Governor Linda Lingle recently announced that she will release over $1.8 billion for more than fifteen hundred of capital improvement projects around the state. She further promised to work with the counties and industry to expedite the permitting, design and completion of these projects to create jobs and inject cash into our declining economy.

On Moloka‘i, the governor’s list includes thirty-five projects, ranging from termite tenting at Kaunakakai Elementary ($6,000) to improvements at the Moloka‘i Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Station ($6.3 million). Twenty-eight of those projects involve educational facilities, including repairs and renovations. Total estimated construction costs: $25.9 million.

Holidays come early for Maunaloa town.

By Sean Aronson

Maunaloa residents have seen their share of despair in 2008.  In April there was the closing of the Molokai Ranch and its resort lodge. This resulted in the boarding up of the island’s only Movie Theater and gave the area the look of an abandoned town.  And in November, news came that the town’s elementary school may be closing.

But after the storm often comes sunshine and Maunaloa residents have also seen incredible generosity in 2008.  One of the best examples of that spirit came into town recently with a toy giveaway that would make Santa Claus himself proud. 

Kupuna let the good times roll in an event dedicated to them.

By Sean Aronson

Rain was falling outside, but it was hot on the dance floor. Molokai seniors took to the second annual Senior Christmas Gala with vim and vigor, savoring the chance to show off their moves this past Saturday.

Volunteers transformed Mitchell Pauole auditorium into an elegant ballroom complete with disco ball and strobe lights. The dinner-and-dancing event was a resounding success, according to all involved.

Some of those that had missed last year’s event were looking forward to the night for weeks. While Home Pumehana retirement center is home to many of those who attended, others who live far from town do not have many chances to get together with friends. The gala is one of the few nights a year where kupuna can relax and have a good time with each other.

Students preview health and safety careers.

By Sean Aronson

Obstacle courses and relay races do not typically show up at career fairs, but this was not your typical career fair. More than one hundred students and 20 adults gathered to explore the many careers available in the field of health. Representing the field, firefighters, doctors, nurses and EMTs were on hand to give the keiki insight into their various careers.

It may have looked like fun and games, but there was a serious purpose to last week’s event – to expose middle school students to careers in health professions.

By Senator J. Kalani English

A recent article in one of our statewide daily newspapers featured three Molokai businesses that are using photovoltaic systems to reduce their electric bills. The Friendly Market Center, Kamoi Snack-N-Go, and Molokai Drugs each installed sunlight-powered electrical systems that have reduced their consumption of electricity by up to ninety percent.

One challenge is that while the electricity the system generates is essentially free, the system itself is not. The Friendly Market system, for example, cost about $700,000 for an 81.2 kilowatt system. Even with a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant paying a quarter of the system’s cost, and with state and federal tax credits offsetting more of the investment, it is a substantial amount of money. Friendly Market expects the system to pay for itself in about four and a half years, so there is a payoff in sight down the road.

Visionary leader of Kalaupapa passes away.

By Valerie Monson

KALAUPAPA – Outspoken rebel. Independent entrepreneur. Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Controversial critic. Bookworm. Disciple of Father Damien de Veuster.

Richard Marks, who had more of an impact on modern-day Kalaupapa than any other individual, fit all of those descriptions. The 79-year-old Marks died Dec. 9 at the Kalaupapa Care Home with most of his family close by.