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Search Results for: ferry

Raising Funds for Fun

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Raising Funds for Fun

A few dozen Special Olympics athletes put their running shoes and basketballs aside and slipped on waiter aprons for their fifth annual fundraiser, “Dance Under The Stars”.

Around 100 supporters enjoyed a meal, entertainment, raffles and a silent auction at Hotel Molokai. Guests could bid on items from Molokai Hot Bread, a collection of Lono’s CDs to Molokai Princess ferry tickets.

Rita Kalahiki, Special Olympics Molokai area administrator, said the most expensive part of their budget is airfare.

” – which means they don’t get to compete at all, she said.

Kalahiki said a lot of these athletes were often the first to be cut on the high school teams, and without the encouragement and work of the volunteer coaches, wouldn’t be playing anymore.

Jim Sonnikson, chairperson of Special Olympics Molokai, is also the coach of bocce ball, which he came across by circumstance.

While driving along the highway many years back, he saw some kids playing and stopped to say hi. They didn’t have a coach, so Sonnikson decided to help them out.

“They’re fun, it’s enjoyable,” he said. “They’re always smiling.”

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Coast Guard Coming to Makahiki

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

US Coast Guard News Release

The crews of the US Coast Guard Cutters Kiska, a 110-foot island class patrol cutter stationed in Hilo, and the Kittiwake, an 87-foott patrol cutter currently stationed in Nawiliwili, are scheduled to participate in Ka Molokai Makahiki Games this weekend. The Kiska's Commanding Officer, Lt. Charlotte Mundy and Kittiwake's Commanding Officer, Lt. Gordon Hood, have indicated that the cutters will be open for tours to Molokai residents on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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Woof of the Sea

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Woof of the Sea

On New Years’ Day, Larry Dell of Kaunakakai was woken up by a call from the Molokai Princess ferry captain, explaining that his dog had gotten on board the night before and was being brought back on the morning ferry. Here is a possible account of what was going through Dell’s dog, whose name is Come-Heres, mind.

In that lazy few hours after I patrol the neighborhood for miscreants, but before the food usually appears in my bowl next to my water, it happened. The noises, in quick succession and so loud I jumped every time, my ears ringing. The noises are followed by a white cloud of smoke, and sometimes a bright light, momentarily high in the sky.

I was scared. I remembered these noises before, so where was Gloria? She took care of me sometimes, calling me “Come-Heres,” cuddled me up in her arms and I could bury my nose till it all went away.

I decided to head down to the place where those big boats came in and there were lots of people around, and I could get them to scratch my ears and pat me down for a wag of my tail. Haha, suckers. I looked for the group of people who I see a lot, if they could take me with them. It was still light outside, but no one was around.

As it started to get dark, the noises got louder and the lights up in the sky more, like big fireflies. I was afraid they would land on me. So I decided to get onto one of those boats I’d seen a lot, and where lots of people were. I saw it move, and decided to jump. How scary, I almost lost my grip as I scrabbled on board.

It was confusing; so many people and big boxes with wheels on them. I found a place where I could feel the salty breeze, and started to relax. Then someone found me! A guy picked me up and brought me inside. There was talking going on, then I was put outside again on a rope.

When the boat stopped moving, the air tasted different. I realized I had really left home.

The next morning I woke up, still on the boat, which was moving again. When it started to slow down I could smell home again, and thought, ‘how nice of them to bring me home!’

It was a bright morning when I walked off the boat, and then I saw him! My caretaker, Larry, was waiting for me as if he knew I was there all along (…but he didn’t, he thought I was under his house).

I got lots of hugs and petting and scratches, and when we got back to our home, food! Oh, I was so hungry. Ever since that day, with the fiery noise makers and the boat, I decided to stick close to home.

I still go to the by the ocean, where the air is fresh, but steer clear of the boats. I discovered I get sea sick. 

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For the human account, please check out the story here: http://www.themolokaidispatch.com/dog-sea

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Dog of the Sea

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Dog of the Sea


Being woken up at 7 a.m. on January 1 is not always the greatest way to start the year, especially if it is after a night of revelry. But in Larry Dell’s case, as his thoughts went from confusion to panic to relief, it was a welcomed early morning phone call.

The call was to inform Dell that his small black-and-white, 10-year-old dog, which he calls “Come-Heres,” was safe and sound on Maui. Dell was surprised and relieved to hear the dog had made her way onto the Molokai Princess ferry and celebrated New Year’s Eve with a free cruise on the Pailolo Channel. 

New Year’s is not generally Come-Heres favorite holiday. The small dog with a big fear of fireworks started her journey because she was spooked by the traditional celebratory explosions. Everyone involved figured she went to where was comfortable – the Kaunakakai Wharf, which she often frequents – and happened to make it onto the ferry as it was leaving for its daily 4 p.m. trip.

