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Kicking Cancer to the Curb

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Kicking Cancer to the Curb

Community Contributed

By Lily Napoleon

Kicking off the fundraising for the 2011 Relay for Life of Molokai was truly a memorable night –cancer survivors, families, friends and community supporters from near and far gathered at Hotel Molokai on the evening of Oct. 13.

Uniting as a community to fight back against a disease that has taken too much from us, we celebrated the perseverance and strength of our survivors and remembered loved ones who loss the battle with cancer. 

The event served as a time for the community to get a sneak peak at the committee members who will be planning the 2011 Relay for Life of Molokai. 

The night was filled with live entertainment, a buffet-style dinner, lucky number giveaways and a luminaria ceremony to showcase pictures of survivors and loved ones. We raised over $1,300 and all funds will go toward Molokai 2011 Relay For Life goal. 

Special thanks to Lahaina Cruise Company, Michelle Shizuma, Misaki Store, Nani Maikui, Daniel from Akaku, Rawlins Service Station, Olelo Shonely, Benny Uyetake, Kathy Collins, Pili Pa`a, Up and Coming Band, Leif and Jana Sasada, Kilohana Elementary School, and to all who helped sell dinner tickets for the event. 

We will see you all next year at the 2011 Relay for Life of Molokai on Aug. 5 at Kaunakakai Baseball Park at 6 p.m.

Habitat Completes First ‘Off-The-Grid’ Home

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Molokai Habitat for Humanity News Release

With the help from Hawaii’s leading residential solar company, RevoluSun, Molokai Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the dedication and blessing of its 19th completed home for the Kaai `Ohana. This will be Hawaii Habitat’s first “off-grid” home on Hawaiian Home Lands, as well as the first home built by Molokai Habitat with a renewable energy system.

Halawa Valley Clean-Up

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Lavinia Currier, Pu`u O Hoku Ranch

I wish to make public to the people of Molokai the intentions of Pu`u O Hoku Ranch in regards to the camping in Halawa Valley. Historically, the ranch has welcomed campers in the summer season on the far side of Kama`alaea Bay for short periods, hoping that by limiting the length of any family’s stay there will be room for all interested families to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Halawa. Over time, certain campers extended their stay to the entire summer, and we at Pu`u O Hoku received many complaints about these long-term campers dominating the beach area. Long-term campers make it difficult for others to feel comfortable to picnic and or to find places where they can camp with their children.

Catch of the Day

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Catch of the Day

Putting on a show for a dozen or so spectators, Gary Brookins demonstrated the capabilities of his new fishing boat fresh on the market last week. A boat repairman and owner of Brookins Boatworks, he decided to try his hand at designing and building his own boat, custom-fit for Hawaii’s fishermen.

“[Here, fishing] is not a hobby, it’s a way of life,” Brookins said.

The highly-anticipated model [pictured above/right/left] made its way to all the islands to showcase its craftsmanship – and was not missed by many Molokai fishermen.


“I’ve been reading about it for years,” said Walter Naki. “The workmanship is unreal – comparable to factory made.”

The 23-footer can reach up to 49 knots and can hold around 2,200 lbs, according to Brookins. He said he spent about 18 months interviewing local fishermen and divers – asking what irritated them, or features they weren’t seeing in regards to the boats they use.

Capt. Clay Ching said he appreciated the non-skid surface, channels for water and a sleeping berth.

“It reeks of qualify,” he added.

The Makau-23 is available for custom designs. Contact Brookins at 841-2525 or email info@makauboats.com

School Considers Dress for Success

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Kaunakakai Elementary School is starting the process to get uniforms – after a request by a student.

“I was on my way to an SCC [School Community Council] meeting last year when a student on the playground asked, ‘why can’t we have uniforms?’” said Principal Janice Espiritu.

So she brought it in front of the SCC, who has been moving the idea along ever since.

Acting head of the uniform committee is parent and SCC representative Kelly Go, who sent a letter to all families that attend Kaunakakai, polling for their opinion.

Inflammation: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Community Contributed

By Keone Chin

So far we have looked at the good of inflammation (acute), the bad (chronic), now comes the ugly part. What I call the ugly is the effects inflammation can have on our body, or the chronic diseases and discomforts that arise from inflammation. Inflammation in our joints causes arthritis, inflammation of the pancreas causes diabetes, and inflammation in our arteries causes blood clots which leads to strokes and heart attacks. But there are many common diseases associated with inflammation (see sidebar).

Full Circle – Biology
Inflammation is a natural occurrence. If our body is simply reacting, is it possible to change a natural physiological process?  How do we control it?

Teaching ‘Simple Agriculture’

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Teaching ‘Simple Agriculture’

Community Contributed

By Alison Place

Simply defined, horticulture means “cultivation of gardens” or “simple agriculture without many tools.” And Mondays and Tuesdays after school at Kilohana Elementary, first through sixth grade students are attending this hands-on and interactive class – allowing them to get down and dirty with plants, soil and worms.

Val Hart began the class in August, teaching her 16 students about soil sampling. They tested the garden’s soil and found the soil’s pH is seven – perfect for the native Hawaiian garden and herb garden they were planning behind the school. One of the first projects they worked on was creating a compost box. They practiced vermicomposting using red wigglers. The group also studied wind to determine the proper placement of plants in gardens.

