The Molokai Dispatch - Announcements

Father Damien on Doorstep to Sainthood

Jennifer Smith — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Pope’s approval clears way for canonization.

By Jennifer Smith

What residents of Kalaupapa have known for over a century, has now been confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI. The pope approved last week Thursday, Father Damien de Veuster’s second miracle, finally allowing for the priest’s canonization to sainthood.

“The response was wonderful,” Kalaupapa’s Father Felix Vandebroek said, explaining how his parishioners have responded. “They are elated that their hero, Father Damien is going to be a saint.”

Damien was beatified in 1995 after being linked to the 1895 miracle recovery of a Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary nun. Then in 1999 a Honolulu woman credited her recovery from terminal lung cancer, to prayers she made to Father Damien. The recovery could not be explained medically.

Governor's Advisory Council Meeting

Press Release — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600

To discuss conservation and resource management for Kawela and East Molokai.

The Governor’s Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. at the Kūlana ‘Ōiwi, DHHL / OHA Conference Room, 600 Maunaloa Highway, in Kaunakakai. The public is invited.

Representatives from state, county and federal resource conservation agencies will discuss possible solutions to prevent flooding and erosion as well as potential actions to mitigate property and environmental damage in the Kawela Stream area.

Governor Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Moloka‘i Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the Governor of important issues on Moloka‘i. The council also recommends potential nominees for state boards and commissions.

Getting Molokai in the Right Zone

Press Release — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600

County brings zoning inspectors to the island.

In an attempt to simplify and streamline the often confusing zoning process, the County of Maui will bring zoning inspectors to the island once a month.

"These visits will provide additional access to department staff for residents in these distant communities," Mayor Charmaine Tavares said in a press release.

Visiting inspectors will be available to answer questions regarding zoning and enforcement, as well as conduct on-site property inspections. The inspectors will also be available by appointment during each visit, and the department anticipates an initial schedule of eight appointments per visit.

Typical zoning and enforcement issues that are investigated include non-permitted uses under Title 19 of the County Code, such as setbacks, non-permitted TVRs and doing business on properties that do not allow such uses; signage (under Title 16); and doing work in Special Management Areas without prior approval.

Meet the Molokai Dispatch Again for the First Time

Todd Yamashita — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Kids, Politics and Hawaiian Culture – the foundation of this island newspaper.

By Todd Yamashita

The first time I had my picture printed in a newspaper I was 15 years old and crazy about skateboarding. George Peabody of the Molokai Advertiser News snapped a shot as I was doing tricks off a launch ramp in Kualapu`u. I’ll never forget how proud I felt featured in print for all of Molokai to see.

Almost two decades later, I don’t really launch off of anything anymore, but I am still excited about newspapers and the positive changes they can make within our community. This is precisely why you’ll find news in the Molokai Dispatch that focuses on youth, culture, history, leadership and community voice – the foundation of a healthy community.

Hawaiian Telcom Residential Customers Can Receive Free Phones

Press Release — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Phones will work even when power goes out

Hawaiian Telcom will be distributing coupons for free corded phones to its residential landline customers starting on Molokai this month, and on Lanai in July and August. The free-phone program will make its way through the state, reaching Oahu this fall.

As part of the sale of its print directory business, Hawaiian Telcom agreed to offer the free corded phones to its residential customers. This is a great way for us to express appreciation to our loyal customers as well as to help them prepare for the hurricane and storm season when power outages may occur,’ said Michael Brown, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing
Molokai customers will begin receiving the coupons in their Hawaiian Telcom bills this month, and Lanai customers in July,

Maui County's Top Officials to Meet with Molokai Community over Ranch Water Shutdown

Todd Yamashita — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:20:26 -0600

Wailuku, Maui – Council Member Danny Mateo and Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today they will host a community meeting on Molokai on Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai.

"In light of the announcement by Molokai Properties that it will stop providing water and wastewater services at the end of August, we would like to assure Molokai that the County is doing everything possible to protect the community’s rights to essential needs such as water and sewer service," said Council Member Mateo.

Cars and Appliances Now Accepted at Molokai Landfill

Press Release — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Landfill will soon accept vehicles, appliances, and scrap metal.

Molokai residents will be able to recycle vehicles, appliances, scrap metal, tires, propane tanks and car batteries at the Molokai landfill beginning July 3, the County of Maui’s Department of Environmental Management announced today. The recycling service is for residents only and an appointment must be made. Commercial recycling is not allowed.

Grant Money for Displaced Ranch Workers

Press Release — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600

U.S. Department of Labor announces nearly $390,000 grant to assist workers affected by closure of Hawaii’s Molokai Ranch.

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $389,425 grant to assist workers dislocated as a result of the closure of the Molokai Ranch owned by Molokai Properties Limited.

“This closure is a big setback for people on Molokai,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orell. “This grant will help affected workers access important re-employment services and training that will help them find work soon.”

The grant, awarded to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will provide the workers with re-employment services that will include skills assessment, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

On March 24, Molokai Properties Limited issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification announcing that it would cease all operations at the Molokai Ranch, which included the Molokai Lodge, Kaluakoi Golf Course, Kaupoa Beach Village and Maunaloa Tri-Plex Theater.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

The Valley of Sufficient Life

Brandon Roberts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:18:16 -0600

Halawa has undergone drastic changes from 1939 (right) to 2008 (left).

Halawa, then and now, from the Kumu’s eyes.

By Brandon Roberts

An entire valley of lo`i stretches before him, kalo thriving in the fertile soil. The April sun crests over the eastern cliffs, shedding its life giving light across the valley floor – shining through the kalo leaves, illuminating the surface beneath a vibrant green.

The Binding of Past and Present

Brandon Roberts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:37:48 -0600

Aunty Vanda Hanakahi believes the ahupua`a of Pala`au will be the first on Molokai to re-implement the ancient management system of `aha kiole.

Molokai’s ancient resource management system is reborn.

By Brandon Roberts

Molokai’s historic bounty is sleeping, awaiting its awakening. Once the fertile land, (Molokai he `aina momona no), groves were planted to hold the soil and summon the rains and vegetation was not forced to survive where it was not happy. Each ahupua`a (traditional land division) had its own resources that inhabitants took responsibility of. Thus the `Aha Kiole, a people’s council founded on resource management, was born in the Eighth Century by Paepaeko`a Kuhuna `Umoumou.