March 30, 2008
Brian Murphy
In what could be the first successful use of the initiative process in Hawaii, Maui County Citizens For Democracy In Action has launched their petition drive to place the 2008 Maui County Family Farmer Regulation and Revenue Ordinance (MCFFRRO) on this November’s ballot.
As we anticipate with trepidation the economic fallout from the Molokai Ranch closure, the 2008 MCFFRRO offers a refreshing opportunity for the people of the Friendly Isle.
The state of Hawaii currently has over 4,000 licensed patients in the medical marijuana program, 1,000 of them living in Maui County. One possible implementation of the MCFFRRO would place farms on Molokai. Maui patients alone could support between five and 25 farms, creating jobs on Molokai.
Bolstered by a provision that all Hawaii Blue Card holders acquire their medicine from specifically zoned sites, the Molokai community could experience an unparalleled economic...
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Monday, March 31, 2008
Akaku Board Rubber Stamps CEO But April Still May March
Akaku: Maui Community Television Board of Directors violates by-laws, appoints Akaku Lobbyist "Jay" April, (registered with the State of Hawaii as "John" April,) as CEO of the State of Hawaii Public Access Cable Television Organization for the County of Maui.
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Not "Activist" but "Advocates"
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchIt's time those who really are responsible for the closure of MPL stand up and take the jerk. MPL is closing because of financial failures. MPL couldn't provide water to proposed La'au Pt. millionaire community and couldn't adequately provide protection for endangered monk seals, plants and Moloka'i's very limited resources. MPL couldn't get the EIS approved. The previous EIS was almost denied by the LUC until MPL withdrew the EIS by the prompting of a LUC member.
The "lengthy consultation with the community" concluded Moloka'i community was against the development of La'au Pt. because it would kill our lifestyle, deplete our natural resources, ...
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Another Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest!
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchDel Monte & Libby Pineapple, Sheraton, Louisiana Land, Colony, Tokyo Kosan, and the over 10,000 so called TB cattle was, at one time, Molokai’s economy and they all left. Their employees got hurt; some left and some stayed. Molokai survived.
To the MPL employees, the people of Molokai have empathy for you as you go...
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Forethought
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchIf management of MPL (Molokai Ranch) had the forethought to invest in the re-development of the Kaluakoi Hotel complex rather than wasting a small fortune in planning, marketing, and defending its passionately unpopular La’au housing proposal, ...
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It Is Not
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchIt is not the fault of the people.
It is not the fault of the people of Molokai that Molokai Ranch doesn't know how to run a successful hotel in paradise.
It is not the fault of the people of Molokai that Molokai Ranch cannot run a successful golf course in the state of Hawaii.
It is not the fault of the people of Molokai that Molokai Ranch cannot run a successful Cattle operation.
It is certainly not the fault of the people of Molokai that the original purchaser of Molokai Ranch paid so much for the property.
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Machado Should Look in the Mirror
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchColette Machado claims that the "angry and unreasonable voices of a minority of Moloka'i residents caused [Moloka’i] to suffer," because these "loud activists caused the politicians to stop the [La'au] project."
This just shows how out of touch Trustee Machado is with the Molokai people, and with reality....
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Failure of MPL Cannot be Blamed on the Opposition
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchMolokai Properties Limited has been operating at a deficit for years – excluding land sales, more than $41 million between 2001 and 2007, according to the La'au Point Draft EIS (p.114).
Since 2003, financial support from MPL's parent company, GuocoLeisure Limited, seems non existent, as "GuocoLeisure Limited [will not fund] its subsidiaries [MPL] for operational needs" (p.115).
MPL operations for the past four years appear to have been supported only by real estate sales: "Between 2003 and 2007, MPL was able to sell enough land in order that it could fund its own operating cash requirements, capital needs, master planning, and entitlement costs" (p.115).
This appears to no longer be the case. The closing of Molokai Ranch indicates its operations are no longer self-sustaining,
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Aloha to the MPL employees
31 March, 2008, The Molokai DispatchI feel that MPL’s selfish decision to close down and lay-off all their employees to prove a point is typical of a wealthy corporate bully. Guoco, MPL’s mother company, made a net profit of six billion dollars last year.
This is the perfect opportunity for the MPL victims to take advantage of offers that will come their way. On Moloka`i there is a need for educators, nurses, social workers, computer technicians, bookkeepers and entrepreneurs.
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
Big Island Gardner Afraid of Becoming Strange. Files Suit Halting End Of Universe As We Know It
Injunction sought against collider
March 31, 2008, United Press International
HONOLULU, March 31 (UPI) -- Two men have asked a U.S. court in Hawaii to block a European particle accelerator, arguing that it might produce an Earth-devouring black hole.
Physicists involved with the Large Hadron Collider say it is safe, The New York Times reported. The accelerator has been under construction by the European Center for Nuclear Research, or CERN, for 14 years near Geneva, Switzerland.
Walter Wagner, who operates a botanical garden on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Luis Sancho of Spain filed the lawsuit March 21. They named CERN and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the National Science Foundation as defendants...
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March 31, 2008, United Press International
HONOLULU, March 31 (UPI) -- Two men have asked a U.S. court in Hawaii to block a European particle accelerator, arguing that it might produce an Earth-devouring black hole.
Physicists involved with the Large Hadron Collider say it is safe, The New York Times reported. The accelerator has been under construction by the European Center for Nuclear Research, or CERN, for 14 years near Geneva, Switzerland.
Walter Wagner, who operates a botanical garden on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Luis Sancho of Spain filed the lawsuit March 21. They named CERN and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the National Science Foundation as defendants...
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Molokai wins twice, takes over D-II lead
Maui News
March 30, 2008
KAUNAKAKAI — The Molokai High School baseball team swept a doubleheader against Kaahumanu Hou on Saturday and took over first place in the Maui Interscholastic League Division II standings.
The Farmers won the first game 15-0 in four innings, and won the second game 22-4 in three innings.
In the opener, Scott Rapanot homered for the Farmers (3-2) and scored
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March 30, 2008
KAUNAKAKAI — The Molokai High School baseball team swept a doubleheader against Kaahumanu Hou on Saturday and took over first place in the Maui Interscholastic League Division II standings.
The Farmers won the first game 15-0 in four innings, and won the second game 22-4 in three innings.
In the opener, Scott Rapanot homered for the Farmers (3-2) and scored
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Hope lies in buying Molokai Ranch
Honoulu Advertiser
By Phil Estermann
30 March, 2008
The decision last week by Molokai Ranch to shut down and lay off its employees has created stress and soul-searching for residents of the island.
People on Moloka'i need to remember that they have lots of friends who live off-island, people who care about them and their island, and who support their efforts to determine their own future.
As a former resident of Moloka'i and friend, I would like to offer my mana'o.
As many of us see it, Moloka'i is the "last Hawaiian island." It is dominated by an active population and civil society that welcomes economic development only if it can be accommodated to the life of the island. Development is welcomed only if it will sustain the good that's already there....
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By Phil Estermann
30 March, 2008
The decision last week by Molokai Ranch to shut down and lay off its employees has created stress and soul-searching for residents of the island.
People on Moloka'i need to remember that they have lots of friends who live off-island, people who care about them and their island, and who support their efforts to determine their own future.
As a former resident of Moloka'i and friend, I would like to offer my mana'o.
As many of us see it, Moloka'i is the "last Hawaiian island." It is dominated by an active population and civil society that welcomes economic development only if it can be accommodated to the life of the island. Development is welcomed only if it will sustain the good that's already there....
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Moloka'i residents must be vested in island future
Honolulu Advertiser
28 March, 2008
Moloka'i has been down this road before.
A principal employer of its workforce issues pink slips. It happened in the early 1980s, when the Del Monte pineapple operations shut down.
This time, the economic anchor was Molokai Ranch. On Monday, the company shuttered its operations on the "Friendly Island," which has not been altogether friendly to its plans for development at La'au Point. Executives announced plans to lay off 120 employees, who are soon to be jobless in a stagnant economy.
The upheaval over the proposal for the upscale residential project has left the community divided and embittered. The Advertiser's Andrew Gomes took the pulse of the largely rural community and found many now lashing out...
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28 March, 2008
Moloka'i has been down this road before.
A principal employer of its workforce issues pink slips. It happened in the early 1980s, when the Del Monte pineapple operations shut down.
This time, the economic anchor was Molokai Ranch. On Monday, the company shuttered its operations on the "Friendly Island," which has not been altogether friendly to its plans for development at La'au Point. Executives announced plans to lay off 120 employees, who are soon to be jobless in a stagnant economy.
The upheaval over the proposal for the upscale residential project has left the community divided and embittered. The Advertiser's Andrew Gomes took the pulse of the largely rural community and found many now lashing out...
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Fears follow news of closure
Molokai Ranch could sell off its 101 lots as residents wonder how the economy will fareStar Bulletin
30 March, 2008, By Gary T. Kubota
The next step for Molokai Ranch after it shuts down operations Saturday would likely be to break up its land holdings and put them up for sale, according to an environmental impact statement filed by the company for its stalled Laau Point luxury home development.
The company is not commenting about its plans. But the EIS outlines what Molokai Ranch saw as its options if it wasn't allowed to proceed with its plan to sell 200 luxury home sites at Laau Point.