Dell lives on Manako Lane in Kaunakakai, just a short distance from the wharf. He always knew his dog liked the wharf. A few years ago he got another call, this one from Kaunakakai Wharf. Dell was on Maui and Come-Heres was not-so-patiently waiting at the wharf for Dell’s return.

Dell said he had no idea that his dog was even missing until his rude awakening the following morning. 

“Around midnight I noticed she was gone, but I thought she was hiding under the house,” Dell explained. He knew she was scared of fireworks. “I should have had her tied up I guess.”
 
But Come-Heres is a wandering dog, who likes to explore and has made friends with people who, like her, spend time at the wharf.

Dell got a call from the captain of the ferry that day, who found Dell’s number on the dog’s collar. He said they found his dog on the boat and they’d be returning him to the correct island at 9 a.m. Dell was there waiting for her.

“I brushed her down real good. Gave her a lot of love and food,” he said.

David Jung, manager of the ferry, said he doesn’t like to use the word ‘stowaway.’

“It all boils down to a little white dog; even if there had been a gate, dogs are famous for wiggling between fences,” Jung said.

For all her experience, Come-Heres was a very lucky dog that day. She wasn’t hurt at the wharf or found in the ocean, and was taken care of during her night in Maui.

“I’m real thankful for the crew members and captain of that boat for taking care of her for me,” Dell said.

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For Come-Heres hypothetical point of view, read this version of the story: http://themolokaidispatch.com/woof-sea

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Price of Admission

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Price of Admission
DLNR planning to raise prices across the state

The price of parking your boat in harbors across Hawaii may rise by as much as 100 percent in the near future. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has proposed raising prices of mooring rentals to help pay for much needed repairs and maintenance across the state as a part of their “Plan B” to revitalize state parks.

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Wharf Woes

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Community debates possible renovations.      

By Melissa Kelsey

From canoe races to weekly barge deliveries, Kaunakakai Wharf is a bustling center of island activity. Keiki swim in the surrounding waters to cool off on hot days, and passengers arriving on the Molokai Princess ferry enjoy their first walk on the Friendly Isle. All this activity has lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to target millions of dollars to improve Molokai Princess ferry facilities at the wharf.   

The renovations have been proposed as a result of inadequate restroom facilities for ferry passengers and substandard mechanisms for fighting fires at the wharf, according to Valery Suzuki, the DLNR engineer coordinating the project.  

“Existing commuter ferry operations are vital,” said Suzuki. “Current facilities are inadequate.”

The Proposed Improvements
Suzuki explained that with the volume of passengers arriving on the ferry each day, the current restroom facilities do not meet the needs of passengers. As a result, she said the DLNR hopes to turn the existing ferry waiting station into a new and larger restroom. A new ferry station would be built further away from the barge docking port. Suzuki said this change would reduce safety hazards resulting from the barge docking so close to where the ferry docks.  

The new restrooms would include janitor and storage closets and new underground sewer lines. It was unclear what would happen to the old restroom facilities.

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Adressing the Current Economic Conditions

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

As families and businesses on Moloka‘i are reviewing their finances, our Administration is moving ahead with a comprehensive, five-point plan to strengthen the local economy.

A key component of the plan is to invest in improvements to our infrastructure and state facilities.

Over the next 18 months, we intend to invest more than $1.8 billion into an estimated 1,500 major improvement projects statewide.

Among them are 35 infrastructure projects set to begin on Moloka‘i.

They include the improvements planned for the Kalaupapa Settlement Harbor Facility. The cost of this project is estimated at $925,303.

Also, roughly $405,000 in various improvements are planned for the Kalaupapa Settlement Nursing Facility. Construction is scheduled to start in February.

Then, there are the improvements to the Moloka‘i Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station. That is an estimated $6.3 million project.

On top of all that are the renovations planned for the ferry system at Kaunakakai Harbor. The estimated cost of that project is $6.4 million.

These are all infrastructure projects that have been budgeted, approved by the Hawai‘i Legislature and are ready to start construction.

These projects are also a critical part of our Administration’s five-point plan to stimulate the economy by creating jobs.

Other components of the five-point plan are: increasing tourism outreach and marketing; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting private investments in such industries as renewable energy; and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.

As for the infrastructure projects, Moloka‘i residents are encouraged to track their progress online at www.hawaii.gov/CIP.

Such details as estimated start dates, contractors who have been awarded the projects, and status of required permits are just a click away on our Administration’s website. By putting the projects online and updating the public on their status in a timely manner, we believe this approach keeps the pressure on us to ensure that these projects are making headway.