“Using worms and microorganisms to turn food waste into compost is called vermiculture,” said sixth grader Jake Samaniego. “It can be done anywhere in the world, and is one of the best fertilizers for your garden.”

Their vermi worms did not all survive outdoors, so the students turned it into a bug and worm box instead. They use this bug box to collect specimens to observe under microscopes. Once the bugs were identified, the students researched them to determine if they were helpful to the garden or not. Students regularly feed the worms and bugs to keep their specimens alive.

“I enjoy working with slimy worms. I like learning about soil, worms and plants,” said first grader Maya Lima.

Students have learned that technology plays an important role in the science of horticulture and vermicomposting. They have learned to incorporate computers for research; digital cameras and high definition video cameras to gather data; and learned to use microscopes with video capabilities and soil sampling kits. Some of this equipment has been made available through the loaning library of the Maui Economic Development Board Women in Technology program. The soil sampling kits were made available through the Digital Bus program. The class is funded by the 21st Century Grant “Connecting Molokai M’s: Me, My Mind, My Mana`o.”

First Home Game Ends Football Season

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

First Home Game Ends Football Season

It was an idyllic sight: helmets clashing, lime green jerseys, spirited cheerleaders, coolers and lawn chairs lined up and down the field, accompanied by a bustling crowd of fans shrieking “Go Farmers!”

St. Anthony’s victory over Molokai didn’t phase the competitive spirit felt by dozens of Molokai supporters who turned out to watch the first high school football home game in 50 years.

“There was so much love and aloha out there,” said head coach Mike Kahale. “I just want them to feel so proud to be the first team to bring back football. I want them to cement that in their brains and hearts.”

was the eventual goal.”

Luckily, St. Anthony lent the Farmers helmets and gold jerseys that Molokai dyed green – which came out lime green – along with some blue jerseys.

But there was one who stood out among the rest, not only because of his distinct dark green jersey, but the talent he displayed on the field.

Freshman Noah Caparida was a highlight of the game, only playing sparingly because of an infection he had in his leg.

But he proved that a little goes a long way when he made several lengthy runs, including a 50-yard sprint that was called back due to an illegal block.

“He really stepped up,” Kahale said. “I was really proud.”

Despite the colors worn on their backs, the Farmers represented Molokai with pride and will continue to do so – except maybe next year, in Farmer green.



‘Another Year in the Books’

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

‘Another Year in the Books’

The three-mile course was muddy and hilly, and the weather was hot. But the Molokai cross county runners held their own at the high school cross country state championships last Thursday in Waipahu, Oahu.

The boys’ team sent two of their three qualified runners – Akona Adolpho didn’t attend due to illness. Senior Kevin Dudoit, a third-year state qualifier, ran 18:38.75 to place 57th overall, and sophomore and second-year qualifier Isreal Adolpho ran 21:07.85 for 151st place.

“They did good – kind of what I expected,” said boys’ coach Mahinahou Ross. “A good experience for Kevin – he was really steady and consistent throughout the season.”

Last year, Dudoit got 82nd. He credits his higher place this year to more miles ran at practice.

“I think I just ran harder [at states] because this year’s my last year,” he said.

Ross said after graduating some of his best runners over the past few years, he hopes to qualify as a team again with five runners returning next year.

.”

The girls’ coach Kelly Go said this was a good season, and a learning experience “for us both” – this was her first season coaching and she had a few first-time runners.

“Another year in the books,” Ross summed up.

Beginning Farmers Up and Running

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Beginning Farmers Up and Running

Community Contributed

By Glenn I. Teves, County Extension Agent, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Food security is vital to our survival on Molokai in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. As one of the most isolated places in the world, we continue to rely on almost 90 percent of our food and items vital for our survival coming from over 3000 miles away. Yet still, we only have enough food in Hawaii to last about seven days – just enough time for the next container ship to arrive. What if the barge doesn’t arrive one day? We need to focus on developing more farmers.

After getting some of the infrastructure functional and selecting participants, the Molokai Native Hawaiian Beginning Farmer Program is up and running. An orientation meeting and workshops were held in production mapping, introduction to farm production, soil fertility, organic agriculture, marketing, and drip irrigation. Classes are being planned as the beginning farmers enter that phase in their farm development.

With over 7,600 acres of agricultural land and water available from the Molokai Irrigation System, the Ho`olehua Hawaiian Homes area is a natural for this kind of program. With farmers aging nationally, the average age of farmers is 57 years old while the average age of the workforce is 38 years of age. We have made a commitment to help develop the next generation of farmers to complement those already farming in order to maintain a critical mass of small farmers needed on Molokai.

Participant’s plots were prepared by mowing, ripping, and disking. Crops were selected, and include lettuces, sweet corn, mixed local vegetables, laying chickens, taro, and others. Participants are expected to harvest on a regular basis and deliver to local markets or other avenues to sell their crops. This program has a strong business management and production focus. Participants were required to complete a production map, approved by project managers to assure the plan is well thought out and covers as many what-ifs as possible. With an acceptable production plan, participants can then move forward to implement their plan.

The Molokai Native Hawaiian Beginning Farmer Program is an education and training initiative of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Molokai Cooperative Extension Service. This project was supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact our office at 567-6929. We’re located next to the Ho`olehua Post Office.