The company envisioned breaking up the 60,000-acre ranch into 101 parcels and subdividing some of its land to create up to 1,500 2- to 40-acre lots....
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Institutional Racism at Hawaii's Community Television and Radio Stations
Examining The Question of Racism at KKCR6 JANUARY 2008, Katy Rose
On December 18, 2007, Ka’iulani Edens Huff, the popular and outspoken host of the “Songs of Sovereignty” program on KKCR (Kaua’i Community Radio) was informed by email that her programming privileges had been “terminated” due to a complaint by another programmer with whom she had had a dispute the previous day.
The news spread fast. In fact, Ka’iulani herself learned of it from a third party who had heard a rumor about it. (This breach of confidentiality is but one unseemly aspect of this affair.) Supporters of Ka’iulani and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement immediately flooded the station with emails and phone calls insisting on a proper dispute resolution process instead of the silencing of an important...
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Akaku CEO April Spends More On Self Than Entire Island of Lanai, OHA Rewrites Expense Rules
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recently updated their rules for non-profit grantees prohibiting the use of OHA grant funds for executive expense account reimbursements, especially with regard to out of state junkets and particularly staff "training trips" to the mainland.Inquiries directed specifically to Akaku: Maui Community Television CEO and President Jay April asking for an explanation of how he can justify and authorize the expenditure of Public Educational and Govermental, PEG Access funds on personal reimbursement expenditures for mainland travel, food, water, gasoline, continuing education, hotel rooms, car rental, more food and other personal expenses for himself, Akaku CEO/President Jay April, than the entire annual budget of PEG Access Community Television funds he has authorized for the entire Island of Lanai, continue to go unanswered.
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Ranch freezes out county
Ranch freezes out county
March 29, 2008, The Maui News, Editorial
Just what did Molokai Properties Ltd. expect county officials to say or do at a meeting of state officials and Molokai Ranch employees? With no explanation offered by the owner of Molokai Ranch, the officials and The Maui News are left to wonder about motive.
A state rapid response team was on Molokai Thursday. The team held two, two-hour meetings for ranch workers looking at no jobs after April 5. The ranch and its assets — including other businesses — are being “mothballed,” according to Molokai Properties.
That means 120 employees will be laid off. The rapid response team detailed ways of applying for unemployment compensation and other benefits available to the out-of-work employees — a strictly “nuts and bolts” presentation.
There was nothing spectacular about the meetings in the Maunaloa movie theater owned by Molokai Properties. The theater, opened in 1997, is one of the other businesses that will be shut down.
The council member from Molokai, Danny Mateo, and various Maui County administration officials were stopped at the door. Administration spokeswoman Mahina Martin said she was confused by being shut out.
“We were politely told by (labor department director) Darwin Ching that (MPL CEO Peter) Nicholas was concerned about our presence at the meeting, and we would be given no chance to speak,” Martin said. “We only wanted to provide some sense of reassurance that the county is worried about our people, and I have to say I was taken aback.” ...
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March 29, 2008, The Maui News, Editorial
Just what did Molokai Properties Ltd. expect county officials to say or do at a meeting of state officials and Molokai Ranch employees? With no explanation offered by the owner of Molokai Ranch, the officials and The Maui News are left to wonder about motive.
A state rapid response team was on Molokai Thursday. The team held two, two-hour meetings for ranch workers looking at no jobs after April 5. The ranch and its assets — including other businesses — are being “mothballed,” according to Molokai Properties.
That means 120 employees will be laid off. The rapid response team detailed ways of applying for unemployment compensation and other benefits available to the out-of-work employees — a strictly “nuts and bolts” presentation.
There was nothing spectacular about the meetings in the Maunaloa movie theater owned by Molokai Properties. The theater, opened in 1997, is one of the other businesses that will be shut down.
The council member from Molokai, Danny Mateo, and various Maui County administration officials were stopped at the door. Administration spokeswoman Mahina Martin said she was confused by being shut out.
“We were politely told by (labor department director) Darwin Ching that (MPL CEO Peter) Nicholas was concerned about our presence at the meeting, and we would be given no chance to speak,” Martin said. “We only wanted to provide some sense of reassurance that the county is worried about our people, and I have to say I was taken aback.” ...
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Molokai Ranch to cease operating
120 workers axed; gas station, theaters to closeBy EDWIN TANJI, City Editor
March 25, 2008
MAUNALOA, Molokai — Battered by disputes over water and land-use entitlements, Molokai Properties Ltd. told 120 workers Monday that it is shutting down all operations of Molokai Ranch as of April 5.
During meetings held with employees Monday morning, Molokai Properties Chief Executive Officer Peter Nicholas said the workers had been given 60 days notice of termination, but the final day of normal operations will be April 5.
The shutdown affects visitor facilities including the Maunaloa Lodge, the ranch’s Kaupoa Beach Village and the Kaluakoi Golf Course. The Maunaloa gas station, a theater complex and the ranch’s cattle operations also will be shut down, Nicholas said.
In a statement issued to news and government agencies, Nicholas said the company will “mothball” the assets spread across 60,000 acres. He was not available Monday afternoon to respond to questions...
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Monday, March 24, 2008
Molokai Ranch to shut down
HawaiiMagazine.comby: Derek Paiva
Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 03:47 PM
The owner of Molokai Ranch announced this morning that it is shutting down all of its operations on the island on April 5.
Lodging-related facilities closing on the 60,000 acre ranch include its Molokai Lodge, Kaupoa Beach Village and Kaluakoi Golf Course.
A spokesperson for owner Molokai Properties Limited told us that travelers with reservations for lodging or activities at Molokai Ranch should call toll-free (888) 627-8082 for refunds. Refunds will also be given to anyone wishing to cancel lodging reservations for dates before April 5....
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Ranch letter to employees: April 5 D-Day
By Kate Gardiner
3/24/2008 3:02:08 PM
The Molokai Times
MOLOKAI- All normal operations of Molokai Properties Limited will terminate April 5, reads a letter sent to MPL employees. According to the letter, state law requires 60 days notice for termination of contracts, and that the Ranch can choose toe either buy-out employee contracts or continue offering work. The Ranch says it will continue to offer work.
The letter, credited to MPL CEO Peter Nicholas, reads that the Lodge, the Beach Village and the Kaluakoi Golf Course will close April 5, and April 6, “the task will switch to preparing the majority of the assets for mothballing and preparing the entire property for closure…”
It continues, “After the 60-day period, [MPL] will have a phase-down period where a small number of employees will be asked to remain on our payroll to continue the shut-down process for the month of June. After June, the company intends to continue to employ a minimal number of staff to maintain the property.”
Nicholas also wrote...
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3/24/2008 3:02:08 PM
The Molokai Times
MOLOKAI- All normal operations of Molokai Properties Limited will terminate April 5, reads a letter sent to MPL employees. According to the letter, state law requires 60 days notice for termination of contracts, and that the Ranch can choose toe either buy-out employee contracts or continue offering work. The Ranch says it will continue to offer work.
The letter, credited to MPL CEO Peter Nicholas, reads that the Lodge, the Beach Village and the Kaluakoi Golf Course will close April 5, and April 6, “the task will switch to preparing the majority of the assets for mothballing and preparing the entire property for closure…”
It continues, “After the 60-day period, [MPL] will have a phase-down period where a small number of employees will be asked to remain on our payroll to continue the shut-down process for the month of June. After June, the company intends to continue to employ a minimal number of staff to maintain the property.”
Nicholas also wrote...
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Ceded lands bill dies in committee: Dispute celebrates 30th anniversary of OHA without conclusion
By Kate Gardiner
3/24/2008 4:32:47 PM
The Molokai Times
HONOLULU-- A bill that would have settled the long-standing ceded (Hawaiian monarchy) lands dispute failed in committee March 17.
Sen. Clayton Hee (D-23rd) said the decision to kill a bill that would have settled the ceded lands dispute for $15mil per year, or about $200 million, was a wise one.
On the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Hee, who is one of two members of the state senate with Hawaiian ancestry, said, “There is no basis for the magic number, [$200 million.] … [The decision made to kill the bill] is about providing data to support the magic… being satisfied with the magic formula is patronizing. The lid needs to be lifted [from] confidentiality.”
Sen. Fred Hemmings (R-25th), argued that there was “wisdom in settling such a long-standing dispute… the magic [of settling the battle] benefits Hawaiians and the people.”
Sen. J. Kalani English (D-Molokai), the other native Hawaiian in the state senate, said “Fifteen million is not too much money.” He stated that when he was on Molokai recently, someone asked him why OHA should get the money, and not the Hawaiian people directly, and why the money should be paid in dollars.
“A static number doesn’t mean buying power,” he said. “The people in my district are not happy. They want closure and transparency…Yes, we’ve waited too long for the decision, but to get a better deal for my people, a year is worth it.”
According to the Star-Bulletin, attorney general Mark Bennett said...
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3/24/2008 4:32:47 PM
The Molokai Times
HONOLULU-- A bill that would have settled the long-standing ceded (Hawaiian monarchy) lands dispute failed in committee March 17.
Sen. Clayton Hee (D-23rd) said the decision to kill a bill that would have settled the ceded lands dispute for $15mil per year, or about $200 million, was a wise one.
