Digital Days

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

is a 50-year-old technology,” said Tom Derenge of the Federal Communications Commission on a visit to Molokai two weeks ago. “It’s time to make the transition.”

The switch only affects those who use free television, using antennas (rooftop or “rabbit ears”) for TV connections. Those customers with satellite or cable service were automatically switched over to the new digital service.

“If you bought a TV recently, in the past few years,” explained Derenge, “it’s already digital-ready.”

Many places in the U.S. have been using both digital and analog services, said Derenge. People have been able to plug in their converter boxes to see if it works before the actual switch takes place.

But not in Hawaii. Residents of Hawaii didn’t know until Thursday at noon whether the switch would go smoothly. And many customers on Molokai’s East end have been disappointed to find that their TV’s don’t work with the converter box. Derenge had warned on his visit to Molokai before the switch that those living between miles 10 and 20 might experience a weak signal. But the Federal Communications Commission expected no difficulties.

The change is coming because federal laws require the analog airwaves to be freed up for police, fire and emergency communications. “There will be more channels to choose from, as well as better programming quality,” said Derenge.

The state of Hawaii has made the switch to digital service a month before the rest of the country. This is because the transmission station for Maui, currently located on the top of Haleakala, was relocated to Ulupalakua. The Hawaiian petrel, an endangered species of bird, nests on the Haleakala mountaintop in early March, and broadcasters needed to move the transmission equipment before that to avoid disturbing their nesting season. In order to avoid confusion, it was decided that the entire state would make the switch early along with Maui.

The Federal Communications Commission estimates that 22,000 Hawaii homes receive TV over the airwaves. These customers have three options: connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog converter box, buy a digital TV (with a built-in digital tuner), or subscribe to a paid TV service, such as cable or satellite.

The Federal government is issuing coupons that can be used toward the purchase of a converter box. Each household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, with a value of $40 each. The coupons are only valid for 90 days after issuance.

“Converter boxes cost anywhere from $40 to $70,” explains Derenge. “With the coupons, the boxes cost $10 to $30.”

Derenge acknowledged the difficulty for Molokai residents to obtain a convertor box since there are no on-island stores that supply them.

Demand for the coupons exceeded expectations and there are currently no more to be had as of January 4 because of a lack  of funds, says Derenge. But despite the current shortage, he adds, Hawaii has no plans to discontinue the program as of now. Those who order coupons now will be put on a waiting list. Coupons may be purchased online at www.DTV2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009.

Those experiencing difficulties in service should call 808-541-2389 or email HawaiiDTVtransition@fcc.gov.

“Yes, We Can”

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Veterans’ Center inches closer to becoming a reality.

By Catherine Cluett

Molokai is a place of action, where people see dreams come true. Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans, an organization of 300 members representing all military branches and wars, has been dreaming big for over a year – they bought land and planned a center for veterans near the wharf. But they have yet to see their plans move past paper.

Over 40 veterans showed up to represent the group at the Molokai Planning Commission (MoPC) meeting last week. Wearing yellow shirts, veterans and supporters came determined to see their dream move forward after many delays. After reading a long list of the organization’s men and women who have died since Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans was started five years ago, Commander Larry Helm begged members of the Planning Commission to “help us get this job done before any more vets pass on”.

Helm has collected over 1000 signatures from Molokai residents in favor of the project.

“We gave our time, bravery, and even our comrades – and they’re asking us to wait,” said veteran Melvin Peralls. “Shame on you.”

The Building
The Veterans Center will be both a gathering space and a place where visiting counselors can meet with their Molokai veteran clients. A plan presented by veteran and architect Art Parr includes a meeting room, kitchen, offices, covered lanai and parking area. Labor for the building will primarily rely on volunteers.

“Currently our Molokai veterans meet in a 15 square foot, old, rundown, wooden building, which holds only six vets comfortably,” said Molokai veteran Daniel Iaea Sr. in a letter read by Bo Mahoe.

