s thrift store.

“I think we’re well underway putting this back together better than ever before,” Schelinski said.

is a go getter. She’s got a lot of knowledge in the field and a passion for serving people on the island,” said her assistant executive director Suzie Holtzman.

Holtzman began writing grants for MOC five years ago, and officially moved to the island three years ago.

“I love it here. I have a passion for serving mentally disabled people and creating jobs,” she said.

Together, they want to mingle with the community. Maeda wants to offer  free, job rentention workships for the community, she said. She also wants Molokai residents help put their green thumbs to use. She is getting ready to start a community garden in June on MOC’s property for staff and residents.

“In the short term, it will provide life skills and farm to table experience,” Maeda said.

A New Beginning
Late last December, Executive Director Grant Sullivan resigned per the board’s request in the midst of mismanagement accusations, and Board president Allen Tancayo resigned after twenty years of service for health reasons.
Glenn Davis, who has worked with MOC for four years, said that working conditions are different under new management.

“The most important thing now is that things are more clear cut. Our schedules are posted, so we know what we are doing each week,” he said.

Davis also stated that the new board seems more hands on and the company seems more efficient.
“I’m quite happy,” he said.

Maeda would like to thank Noe Pascua for her consistent diligence in serving Molokai’s people. She would also like to thank Allen Tancayo for his 20 years of serving on the board.