On the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Hee, who is one of two members of the state senate with Hawaiian ancestry, said, “There is no basis for the magic number, [$200 million.] … [The decision made to kill the bill] is about providing data to support the magic… being satisfied with the magic formula is patronizing. The lid needs to be lifted [from] confidentiality.”
Sen. Fred Hemmings (R-25th), argued that there was “wisdom in settling such a long-standing dispute… the magic [of settling the battle] benefits Hawaiians and the people.”
Sen. J. Kalani English (D-Molokai), the other native Hawaiian in the state senate, said “Fifteen million is not too much money.” He stated that when he was on Molokai recently, someone asked him why OHA should get the money, and not the Hawaiian people directly, and why the money should be paid in dollars.
“A static number doesn’t mean buying power,” he said. “The people in my district are not happy. They want closure and transparency…Yes, we’ve waited too long for the decision, but to get a better deal for my people, a year is worth it.”
According to the Star-Bulletin, attorney general Mark Bennett said...
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'Devastating news,' says Maui mayor
The Honolulu Advertiser
Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares called Moloka'i Properties announced shutdown today "devastating news" while Moloka'i Councilman Danny A. Mateo described it as "a mean-spirited conclusion to punish a community."
Both espressed concerns about the impact today's announcement will have on the already depressed economy of the island in a news release issued shortly before 4 p.m.
In her statement, Mayor Tavares said:
"The impact on the community will be quite serious. I'm concerned for the employees and families that are affected. This is devastating news and they will be the ones who will feel it the most. While I have great faith in the tenacity and resiliency of the people of Moloka'i, I am concerned...
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Fond farewells aboard Endeavour as it prepares for home
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) via CNN 24 March 2008-- The space shuttle and space station crews said goodbye amid a flurry of hugs and flashing cameras Monday, then sealed the hatches between them in preparation for Endeavour's evening departure....
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Molokai Ranch Shuts Down!
3/24/2008
The Molokai Times
By Kate Gardiner
Molokai Properties Limited is to shut down its operations on Molokai at the end of March. The company will lay off more than 120 staff on the island over the following 60 days. Company CEO, Peter Nicholas, said that staff had been advised of the company’s decision at employee meetings in Molokai and Honolulu today.
He said that MPL intends to “ mothball” the company’s assets on its 60,000 plus acre property on Molokai.
“The decision is purely a business one,” said Nicholas.
"For the past five years, MPL has been working with Molokai Community leaders and community members on developing and implementing a Master Plan for MPL's property and the future of Molokai.
"Unacceptable delays caused by continued opposition to every aspect of the Master Plan means we are unable to fund continued normal company operations," he said.
Operations to be shut down will be...
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The Molokai Times
By Kate Gardiner
Molokai Properties Limited is to shut down its operations on Molokai at the end of March. The company will lay off more than 120 staff on the island over the following 60 days. Company CEO, Peter Nicholas, said that staff had been advised of the company’s decision at employee meetings in Molokai and Honolulu today.
He said that MPL intends to “ mothball” the company’s assets on its 60,000 plus acre property on Molokai.
“The decision is purely a business one,” said Nicholas.
"For the past five years, MPL has been working with Molokai Community leaders and community members on developing and implementing a Master Plan for MPL's property and the future of Molokai.
"Unacceptable delays caused by continued opposition to every aspect of the Master Plan means we are unable to fund continued normal company operations," he said.
Operations to be shut down will be...
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Controls needed for public participation
March 23, 2008
The Maui News
There was a staggering number of hours of testimony against granting zoning for the Honua‘ula project above Wailea. One letter writer in favor of the project called it a filibuster. Maybe so.
Passionate opposition to the 1,400-unit housing project prompted scores of individuals to testify before the County Council. That’s as it should be, but the testimony tended to be long-winded and repetitious, adding little or nothing to what had been said previously.
The United States is a representative democracy. That is, the public democratically elects representatives to make decisions. A pure democracy would put every issue out to a vote, an obviously impractical process.
It’s obvious the Honua‘ula testimony got out of hand. Opposition groups could have...
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The Maui News
There was a staggering number of hours of testimony against granting zoning for the Honua‘ula project above Wailea. One letter writer in favor of the project called it a filibuster. Maybe so.
Passionate opposition to the 1,400-unit housing project prompted scores of individuals to testify before the County Council. That’s as it should be, but the testimony tended to be long-winded and repetitious, adding little or nothing to what had been said previously.
The United States is a representative democracy. That is, the public democratically elects representatives to make decisions. A pure democracy would put every issue out to a vote, an obviously impractical process.
It’s obvious the Honua‘ula testimony got out of hand. Opposition groups could have...
Read More... and Read Even More...
Computer failure forces gas station to go manual
March 24, 2008, The Maui NewsHANA — The only gas station in Hana was temporarily shut down for six hours this weekend after its computer system failed to work.
Hana Gas employee Cassie Kahuila said Sunday that the gas pumps shut down Friday night after the station was closed for business.
The pumps were placed on manual drive by 1 p.m. Saturday, forcing Hana Gas to assign one employee to pump gas and another to accept cash. Customers kept up a “busy” pace this Easter weekend.
“Everything’s OK,” Kahuila said Sunday afternoon. “We’re just doing things by hand.”
With the cash register and station computer inoperable on both Saturday and Sunday...
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Lawmakers defer taro moratorium bill
Friday, March 21, 2008By Andrew Gomes Advertiser Staff Writer
The state House Committee on Agriculture has deferred a bill that would impose a 10-year moratorium on developing or growing genetically engineered taro in Hawai'i.
The action came after a seven-hour hearing Wednesday on the measure that included spoken testimony from about 130 people.
It still remains possible, however, that Senate Bill 958 could be advanced after more deliberation by the committee.
The bill was introduced last year and was passed by one Senate committee and one House committee. But...
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Sunday, March 23, 2008
Preserving the talk-story tradition
By Senator J. Kalani English
3/22/2008 1:35:36 PM The Molokai Times
Aloha, and welcome to the first of what I hope will be a long series of weekly columns that will give me a chance to share views of what is happening with the Hawaii State Senate, the 6th Senatorial District, and the community of Moloka‘i. A warm mahalo nui to The Molokai Times for giving me this opportunity, and to the people of the Friendly Isle for their welcome.
One benefit of writing this column will be having a chance to maintain and enhance my personal connection with the people of Molokai. I have a large family on the island, and so I feel a deep aloha for the community, its people, and the special lifestyle they represent. Having experienced it myself, I know how vital it is to preserve Molokai’s unique spirit, and keep it the place we all love.
Serving as your Senator is a tremendous honor. My goal as a representative of our community has been to...
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3/22/2008 1:35:36 PM The Molokai Times
Aloha, and welcome to the first of what I hope will be a long series of weekly columns that will give me a chance to share views of what is happening with the Hawaii State Senate, the 6th Senatorial District, and the community of Moloka‘i. A warm mahalo nui to The Molokai Times for giving me this opportunity, and to the people of the Friendly Isle for their welcome.
One benefit of writing this column will be having a chance to maintain and enhance my personal connection with the people of Molokai. I have a large family on the island, and so I feel a deep aloha for the community, its people, and the special lifestyle they represent. Having experienced it myself, I know how vital it is to preserve Molokai’s unique spirit, and keep it the place we all love.
Serving as your Senator is a tremendous honor. My goal as a representative of our community has been to...
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It’s a Jungle Out There!
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Molokai Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt.Saturday 3-22-08 By Léo Azambuja
Just one day before Easter, children from all over Molokai showed up at Kaunakakai Soccer Field to participate in the island’s most traditional community egg hunt.
The Molokai Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt and Decorating Contest is one of Molokai’s most awaited Easter events. At 9 a.m. sharp, dozens of children, divided in three age groups, were lined up and ready. Holding dearly to their Easter baskets, they patiently waited for the announcer to give them the go to pick up the hundreds of eggs spread through the grass field. Only three of those eggs were the sought-after golden eggs.
In a matter of minutes, it was...
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Malama Mana`e
Molokai Coastal concerns to be heard by DLNR.
Friday 3-21-08
By Brandon Roberts
Current coastal developments have Molokai residents concerned about the future of Mana`e (East End) wetlands. Malama Pono O Ka `Aina (MPOKA) is bringing attention to indiscriminate developments in the area, by hosting a series of community meetings.
“We want to help people know how to live in these places,” said Linda Place, President of MPOKA, a conservation group dedicated to preserving the culture and importance of Mana`e wetlands. “We all need to protect the environment.”
MPOKA is gaining ground with Maui County. After last months meeting with Rep. Mele Carroll and Department of Land and Natural Resources branch chief Randy Awo, MPOKA will give a wetlands preservation presentation to...
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Friday 3-21-08
By Brandon Roberts
Current coastal developments have Molokai residents concerned about the future of Mana`e (East End) wetlands. Malama Pono O Ka `Aina (MPOKA) is bringing attention to indiscriminate developments in the area, by hosting a series of community meetings.
“We want to help people know how to live in these places,” said Linda Place, President of MPOKA, a conservation group dedicated to preserving the culture and importance of Mana`e wetlands. “We all need to protect the environment.”
MPOKA is gaining ground with Maui County. After last months meeting with Rep. Mele Carroll and Department of Land and Natural Resources branch chief Randy Awo, MPOKA will give a wetlands preservation presentation to...
