Todd Yamashita

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.

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.

Leaders discuss opportunities which may come from Ranch closure.

By Todd Yamashita

Molokai community leaders are joining efforts to find solutions for the island’s economy in the aftermath of Molokai Ranch’s closure.

“Yesterday was about the Ranch, today is about the people of Molokai,” said Councilman Danny Mateo.

A few days after Ranch CEO Peter Nicholas abruptly announced the company’s shutdown, soon-to-be former employees rallied in Kaunakakai, holding signs blaming environmental activists for the loss of their jobs.

However, as the finger-pointing begins to subside, community leaders are stepping up efforts to re-shift the focus on where to go next.

On Molokai, water restrictions are in effect for Kalama’ula, Kipu, and Kalae due to a booster pump failure in Kualapu’u. Crews are working on the motor; however, it is unknown when service will be restored. By using water for health and safety purposes only, the supply available in the storage tank may be extended.

Customers are requested to call the 24-hour service line (270-7633 on Maui or 553-3531 on Molokai) only if a water problem occurs.

Over 70 people walk out of the public meeting.

The annual Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) event on Molokai usually draws beneficiaries who express their gratitude and praise for OHA support. But this year’s event was characterized by frustration and discontent when at least 70, out of roughly 100 people, abruptly walked out midway through the meeting.

At last year’s OHA meeting, more than 100 people asked in unison that OHA withdraw support for Molokai Ranch’s plans to develop La`au Point. Former OHA trustee and Hawaiian Rights Activist, Walter Ritte claimed that in the year since the last meeting, OHA has done nothing to respond to community pleas.

A masterpiece! Lono’s latest release, Old Style IV, is one of those classic albums where every song flows perfectly into the next. As the title suggests, the album is a collection of songs celebrating Molokai’s unique history and character.

Despite the low-budget production, “Old Style IV” delivers an exceptional sound quality. Lono painstakingly reviewed each track, making sure the sound was superior, even when it meant re-mastering the entire album. The result was a month-long delay of the release date, but the final product was definitely worth the wait.