Two other Molokai elementary schools also will be studied for consolidation.
By Sean Aronson

It is official – Maunaloa Elementary School will be reviewed for possible consolidation in the coming months.

After much speculation and confusion, State education officials announced this week that Maunaloa is among the schools being considered for consolidation. The Molokai school is part of a list that includes more than 20 schools in the islands. Two other elementary schools – Kualapu`u and Kaunakakai Elementary Schools ­­­­­– were grouped with Maunaloa in the announcement.

The Board of Education has grouped schools together that share geographical areas in order to study them as a system. If Maunaloa were to close, it is likely students would be transported to Kualapu’u or Kaunakakai, according to Board of Education members.

In a year that has been marked with closing businesses, lost jobs and economic challenges, the season traditionally built on giving thanks takes on a different complexion. With so many of us focused on "what’s next," it can be a bit difficult to churn up the usual feelings of warmth.

And yet a moment’s reflection reveals so much of real, lasting value. Just about every story of economic bad news was matched by another story of how we come together to help those who suddenly found themselves in need. Aloha Airlines workers who continued to meet and offer each other support in the wake of their employer’s sudden closing. Food banks that found extra donations to offer those who unexpectedly found it hard to make ends meet. Neighbors who forged new bonds with those around them who wanted nothing more than reassurance that we are in this together.

Community Shows Strength Over Threatened School

By Sean Aronson

Children and adults alike brought passion and conviction to a community discussion over the future of education on Molokai. While there was no official agenda, the issue at the top of everyone’s list was the prospect of Maunaloa Elementary School closing.

The Maunaloa community has coalesced over the issue, not wanting to endure another blow to their already hard hit community. Recent activism has included sign holding throughout town, and petition-signing at local businesses. The actions were prompted by the news that Maunaloa Elementary School will be considered for a consolidation effort if it’s determined that the school meets the criteria set forth by the State guidelines.

By Steve and Linda and the D'Agati Family

Mahalo to your beautiful island and people. We enjoyed all of your smiles, kind guidance and knowledge, and patience for our many silly haole questions during our visit.

Molokai was very gracious, something I would like to take home and practice in our Ohana. We learned the spirit of many things: Ha, Ohana, Aloha, Mahalo, Keiki, and Kupuna.

We learned the story of Mau, the great Master Navigator, and Nainoa Thompson, his sailing student, at the Kulani Oiwi. Thank you to the families that helped put on this presentation and the delicious treats of poi and sweet potato you made. I was amazed and inspired by his great story- and your kindness of family.

Paka`a had a calabash which allowed him to control all the island winds simply by lifting the lid and chanting. This amazing power is only part of his story. There are six versions of the Paka`a legend. Five were originally written in Hawaiian and one in English. Each has a certain flavor or point of view conveying different aspects of the culture existing at the time they were published. Some authors found the chants cumbersome and skipped them all together. Others portrayed brief summaries as historical accounts. My favorites tell in meticulous details the nuances and kaona that only a skilled story teller could use and still hold your interest. In blending all the stories together into one, along with pictures where they took place, you the reader may catch a glimpse of Molokai that you never realized is still there.

Molokai’s girl’s volleyball repeats last year’s achievement.

By Sean Aronson

Following on the heels of their first Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Championship in nearly a decade, the Molokai High School girl’s volleyball team finished fourth at the State Tournament in Honolulu.

It was the second year in a row their season ended with a fourth place. This impressive feat was accomplished without a single senior on the team - all of the players will be back for next year.

“We were shooting for third place to better last years finish, but we just couldn’t get there,” said Head Coach Matt Helm.

Community members explore the options.

By Catherine Cluett

Molokai is a place full of strong opinions and occasional disagreements. But who can argue that we need food? The thought of “what if the barge doesn’t come?” is a reoccurring concern for many. The question of food security held top priority last week at a meeting of Hui Ho`opakele Aina, a group dedicated to creating a sustainable Molokai.

The meeting was attended by over three dozen Molokai residents. A variety of speakers addressed issues such as food shortages and solutions, education, and community development. Experts, as well as community members already active in the effort, shared their knowledge and experience with an attentive audience.

Glenn Teves is a University of Hawaii Extension Agent who specializes in community development. “Hawaiians produce less than 20% of the food we eat,” he said. “And 95% of Hawaii’s agriculture is non-food crops.” He gave a bleak picture of the state’s current resource insecurity, explaining that almost all assets such as airports and power plants are located on the coastlines – in danger zones for tsunamis and other natural disasters.

“There is little agriculture infrastructure compared to tourism infrastructure in Hawaii,” Teves said. He emphasized the need to create an infrastructure for local farmers to successfully sell their produce on-island, instead of relying on off-island business. He also suggested crop diversification and the production of local fertilizers as examples of ways to improve Molokai’s agricultural assets.

Dear Editor,

Regarding the issue of human genes in sugar cane, and the role of HARC, I would like to respond.
I was misquoted, but it was a minor and understandable error. Actually, the reporter did a much better job than most reporters do on this technical and controversial topic. Her October 10th article captured both the spirit and content of my presentation fairly well.
Ordinarily, a simple misquote doesn’t deserve any further attention. A few well placed commas would change the meaning of the sentence attributed to me completely, as I explain below. However, Ms. Whalen and HARC’s effort to insult me and confuse the issues deserves a response.

1. In 2002, a permit was issued to HARC for the testing of sugar cane genetically engineered with human genes. This information comes from a data base listing all permits for the field testing of genetically modified plants.*

For countless generations, the tradition across Polynesia was to mark the year’s harvest with a time of celebration, rest, and peace. The rising of makalii, the Pleiades, marked the beginning of the four-month Makahiki season. Conflict and war were set aside, and unity and peace prevailed as the people paid tribute to the god Lono.

With the harvest completed, everyone rested and let the land lay fallow. They offered food in tribute to their chief and to Lono in thanks for their wise stewardship. Without wisdom, the land would become barren, and the people’s life and culture were tied to the land.