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New member for Water Users Advisory Board
The Molokai Times, 3/22/2008 4:11:03 PM
Audwin A. Calairo has been appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System’s Water Users Advisory Board, said Randy Teruya, district representative from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Audwin, a lifelong resident of Molokai, will represent non-homesteaders on the board, said...
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Audwin A. Calairo has been appointed to the Molokai Irrigation System’s Water Users Advisory Board, said Randy Teruya, district representative from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Audwin, a lifelong resident of Molokai, will represent non-homesteaders on the board, said...
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Jay April, John Bruce, Risk Akaku Non-Profit Status
Public Records Show The Akaku: Maui Community Television is registered as a 501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT, tax deductible corporation, not permitted to use the funds it raises and collects on political campaigns for individuals or legislation.
Chapter 415B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes states:
"No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of the duplication or dissemination of materials with the purpose of attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation through its officers or Directors, shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, or for or against any cause or measure being submitted to the people for a vote."
Akaku: Maui Community Television CEO, President Jay April and Chairman of the Board of Directors John Bruce used the live March 21, 2008 cablecast of the Akaku: Maui Community Television Board of Directors Meeting to explicitly promote legislation intended to exempt Akaku from the law, while instructing viewers of Maui's public access CATV channel to contact their ELECTED representatives in support of Akaku's exemption from the law in order to SAVE AKAKU.
According to HRS415B, the actions of Chief Executive Officer John "Jay" April, and Chairman of the Board of Directors John Bruce risk invalidating Akaku: Maui Community Television's non-profit certification, making Akaku Maui INELIGIBLE to continue to operate as the State of Hawaii, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, PEG Access Organization for Maui County.
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Chapter 415B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes states:
"No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of the duplication or dissemination of materials with the purpose of attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation through its officers or Directors, shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, or for or against any cause or measure being submitted to the people for a vote."
Akaku: Maui Community Television CEO, President Jay April and Chairman of the Board of Directors John Bruce used the live March 21, 2008 cablecast of the Akaku: Maui Community Television Board of Directors Meeting to explicitly promote legislation intended to exempt Akaku from the law, while instructing viewers of Maui's public access CATV channel to contact their ELECTED representatives in support of Akaku's exemption from the law in order to SAVE AKAKU.
According to HRS415B, the actions of Chief Executive Officer John "Jay" April, and Chairman of the Board of Directors John Bruce risk invalidating Akaku: Maui Community Television's non-profit certification, making Akaku Maui INELIGIBLE to continue to operate as the State of Hawaii, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, PEG Access Organization for Maui County.
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Saturday, March 22, 2008
See the Historic Movement to Save Haloa
KAHEA, 21 March 2008
A hearing was held March 19, 2008 to protect Hawai’i’s ancestor and native crop - taro - from genetic modification and patenting. 6,000 people submitted written testimony in support. 8 hours of verbal testimony were given.
Read More... or Watch It!
Heavy Hitters
State and Federal agencies weigh-in on La`au DEIS.Friday 3-21-08 BY: BRANDON ROBERTS
As Molokai Properties Limited (MPL) prepares the final La`au Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the State Land Use Commission (LUC) hearings, several governmental agencies submitted comments on the short-comings of the draft document.
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) all had heavy criticism for the DEIS.
Water is the piko of Molokai sustainability. The DEIS dedicates hundreds of pages to prove the development will be insignificant to the Molokai aquifer, as well as native Hawaiians. The comments provided by all three agencies point out inadequate water data, and most importantly, who has the right to the water....
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Malama Mana`e
Friday 3-21-08 BY: BRANDON ROBERTS
Molokai Coastal concerns to be heard by DLNR.
Current coastal developments have Molokai residents concerned about the future of Mana`e (East End) wetlands. Malama Pono O Ka `Aina (MPOKA) is bringing attention to indiscriminate developments in the area, by hosting a series of community meetings.
“We want to help people know how to live in these places,” said Linda Place, President of MPOKA, a conservation group dedicated to preserving the culture and importance of Mana`e wetlands. “We all need to protect the environment.”
MPOKA is gaining ground with Maui County. After last months meeting with Rep. Mele Carroll and Department of Land and Natural Resources branch chief Randy Awo, MPOKA will give...
Read More...
Molokai Coastal concerns to be heard by DLNR.
Current coastal developments have Molokai residents concerned about the future of Mana`e (East End) wetlands. Malama Pono O Ka `Aina (MPOKA) is bringing attention to indiscriminate developments in the area, by hosting a series of community meetings.
“We want to help people know how to live in these places,” said Linda Place, President of MPOKA, a conservation group dedicated to preserving the culture and importance of Mana`e wetlands. “We all need to protect the environment.”
MPOKA is gaining ground with Maui County. After last months meeting with Rep. Mele Carroll and Department of Land and Natural Resources branch chief Randy Awo, MPOKA will give...
Read More...
Kalaupapa Conundrum
Friday 3-21-08 BY: BRANDON ROBERTSIs a facelift in store for the Kalaupapa shore?
By Brandon Roberts
There are 26 switchbacks on the hike to Kalaupapa, which at one time were marked by numbered signs. The National Parks Service (NPS) recently unveiled plans to install new signs, dedicating each switchback to a patient currently living in Kalaupapa.
Parks Department archeologist Erika Viernes-Stein proposed the sign dedication to restore the allegedly vandalized trail. At Kalaupapa’s monthly meeting, residents also received initial details on a proposed harbor upgrade.
NPS officials told residents that the peninsula’s only harbor needs a major facelift to accommodate larger...
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Rebuilding the Kalaupapa Dock?
Kalaupapa dock repairs discussedBy Rachel Lau
3/19/2008
Parks Service listens to residents concerns
National Parks Service preparations for further improvements to the harbor at Kalaupapa Wharf are underway. Plans were discussed among the town’s residents during the monthly meeting last Tuesday.
Jonathan Gervais, an environmental protection specialist for the NPS, led the discussion and encouraged residents to voice their questions and concerns regarding plans to repair the harbor’s dock structures.
No set decisions have been made as to how improvements will be carried out. According to the current schedule, construction will begin in 2012.
Gervais said during his presentation that the repairs were needed primarily to maintain safe barge services to the Kalaupapa community.
Residents were informed that Young Brothers Ltd. increased the size of their barge, which the current state and size of the dock cannot accommodate.
Michael Maruyama, who represents the state, said at the meeting that YB had been using a smaller barge to service Kalaupapa. However, they have retired that barge since its last arrival in September, and there were no guaranteed plans for the next barge service to the area.
Maruyama said...
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Friday, March 21, 2008
August Judges Collins Soils Suit May 29
Maui Lani residents can intervene in suit, judge says
2:36 p.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2008, The Maui News via the Honolulu Advertiser
WAILUKU, Maui — Saying the outcome of a lawsuit over building heights could affect more than just two Maui Lani subdivisions, 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August ordered that all Maui Lani lot owners be given an opportunity to intervene in the court case.
"They haven't even been given formal notice that what happens in this courtroom may affect their interests," August said during a court hearing Tuesday.
"Here, if the court grants the kind of declaratory relief that the plaintiffs want, it could severely affect the use of potentially hundreds of people out there who own property in all of Maui...
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2:36 p.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2008, The Maui News via the Honolulu Advertiser
WAILUKU, Maui — Saying the outcome of a lawsuit over building heights could affect more than just two Maui Lani subdivisions, 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August ordered that all Maui Lani lot owners be given an opportunity to intervene in the court case.
"They haven't even been given formal notice that what happens in this courtroom may affect their interests," August said during a court hearing Tuesday.
"Here, if the court grants the kind of declaratory relief that the plaintiffs want, it could severely affect the use of potentially hundreds of people out there who own property in all of Maui...
Read More
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Lawmakers tackle taro issue
Thursday, March 20th, 2008 5:04 AM HST
By Associated Press via KPUA HAWAII
HONOLULU (AP) _ State lawmakers considering a 10-year moratorium on genetically engineering taro have heard arguments from both sides of the emotionally charged issue.
Supporters of the moratorium say the taro plant is a vital part of Hawaiian culture and should be kept pure, not genetically altered.
Walter Ritte has told the House Agriculture Committee that taro) is in Native Hawaiians' beliefs and culture.
Molokai taro farmer Hanohano Naehu says the issue concerns greed on the part of biotechnology companies looking to profit from genetically modified taro.
But opponents...
Read More or Watch It!
By Associated Press via KPUA HAWAII
HONOLULU (AP) _ State lawmakers considering a 10-year moratorium on genetically engineering taro have heard arguments from both sides of the emotionally charged issue.
Supporters of the moratorium say the taro plant is a vital part of Hawaiian culture and should be kept pure, not genetically altered.
Walter Ritte has told the House Agriculture Committee that taro) is in Native Hawaiians' beliefs and culture.
Molokai taro farmer Hanohano Naehu says the issue concerns greed on the part of biotechnology companies looking to profit from genetically modified taro.
But opponents...
Read More or Watch It!
100 Testify on Taro Moratorium Bill
Thursday, March 20, 2008, Advertiser Staff
Nearly 100 people testified yesterday on a state bill that proposes a 10-year moratorium on developing or growing genetically engineered taro in Hawai'i, but a decision on whether to advance the measure wasn't immediately made.