The Process
How can we move this project forward the fastest? That was the goal set forth by MoPC Chair Steve Chaikin.

As commissioners discussed the options with Molokai Planner Nancy McPherson and Clayton Yoshida of the Maui County Planning Division, a few options emerged.

A change in zoning classification is one option. Currently the land is zoned as “interim,” and McPherson recommended changing it to “light industrial.” She said consistency needs to be maintained between the project proposal and the County zoning.

A zoning change would require a Maui County Council member to introduce a resolution before the Council. Yoshida said it would take the standard 120 days to get the bill back to the Molokai Planning Commission for comment then before the County Council once again for approval with the commissioners’ recommendations. But, he added, it would have to go to the Council before March 15, because after that their priority will be the annual budget.

Another option for expediting the process is obtaining a zoning variance, a process that needs to be approved by the Board of Variances and Appeals. A variance, however, isn’t as permanent as a zoning change, according to Yoshida, and both require Council approval. A variance is a temporary solution because it is granted on condition of a zone change down the road.

Commissioner Teri Waros threw out a radical idea. What if the veterans altered their plan to include a museum? A museum is a permitted use according to current zoning of the land. “Maybe they could make this a place of knowledge,” she said. “I know Molokai veterans have a wealth of history to share.”

Many veterans nodded their heads. Whether or not the name or purpose is changed all-together, the group seemed to agree a museum would be, at the least, a good addition to the building’s existing purpose.

The Wait
Veterans and their supporters are frustrated and outraged by the lengthy bureaucratic process to see their plans move forward.

“Why do we have to take it to strangers on Maui to decide what we can and cannot do?” asked Reynolds Ayau. The Molokai Planning Commission needs to have this control, he added.

Commissioner Lori Buchanan had an answer-- “be our own county.” But, she said, “In the meantime, we are the safety net for Molokai” to ensure that even though the Planning Commission may not have the control to make things happen, at least they can stop things from happening that aren’t in keeping with Molokai’s vision.

“It’s up to the veterans to decide what track they want to take it at this point,” Commission vice-chair Miki`ala Pescaia reminded the group after they had heard the options and mana`o.

Commissioner Bill Feeter made a motion to write a petition asking Maui County to move forward as quickly as possible on the veterans project. The motion passed unanimously.

There are three positions opening on the Molokai Planning Commission as of March, 2009. While the application process has closed officially, those interested in a position are still encouraged to apply.

The next Molokai Planning Commission meeting will be held on January 28 at 12:30 p.m. at the DHHL conference room at Kulana `Oiwi ( a change from the usual MPC location).

Sowing the Future

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Newly formed ‘seed group’ hopes to grow support
By Sean Aronson

A small, but dedicated group of Molokai residents wants to make sure the future of food on this island is secure.  And they are starting at the roots – literally; they want to store seeds for all the various plants that grow on this island.

“It’s becoming obvious that we can’t buy food from California forever,” says Ellen Sugawara, expressing the unsustainable situation Molokai now finds itself in.

Sugawara estimates that more than 90 percent of the produce sold on Molokai is off-island, with much of these products traveling thousands of miles from the mainland.

Sugawara owns and operates Papohaku Farms on Molokai’s west end.  She has been growing organic, non-GMO, fruits, vegetables and herbs for herself and a small group of friends.  And she has been saving her seeds the entire time.

Sweet Thing

Monday, January 12th, 2009

” she said.

All four children have played a large role in the business since its beginning. Each child has their own specialty ranging from Tabitha’s candle manufacturing, to salad dressing which is created by the couple’s eldest child Elijah. Both products can be purchased locally at Bamboo Pantry in Kaunakakai.

Younger daughter, Elisabeth, is starting her own new business making chap stick and perfume from wax and honey. The youngest daughter Esther is busy helping wherever she is needed most.

Main product line includes regular honey, white honey, honey combs, and honey sticks.

Molokai Meli can be contacted at 1-800-434-2550 or email MolokaiMeli@iglide.net.