While the current economic conditions have prompted our Administration to demand a hiring freeze and across the-the-board cuts, we are confident that these challenges can become opportunities for our state.   

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Gladys Baisa – Maui County Council, Upcountry (Incumbent)

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Gladys Baisa – Maui County Council, Upcountry (Incumbent)

My top issues are the economy, jobs, and social services. I am aware that there are many others but these are the issues I think we need to address as priorities. With the downturn in the economy, businesses are hurting, people and being laid off or having their hours reduced and the result of this is having a very negative effect on our economy.

Less income means less taxes being paid to the County, and lost jobs. Lost jobs means loss of not only income, but medical benefits and other social impacts. My fear is that there is talk about reducing funding for the nonprofit service providers just when they are going to be needed more than ever.

Being a very unique island, Molokai presents a challenging situation. The residents have clearly articulated their desire to "Keep Molokai, Molokai".  With that in mind, economic development must be done with that idea foremost. Projects must fit the local lifestyle and not impact the culture and mores of the island negatively.

I believe that Molokai is capable of charting its own destiny. I support letting the residents of Molokai decide its future to the maximum extent possible. In the short term, the County of Maui can assist with support like the ferry subsidies, HONI program for assistance with water bills, and other assistance like MEO transportation and other social service programs.

I am a high energy Type A personality. I am very business oriented with strong ties to social services, economic development, and service to the community. My opponent is much quieter, low key, and appears to be concerned mostly with environmental issues and sustainability.

I would like Molokai residents to remember that in order for Molokai to receive the support and help needed, they must elect a team of experienced elected officials who are familiar with Molokai and the needs and desires of its people. I believe I am one of those persons.

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Aloha is alive and well on Molokai

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Submitted by Karl & Cynthia Pond - Asheville, North Carolina

We must send our thanks to all of you wonderful people who helped us out when our car wouldn't start on Saturday.  After spending 3-1/2 glorious weeks on Molokai: 

We were headed for the ferry to Maui, by way of the ice cream shop, when the car battery gave out.  A very sweet young mother with 2 little girls in tow offered to give us a jump-start. 

After 20 minutes of unsuccessfully trying, a very nice gentleman with a car full of family offered to check with the service station, and then went to the Napa shop to find more help.  A charming young man from Napa came right over and got the car started - then returned on His motor scooter when the car died again, started it again and then followed behind us to make sure we reached the ferry in time. 

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Molokai Mini-Mart is Great, Even Late

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Molokai Mini-Mart is Great, Even Late

Kaunakakai’s newest store wants to make sure you get what you need all the way until 11 p.m.

Curious first-time customers filled the mini-mart on opening day for free goodies and to see what the new store on the block has to offer.

By Andres Madueno

There are not many options for those on Molokai who have empty cupboards and late-night munchies. But on July 19, the new Molokai min-mart on Mohala St. in downtown Kaunakakai made history being the first store to stay open until 11 p.m.

“We wanted to have a place where locals and tourists alike could come to if they needed to do some quick shopping,” says Adelina Greenman, co-owner and manager.

Opening day at the new min-mart was eventful, to say the least. Nachos, hotdogs, and sodas were given out for everyone who came into the store that morning, compliments of the mini-mart. But aside from the free goodies for the grand opening, the mini-mart definitely has a lot to offer.

The store has a generous amount of items that are organic or all natural. But if you get a craving for chips, candy, or soda, they have those in supplies as well. They also have essentials like milk, butter, cereal, rice, noodles, rice noodles, and, oh yes, let’s not forget the spam.

But they also have some things that the other stores do not.

The first big one is that they will be staying open until 11 p.m. every night, which is great for anyone who is getting in on a late flight or catching the last ferry home. Also, they are the only store on the island that sells liquor at night. They have beer, wine, and spirits available. And, yes, the beer is cold.

Also available is the use of the Internet, fax machine, and copy machine. They have two computers set up with Internet that cost 10 cents per minute. And the faxes are one dollar for the first page and 50 cents for every page after. The copies are not yet priced, but will likely be as reasonable as everything else.

It’s nice to know there is a place to go in town if your computer goes haywire and you really need to send an email or really need to check out the score of the game you missed last night.

“We just want to provide the community with a convenient store that’s open late where they know they can get what they need, even late,” says Adelina.

With Adelina on opening day were her husband, Kirk, and their children. Although Kirk was too busy to comment, he looked happy as he helped the steady stream of people in the store purchase their first but not last items from the Molokai mini-mart.

Family-owned and family-run, this store has a bright future. Not only do you get good items at a good price, but you also get the best thing of all: service with a smile.

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