A hearing before the House Committee on Agriculture lasted more than seven hours with oral testimony from a crowd that included taro farmers, University of Hawai'i researchers, genetic crop industry representatives and papaya farmers.
Supporters of Senate Bill 958 are largely Native Hawaiian taro farmers who say genetic engineering of taro, or kalo in Hawaiian, is unnecessary and an affront to Hawaiian culture, which holds the plant sacred. Many moratorium opponents also fear that genetically modified taro, if produced and tested outside, could mix with traditional varieties.
Bill opponents argue a ban would set back research to protect an important crop from natural pests that threaten further declines in Hawai'i taro production, and establish a precedent to ban other genetically modified crops. Biotech representatives also argue that contamination between traditional and genetically modified taro varieties is extremely unlikely because of present propagation practices that involve growing new plants from existing plants instead of pollination.
Testimony was mixed, presenting a difficult decision by committee members who were faced with passionate pleas from numerous Hawaiian taro farmers, some of whom brought the plant for dramatic display.
For SB 958 to be approved, it would have to be...
Read More... or Watch It!
Nearly 100 people testified yesterday on a state bill that proposes a 10-year moratorium on developing or growing genetically engineered taro in Hawai'i, but a decision on whether to advance the measure wasn't immediately made.
A hearing before the House Committee on Agriculture lasted more than seven hours with oral testimony from a crowd that included taro farmers, University of Hawai'i researchers, genetic crop industry representatives and papaya farmers.
Supporters of Senate Bill 958 are largely Native Hawaiian taro farmers who say genetic engineering of taro, or kalo in Hawaiian, is unnecessary and an affront to Hawaiian culture, which holds the plant sacred. Many moratorium opponents also fear that genetically modified taro, if produced and tested outside, could mix with traditional varieties.
Bill opponents argue a ban would set back research to protect an important crop from natural pests that threaten further declines in Hawai'i taro production, and establish a precedent to ban other genetically modified crops. Biotech representatives also argue that contamination between traditional and genetically modified taro varieties is extremely unlikely because of present propagation practices that involve growing new plants from existing plants instead of pollination.
Testimony was mixed, presenting a difficult decision by committee members who were faced with passionate pleas from numerous Hawaiian taro farmers, some of whom brought the plant for dramatic display.
For SB 958 to be approved, it would have to be...
Read More... or Watch It!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Akaku Board Chair John Bruce Hides Conflict of Interest from Senate Committee, Objects to Scrutiny
Transcripts of Hawaii, 2008, SB1789 Testimony re: Excluding Public Access Community Television Contracts from Procurement Code clearly show that Akaku: Maui Community Television's Chairman of the Board of Directors, John Bruce, fails to disclose a direct conflict of interest, to the Hawaii State Senators presiding over the February 26, 2008 Senate Committee hearing.
In fact, while a count of the thirty-two testifiers in favor of SB1789 shows that at least thirty testifiers in favor of this bill have a direct conflict of interest, either as a board director, executive officer, employee, staff member, intern or a producer that receives privileged access to facilities, compensation direct and/or otherwise, it appears that several employees/staff members of Akaku: Maui Community Television followed the example of Akaku Chairman of the Board, John Bruce when these Akaku staffers identified themselves as residents of Maui County, and then failed to disclose their employment status, and/or other pre-existing relationship with Akaku: Maui Community Television during their testimony to the Senate Committee.
So, after years long of lobbying, public relations, lawsuits under the "leadership" of Akaku: Maui Community Television Former Chairman of the Board and CEO/Presidente John "Jay" April and the "counsel" of "Parlimentarian" to the Akaku: Maui Community Television Board of Directors, preempting and overwriting normally scheduled Public Access Community Television programming with televised propoganda in support of legislation, text scrolls instructing viewers to call their representatives and Senators and to testify, and pro-legislation form letters on the Akaku: Maui Community Television Web Site, ready to send to elected State representatives with a single click...only thirty-two people provided testimony in support of this legislation, and thirty of them are directors, executives, employees, staff, interns and producers of the State of Hawaii's incumbent PEG Access Organizations themselves.
The only thirty people of the 70,000+ residents of Maui County alone, to have testified in support of excluding Public Access Television from Public Procurement are the employees/staffers/interns and producers of afraid of losing their access and in some cases, their jobs. No wonder Mr. Bruce objects to scrutiny.
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In fact, while a count of the thirty-two testifiers in favor of SB1789 shows that at least thirty testifiers in favor of this bill have a direct conflict of interest, either as a board director, executive officer, employee, staff member, intern or a producer that receives privileged access to facilities, compensation direct and/or otherwise, it appears that several employees/staff members of Akaku: Maui Community Television followed the example of Akaku Chairman of the Board, John Bruce when these Akaku staffers identified themselves as residents of Maui County, and then failed to disclose their employment status, and/or other pre-existing relationship with Akaku: Maui Community Television during their testimony to the Senate Committee.
So, after years long of lobbying, public relations, lawsuits under the "leadership" of Akaku: Maui Community Television Former Chairman of the Board and CEO/Presidente John "Jay" April and the "counsel" of "Parlimentarian" to the Akaku: Maui Community Television Board of Directors, preempting and overwriting normally scheduled Public Access Community Television programming with televised propoganda in support of legislation, text scrolls instructing viewers to call their representatives and Senators and to testify, and pro-legislation form letters on the Akaku: Maui Community Television Web Site, ready to send to elected State representatives with a single click...only thirty-two people provided testimony in support of this legislation, and thirty of them are directors, executives, employees, staff, interns and producers of the State of Hawaii's incumbent PEG Access Organizations themselves.
The only thirty people of the 70,000+ residents of Maui County alone, to have testified in support of excluding Public Access Television from Public Procurement are the employees/staffers/interns and producers of afraid of losing their access and in some cases, their jobs. No wonder Mr. Bruce objects to scrutiny.
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Mud kicks up daily on Molokai reef
Maui Media Lab ImageryBy Jan W. TenBruggencate
3/18/2008 7:36:20 PM, The Molokai Times
A muddy shoreline can starve marine life of light — the equivalent of trying to grow a garden in a dark room.
Research on the south shore of Molokai suggests that the light deprivation can in some areas continue long after the rain has stopped, since the sediments remain on the reef, and are lifted into the water column each time the winds and currents come up.
The process is described in a new paper, “Diurnal variability in turbidity and coral fluorescence on a fringing reef flat: Southern Molokai, Hawaii,” by researchers Gregory Piniak of NOAA's Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in North Carolina, and Curt Storlazzi, of the U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Science Center in California.
The work is published in the Elsevier journal, Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science.
Piniak, in an email, said that many people worry about runoff from the land into the sea only when it's happening, not recognizing that the damage can continue for an extended period of time.
“Generally runoff is thought of as a single event, like storms that deliver big pulses of sediment to the reef,” he said.
But on some leeward shores, where big onshore surf doesn't quickly dilute the muddy water and flush it out to sea, things can be different.
“On the Molokai reef flat sediment builds up over time and is constantly stirred up, so...
Read More... or Inspect High Resolution Survey, 10 March 2008 (7M PDF)
High Resolution, Low Altitude, Digital Survey of Molokai's southern shore and fringe reef courtesy, Maui Media Lab Foundation
3/18/2008 7:36:20 PM, The Molokai Times
A muddy shoreline can starve marine life of light — the equivalent of trying to grow a garden in a dark room.
Research on the south shore of Molokai suggests that the light deprivation can in some areas continue long after the rain has stopped, since the sediments remain on the reef, and are lifted into the water column each time the winds and currents come up.
The process is described in a new paper, “Diurnal variability in turbidity and coral fluorescence on a fringing reef flat: Southern Molokai, Hawaii,” by researchers Gregory Piniak of NOAA's Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in North Carolina, and Curt Storlazzi, of the U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Science Center in California.
The work is published in the Elsevier journal, Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science.
Piniak, in an email, said that many people worry about runoff from the land into the sea only when it's happening, not recognizing that the damage can continue for an extended period of time.
“Generally runoff is thought of as a single event, like storms that deliver big pulses of sediment to the reef,” he said.
But on some leeward shores, where big onshore surf doesn't quickly dilute the muddy water and flush it out to sea, things can be different.
“On the Molokai reef flat sediment builds up over time and is constantly stirred up, so...
Read More... or Inspect High Resolution Survey, 10 March 2008 (7M PDF)
High Resolution, Low Altitude, Digital Survey of Molokai's southern shore and fringe reef courtesy, Maui Media Lab Foundation
Molokai pupils send diabetes messages
March 19, 2008, The Maui NewsKAUNAKAKAI — Aka‘ula School students created videos about how healthy lifestyles can help Native Hawaiians keep diabetes at bay, and the winning entry and awards will be presented next month.
“E Malama Kou Kino” was the top public service announcement produced in a child-based diabetes media campaign that involved funding from the Ulu Network, medical expertise from Molokai General Hospital and technical training and equipment from Akaku Molokai Media Center.
“Diabetes is a common health care problem on Molokai,” said Desiree Puhi of Molokai General Hospital and the Ulu project director. “Many of the ill effects of diabetes could be curtailed if a person is proactive regarding their health.
“The Ulu Network EXPORT grant provided funds for keiki and kupuna to...
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Akaku Maui Counsel Collins Now Sues Maui County Council!
Suit seeks to void approvals for Honua‘ula
Group says recessed meetings illegally
March 6, 2008, By CHRIS HAMILTON, Staff Writer, The Maui News
WAILUKU — A group of South Maui residents sued the Maui County Council on Wednesday to void its approvals of the controversial Honua‘ula housing development, claiming council members violated the state’s public meeting law.
The 1,400-unit, roughly $800 million development awaits second and final reading by the council after councilors passed rezoning measures for the controversial project on first reading on Feb. 14.
But Wailuku attorney Lance Collins filed a lawsuit in 2nd Circuit Court requesting a hearing and an injunction to prevent final action by council...
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Group says recessed meetings illegally
March 6, 2008, By CHRIS HAMILTON, Staff Writer, The Maui News
WAILUKU — A group of South Maui residents sued the Maui County Council on Wednesday to void its approvals of the controversial Honua‘ula housing development, claiming council members violated the state’s public meeting law.
The 1,400-unit, roughly $800 million development awaits second and final reading by the council after councilors passed rezoning measures for the controversial project on first reading on Feb. 14.
But Wailuku attorney Lance Collins filed a lawsuit in 2nd Circuit Court requesting a hearing and an injunction to prevent final action by council...
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Eye Care for Molokai `Opio
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Sunday 3-16-08 BY: JENNIFER SMITH, The Molokai DispatchMaui optometrists provide vision screenings for Friendly Isle youth.
Maui based eye care specialists and Molokai Lions Club members volunteered their time to screen 188 Kaunakaki School students on March 3.
Two Maui-based optometrists have made it their mission to ensure Maui County elementary school students receive proper eye care.
Drs. Lee and Leong traveled to the Friendly Isle on March 3 to screen the eyes of nearly 200 Kaunakakai Elementary students. Kaunakakai Principal “Janice Espiritu provided the perfect opportunity for us to help with vision screening services for the youth of Molokai, at their most critical age,” Dr. Leong said...
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Future Reporters, The Making-Of
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Tuesday 3-18-08 BY: THE MOLOKAI DISPATCH STAFFElementary School students take journalism workshop
Kilohana School second-graders learned how to interview famous people, taking an advantage of a hands-on workshop offered by Kamehameha Schools and The Molokai Dispatch. A week earlier, Kaunakakai School second-graders went through the same workshop.
The Molokai Dispatch staff inspired second-graders at Kilohana and Kaunakakai schools with hands-on journalism workshops. The little students loved to learn about the life of a reporter, and everyone said at the end of the workshop that they want to be a reporter when they grow up.
Todd Yamashita and Léo Azambuja conducted the workshop at Kaunakakai School on Feb. 27. Jennifer Smith and Léo Azambuja conducted the workshop at Kilohana School on March 6. Alestra Menendez and Kilia Purdy, from Kamehameha Schools, organized the workshop.
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Thank You Akaku: Molokai Media Center
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Public access station celebrates community, introduces production goals.Akaku Molokai Media Center staffers credit the community for the public access station's success.
Akaku’s Molokai Ohana Night celebrated the continued success of the island’s only public access TV station. Staff members acknowledged community contributions by hosting a luau, and distributing awards to significant producers...
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Akaku CEO/President Jay April "Secret, Inept, Punative and Breathtakingly Destructive"
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Keeping the Public in Public Access TVSenate Bill would exempt TV stations from bidding process.
Tuesday, 3-18-08, by Jennifer Smith
Years of battles to keep Akaku Maui Community Television a true vehicle for freedom of speech will soon come to a head.
The State wants to put the job of providing public access television up for bid, a process which some say could take the community out of public media.
Public access stations in Hawaii hope to find shelter in the form of legislation. If passed, Senate Bill 1789 would exempt Public, Education and Government (PEG) access television stations from going to bid.
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Cream of the crop honored at winter athletic banquet
The Molokai Times
By Tom Patrick
3/17/2008 4:00:24 PM
Adolpho named to Div. II all-tournament team
The sporting elite of Molokai High School were honored last Wednesday at the winter athletic banquet held in the school’s cafeteria.
In an evening that featured speeches from coaches, dinner and slide shows, athletes from the wrestling, soccer and basketball teams were presented with certificates, letterman letters and, in the case of the boys basketball team, a strand of the net the team cut down after beating Lanai to become the MIL champs.
First up in the award ceremony was the girls soccer team. After a speech by head coach Kainoa Pali that outlined the progress the team has made in recent years, Pali presented freshman Larriley “Tuti” Rawlins with the Outstanding Athlete award.
“I feel very honored because I’m like the only freshman,” said Rawlins. “I really wasn’t going to go out for soccer until my sister Gayla — she wanted me to go into it.”
“She was picked by her teammates,” said her coach, Kainoa Pali. “She was overall a natural ...
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By Tom Patrick
3/17/2008 4:00:24 PM
Adolpho named to Div. II all-tournament team
The sporting elite of Molokai High School were honored last Wednesday at the winter athletic banquet held in the school’s cafeteria.
In an evening that featured speeches from coaches, dinner and slide shows, athletes from the wrestling, soccer and basketball teams were presented with certificates, letterman letters and, in the case of the boys basketball team, a strand of the net the team cut down after beating Lanai to become the MIL champs.
First up in the award ceremony was the girls soccer team. After a speech by head coach Kainoa Pali that outlined the progress the team has made in recent years, Pali presented freshman Larriley “Tuti” Rawlins with the Outstanding Athlete award.
“I feel very honored because I’m like the only freshman,” said Rawlins. “I really wasn’t going to go out for soccer until my sister Gayla — she wanted me to go into it.”
“She was picked by her teammates,” said her coach, Kainoa Pali. “She was overall a natural ...
Read More...
‘Small-Kine’ Rodeo a big success
3/17/2008, The Molokai Times
By Kate Gardiner
Infant Riah-Te’a Kaupilikawaialaokalani Tataipu Sione earned almost $1,000 Saturday morning as more than 30 kids participated in a ‘Small Kine’ benefit rodeo at Molokai Ranch.
The three-month old was diagnosed Jan. 18 with a heart defect and heart murmur. Proceeds from the rodeo, organized by the Molokai Cowboy Connection and the 4H Clover Lopers, will go to heart surgery she will have in San Diego sometime between April and May.
Keiki participants rode and roped for the cause, entry fees adding $130 to the pot; small purses went straight to the concession stand to buy shoyu chicken and shave ice from the 4Hers. Team ropers added another $250 via a jack pot for bragging rights, and the Molokai Cowboy Connection added $200. The E Komo Mai Fellowship, led by Rev. Jimmy Duvauchelle, added another $350,...
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By Kate Gardiner
Infant Riah-Te’a Kaupilikawaialaokalani Tataipu Sione earned almost $1,000 Saturday morning as more than 30 kids participated in a ‘Small Kine’ benefit rodeo at Molokai Ranch.
The three-month old was diagnosed Jan. 18 with a heart defect and heart murmur. Proceeds from the rodeo, organized by the Molokai Cowboy Connection and the 4H Clover Lopers, will go to heart surgery she will have in San Diego sometime between April and May.
Keiki participants rode and roped for the cause, entry fees adding $130 to the pot; small purses went straight to the concession stand to buy shoyu chicken and shave ice from the 4Hers. Team ropers added another $250 via a jack pot for bragging rights, and the Molokai Cowboy Connection added $200. The E Komo Mai Fellowship, led by Rev. Jimmy Duvauchelle, added another $350,...
Read More...
Community voices concerns about GMOs, health care
16 March, 2008by Jason Armstrong, Tribune-Herald Staff Writer
Protecting taro from genetic modification, improved rural health care and safer highways are some of the requests residents made Saturday to the Big Island's legislative delegation.
Both state senators and many of the seven House members heard those and other concerns as they continued holding community meetings around Hawaii Island.
The hourlong meetings, which in past years came after the Legislature ended its session, are now being conducted before lawmakers adjourn for the year.
That was called a "good idea" by Sen. Lorraine Inouye,...
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Sunday, March 16, 2008
Community Members from across the state help form network
Saturday 3-15-08, The Molokai DispatchCommunity asked to keep reporting dead birds
Community members from across the state helped form a network to monitor for the arrival of two potentially harmful diseases, bird flu (avian influenza, H5N1) and West Nile Virus. Neither of these diseases is present in Hawai‘i, but they could arrive, and early detection could potentially minimize impacts to people, domestic animals and wildlife. Last year, citizen monitoring and reporting of dead birds resulted in nearly 500 calls and online reports across the state. Of these, nearly two hundred birds were deemed appropriate for testing, and all results were negative for these viruses.
“Dead bird reporting is an important part of Hawai‘i’s monitoring effort to find these diseases as soon as possible, while there may still be a chance to eradicate them here,” said Laurence Lau, Deputy Director for Environmental Health at the Hawai‘i Department of Health.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
If it looks like a duck...
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Thursday 3-13-08, The Molokai DispatchEndangered Hawaiian Duck
The last observation of a Hawaiian Duck on Molokai was in May and June of 1893, so the presence of two over the past several months has caused quite a stir in the scientific community. The endemic Hawaiian Duck (Anas wyvilliana) or Koloa maoli, is a federally endangered species, with only about 2,000 “true” Koloa remaining....
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Support Taro Bill SB958
Steve Morgan/ Hui Ho’opakele ‘Aina
3/13/2008: The Molokai Times
On March 19, one of the most important bills in recent history regarding the native people of Hawaii will come before our legislature. This bill proposes to place a ban on any genetic cultivation or experimentation of taro for 10 years.
Taro has served as a source of sustenance and a staple to the Hawaiian people for almost two millennium.
Despite this, taro is much more than just food, in fact the core identity of the Hawaiian people is found within the taro plant itself, revealing the close connection to the ‘aina, the family structure and even the origins of the Hawaiian people. It was for this reason that King Kalakaua placed the ornamentation of gold taro leaves within his crown and it is for this reason today that drawings and images of taro serve as a symbol of identity for the Hawaiian people.
Regardless of your stand on the GMO issue and regardless of whether you are native Hawaiian or of any other ethnic background, please help give respect to something that is so foundational to our host culture by supporting the passage of Senate Bill # 958...
Read More... or Watch It!
3/13/2008: The Molokai Times
On March 19, one of the most important bills in recent history regarding the native people of Hawaii will come before our legislature. This bill proposes to place a ban on any genetic cultivation or experimentation of taro for 10 years.
Taro has served as a source of sustenance and a staple to the Hawaiian people for almost two millennium.
Despite this, taro is much more than just food, in fact the core identity of the Hawaiian people is found within the taro plant itself, revealing the close connection to the ‘aina, the family structure and even the origins of the Hawaiian people. It was for this reason that King Kalakaua placed the ornamentation of gold taro leaves within his crown and it is for this reason today that drawings and images of taro serve as a symbol of identity for the Hawaiian people.
Regardless of your stand on the GMO issue and regardless of whether you are native Hawaiian or of any other ethnic background, please help give respect to something that is so foundational to our host culture by supporting the passage of Senate Bill # 958...
Read More... or Watch It!
Camp Akaku Chief Eats Keiki's Lunch
March, 2008, Kahului, Hawaii: Akaku: Maui Community Television, the State of Hawaii's, Public, Education and Governmental Access Community Television station, restricts student access to Maui's public access television facilities to ten children willing and able to pay $2000.00 to be allowed into Maui's only public access television studio for three days this month, and calls it camp. Indeed.
Offering a Young Reporters Camp is a wonderful concept. However, when Akaku: Maui Community Television President/CEO Jay April choses to exclude the children of the other, approximately, seventy thousand Maui residents living on our three islands that do not necessarily have the equivalent of a years worth of school lunch to give to a non-profit charity that receives more than a million dollars from the State of Hawaii and more than one hundred thousand dollars from the County of Maui annually, and that is chartered exclusively to provide public access to ALL of Maui's residents, especially our Keiki; well that seems a strange way indeed to "Empower the Community's Access to Media."
Anyhoo, when I was your age, camp was something you did OUTSIDE. Barefoot. Uphill. And both ways.
Read More
Offering a Young Reporters Camp is a wonderful concept. However, when Akaku: Maui Community Television President/CEO Jay April choses to exclude the children of the other, approximately, seventy thousand Maui residents living on our three islands that do not necessarily have the equivalent of a years worth of school lunch to give to a non-profit charity that receives more than a million dollars from the State of Hawaii and more than one hundred thousand dollars from the County of Maui annually, and that is chartered exclusively to provide public access to ALL of Maui's residents, especially our Keiki; well that seems a strange way indeed to "Empower the Community's Access to Media."
Anyhoo, when I was your age, camp was something you did OUTSIDE. Barefoot. Uphill. And both ways.
Read More
Ides of March Foreshadow the end of April's Rain
Ides of March Foreshadow the end of April's RainHawaii's best weather reporter presents Maui Weather Today with Glenn James on Maui Community College Television, MCCTV, Cable Channel 55 and at MauiWeatherToday.com and HawaiiWeatherToday.Com bringing you current and accurate, up to date forecasts every weekday (except holidays!) from the Maui Community College Media Center at University of Hawaii, Maui Community College Campus in Kahului, Hawaii.
Read More... or Watch It!
This lovely spring print of Caeser's Fall courtesy of the Art History Archive Picture of the Month for April, 2008.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Panel backs GMO taro ban
By ILIMA LOOMIS, Staff Writer, March 14, 2008
WAILUKU — A resolution urging a hold on research involving genetic modification of taro was advanced Wednesday by the County Council Public Works and Facilities Committee.
The resolution supports a bill pending before the state Legislature that would put a 10-year moratorium on developing, testing and growing genetically modified taro plants. Supporters in the audience, many of them taro farmers from East Maui, applauded as the committee voted to recommend the resolution with a 5-0 vote.
“It is time for us to put the brakes on,” said Council Member Mike Victorino, co-chairman of the Public Works Committee.
The moratorium proposal, Senate Bill 958, was approved by the Senate and is pending in the House Agriculture Committee, which has scheduled a hearing at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the State Capitol auditorium.
At the council committee session, taro farmer Steve Hookano said a lack of flowing water and other environmental challenges were the causes of disease and parasites affecting crops.
“It’s not the taro’s fault,” he said.
Waving a petition supporting the ban signed by other East Maui residents, he feared experimentation could threaten the genetic diversity of the plant.
“We don’t know the risks and the benefits,” he said.
“We’re living in Hawaii — not a science lab,” said...
Read More... or Watch It!
WAILUKU — A resolution urging a hold on research involving genetic modification of taro was advanced Wednesday by the County Council Public Works and Facilities Committee.
The resolution supports a bill pending before the state Legislature that would put a 10-year moratorium on developing, testing and growing genetically modified taro plants. Supporters in the audience, many of them taro farmers from East Maui, applauded as the committee voted to recommend the resolution with a 5-0 vote.
“It is time for us to put the brakes on,” said Council Member Mike Victorino, co-chairman of the Public Works Committee.
The moratorium proposal, Senate Bill 958, was approved by the Senate and is pending in the House Agriculture Committee, which has scheduled a hearing at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the State Capitol auditorium.
At the council committee session, taro farmer Steve Hookano said a lack of flowing water and other environmental challenges were the causes of disease and parasites affecting crops.
“It’s not the taro’s fault,” he said.
Waving a petition supporting the ban signed by other East Maui residents, he feared experimentation could threaten the genetic diversity of the plant.
“We don’t know the risks and the benefits,” he said.
“We’re living in Hawaii — not a science lab,” said...
Read More... or Watch It!
SB958 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS.
Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 03-19-08 at 9:00 am in House conference room State Capitol Auditorium.
RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS.
Genetically Modified Organisms; Taro; Moratorium
Imposes a 10-year moratorium on developing, testing, propagating, cultivating, growing, and raising genetically engineered taro in the State. (HD1)
Read More...
RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS.
Genetically Modified Organisms; Taro; Moratorium
Imposes a 10-year moratorium on developing, testing, propagating, cultivating, growing, and raising genetically engineered taro in the State. (HD1)
Read More...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
State of Hawaii Water commission takes over Na Wai Eha!
Historic step is first for surface systems
March 13, 2008, The Maui News
WAILUKU -- For the first time ever, the state Commission on Water Resource Management has designated a surface water system -- the four West Maui streams called Na Wai Eha.
The action, by unanimous vote Thursday, was strongly supported by the county government and by a variety of local groups. No one spoke against it.
As soon as the action is officially published, users of Na Wai Eha water will have one year to apply to the commission for a permit to use the water.
Persons not now using the water but who want to will also have one year to make an application.
Many in the audience of about 30 people at Cameron Center clapped when the vote was completed.
"This seemed kind of mundane until you guys broke into applause," Commission Chairwoman Laura Thielen said. "It is historic."
Designation of a water system means the...
Read More... or Watch It or Watch More...
March 13, 2008, The Maui News
WAILUKU -- For the first time ever, the state Commission on Water Resource Management has designated a surface water system -- the four West Maui streams called Na Wai Eha.
The action, by unanimous vote Thursday, was strongly supported by the county government and by a variety of local groups. No one spoke against it.
As soon as the action is officially published, users of Na Wai Eha water will have one year to apply to the commission for a permit to use the water.
Persons not now using the water but who want to will also have one year to make an application.
Many in the audience of about 30 people at Cameron Center clapped when the vote was completed.
"This seemed kind of mundane until you guys broke into applause," Commission Chairwoman Laura Thielen said. "It is historic."
Designation of a water system means the...
Read More... or Watch It or Watch More...
Lance Can't Dance
February 26, 2008, The Haleakala Times
Maui Dance Advocates
... “The Commission has determined that there is no definitive answer to your question on what is the definition of dancing. One of the definitions in the Webster dictionary is, in part: To move the body, especially the feet, in rhythm, ordinarily to music.”
After receiving the reply, Maui Dance Advocates decided they must work to change this rule. And in April 2007 they were on the LC’s agenda again. This time they had a petition with 84 names asking the LC to change the rules. Six people came to the meeting to testify in favor of a rule change, including one bar manager. Nobody came to speak against it.
At the end of the meeting, the LC unanimously voted not to amend the rule. A few days later, a letter arrived stating, “The Commission determined that there was insufficient reason to amend Rule 08-101-23. You may appeal this decision in accordance with Section 91-14(b) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.”
Maui Dance Advocates paid for the court filing cost, and attorney Lance Collins agreed to take the case pro bono. On November 28, 2007, they had their day in court.
Collins gave a very compelling argument to change the rules. The Corporation Council, on behalf of the LC, gave the argument that the judge did not have jurisdiction to make a ruling. Because Maui Dance Advocates only asked the LC to change the rule, the judge was obligated by law not to make a ruling.
Maui Dance Advocates has filed a declaratory ruling with the LC, which will be discussed on March 12, 2008 in Wailuku at the David K. Trask Building....
Read More..
Maui Dance Advocates
... “The Commission has determined that there is no definitive answer to your question on what is the definition of dancing. One of the definitions in the Webster dictionary is, in part: To move the body, especially the feet, in rhythm, ordinarily to music.”
After receiving the reply, Maui Dance Advocates decided they must work to change this rule. And in April 2007 they were on the LC’s agenda again. This time they had a petition with 84 names asking the LC to change the rules. Six people came to the meeting to testify in favor of a rule change, including one bar manager. Nobody came to speak against it.
At the end of the meeting, the LC unanimously voted not to amend the rule. A few days later, a letter arrived stating, “The Commission determined that there was insufficient reason to amend Rule 08-101-23. You may appeal this decision in accordance with Section 91-14(b) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.”
Maui Dance Advocates paid for the court filing cost, and attorney Lance Collins agreed to take the case pro bono. On November 28, 2007, they had their day in court.
Collins gave a very compelling argument to change the rules. The Corporation Council, on behalf of the LC, gave the argument that the judge did not have jurisdiction to make a ruling. Because Maui Dance Advocates only asked the LC to change the rule, the judge was obligated by law not to make a ruling.
Maui Dance Advocates has filed a declaratory ruling with the LC, which will be discussed on March 12, 2008 in Wailuku at the David K. Trask Building....
Read More..
Hawaii, 2008, SB1789 Testimony re: Excluding Public Access Community Television Contracts from Procurement Code
Hawaii, 2008, SB1789 Testimony re: Excluding Public Access Community Television Contracts from Procurement Code
The State of Hawaii, 2008, SB1789 Testimony re: Excluding Public Access Community Television Contracts from Procurement Code reveals the two distinct strategies being taken by both proponents and opponents of this Bill.
On one hand, the incumbent PEG Access Providers, led by CEO/President of Akaku: Maui County Communty Television, Jay April and Lawyer representing Akaku: Maui County Community Television, Lance D. Collins, trotted out a classic chorus line of testimony of employees and select individuals privileged to have access to incumbent PEG Access facilities on Maui and Oahu. While the conflict of interest for testifying community television producers and the potential for retaliatory denial of access by the incumbent PEG Access organizations, salts these individual's testimony to at least understandable palatability, the lack of candor on the part of the Akaku: Maui County Community Television employees that do not reveal that they are staff of Akaku: Maui County Community Television and receive direct benefits, financial or otherwise, in their testimony, display a clear conflict of interest, while simultaneously, and rather publicly, demonstrating their cavalier disregard for the very principles that they quite hypocritically claim to stand for, as long as they get to keep their jobs.
On the other hand, a single individual provided testimony representing the views of Hawaii's Independent Community Television Producers, and countless thousands of residents that believe in open, universal, public access, and a fair competitive procurement process is the best way to both acquire Public, Education and Governmental Access Community Television Services, as well as to provide the means for the community at large to ensure this commitment by the PEG Access Organization to the community, after the contract has been signed.
Collins' signature redundant, time wasting and governance clogging parade of Supportive testimony from incumbent employees and community television producers is attached below.
The extremely well written, concise and informative opposition testimony of Jeff Garland representing the community at large is provided here:
From: jeff garland [digitaleye@hi808.net]
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 1:28 PM
To: testimony
Subject: CPH TESTIMONY SB 1789 02/26/08 9 a.m. room 229
Aloha Chair Kokubun, Vice Chair Ige, and Senators Espero, Ihara, Sakamoto, Taniguchi and Trimble,
My testimony is in strong opposition to SB 1789 in its current form as it removes any possibility for competition for our Free Speech providers effectively removing any incentive for incumbent providers to improve. I see no compelling reason to exempt PEG contracts from State Procurement Law. You are all aware that the current PEGs were created b y the State and then designated by DCCA in violation o f their own statute, HRS 440g. The legislature and DCCA have failed to make clear in any applicable law, rule, order or contract that the intent of Public Access Television is for First Amendment purposes. Perhaps it is finally time for you all to make that point clear by adding the appropriate language to HRS 440g instead of exemption language. Competition is good in a Democratic society. If you do not believe so, then please do not compete again once your term expires.
Attached is my proposed concurrent resolution for an audit o f the DCCA Cable Television Division which I am requesting you all introduce. I wish for it to be considered as par t of my testimony as it substantiates why no competition is wrong. As you read the testimony in support of this anti free speech, anti free choice legislation, keep in mind the majority of it is from PEG Corporation staff, school children, and specially facilitated benefactors of the current PEGs. Please ask why the PEGs didn't ask the thousands of clients that no longer utilize them to testify. Also ask why none of their requested testifiers see no benefit at all in competition.
"Passive acceptance of the teacher' s wisdom is easy to most boys and girls. It involves no effort of independent thought, and seems rational because the teacher knows more than his pupils; it is moreover the way to win the favour of the teacher unless he is a very exceptional man. Yet the habit of passive acceptance is a disastrous one in later life. It causes man to seek and to accept a leader, and to accept as a leader whoever is established in that position." Bertrand Russell
Per Hawai'i state legislature's standard of performance, I fully expect you to pass this measure to make what has been done wrong now become acceptable, and to preserve your exceptional treatment by the incumbent providers. A vote in favor of this legislation is a vote in favor of keeping Hawai' i in its consistent last place positions in educational endeavors and communication technologies, not to mention critical thinking.
Do not pass this measure.
Sincerely Disgusted,
Jeff Garland
Read More...
The State of Hawaii, 2008, SB1789 Testimony re: Excluding Public Access Community Television Contracts from Procurement Code reveals the two distinct strategies being taken by both proponents and opponents of this Bill.
On one hand, the incumbent PEG Access Providers, led by CEO/President of Akaku: Maui County Communty Television, Jay April and Lawyer representing Akaku: Maui County Community Television, Lance D. Collins, trotted out a classic chorus line of testimony of employees and select individuals privileged to have access to incumbent PEG Access facilities on Maui and Oahu. While the conflict of interest for testifying community television producers and the potential for retaliatory denial of access by the incumbent PEG Access organizations, salts these individual's testimony to at least understandable palatability, the lack of candor on the part of the Akaku: Maui County Community Television employees that do not reveal that they are staff of Akaku: Maui County Community Television and receive direct benefits, financial or otherwise, in their testimony, display a clear conflict of interest, while simultaneously, and rather publicly, demonstrating their cavalier disregard for the very principles that they quite hypocritically claim to stand for, as long as they get to keep their jobs.
On the other hand, a single individual provided testimony representing the views of Hawaii's Independent Community Television Producers, and countless thousands of residents that believe in open, universal, public access, and a fair competitive procurement process is the best way to both acquire Public, Education and Governmental Access Community Television Services, as well as to provide the means for the community at large to ensure this commitment by the PEG Access Organization to the community, after the contract has been signed.
Collins' signature redundant, time wasting and governance clogging parade of Supportive testimony from incumbent employees and community television producers is attached below.
The extremely well written, concise and informative opposition testimony of Jeff Garland representing the community at large is provided here:
From: jeff garland [digitaleye@hi808.net]
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 1:28 PM
To: testimony
Subject: CPH TESTIMONY SB 1789 02/26/08 9 a.m. room 229
Aloha Chair Kokubun, Vice Chair Ige, and Senators Espero, Ihara, Sakamoto, Taniguchi and Trimble,
My testimony is in strong opposition to SB 1789 in its current form as it removes any possibility for competition for our Free Speech providers effectively removing any incentive for incumbent providers to improve. I see no compelling reason to exempt PEG contracts from State Procurement Law. You are all aware that the current PEGs were created b y the State and then designated by DCCA in violation o f their own statute, HRS 440g. The legislature and DCCA have failed to make clear in any applicable law, rule, order or contract that the intent of Public Access Television is for First Amendment purposes. Perhaps it is finally time for you all to make that point clear by adding the appropriate language to HRS 440g instead of exemption language. Competition is good in a Democratic society. If you do not believe so, then please do not compete again once your term expires.
Attached is my proposed concurrent resolution for an audit o f the DCCA Cable Television Division which I am requesting you all introduce. I wish for it to be considered as par t of my testimony as it substantiates why no competition is wrong. As you read the testimony in support of this anti free speech, anti free choice legislation, keep in mind the majority of it is from PEG Corporation staff, school children, and specially facilitated benefactors of the current PEGs. Please ask why the PEGs didn't ask the thousands of clients that no longer utilize them to testify. Also ask why none of their requested testifiers see no benefit at all in competition.
"Passive acceptance of the teacher' s wisdom is easy to most boys and girls. It involves no effort of independent thought, and seems rational because the teacher knows more than his pupils; it is moreover the way to win the favour of the teacher unless he is a very exceptional man. Yet the habit of passive acceptance is a disastrous one in later life. It causes man to seek and to accept a leader, and to accept as a leader whoever is established in that position." Bertrand Russell
Per Hawai'i state legislature's standard of performance, I fully expect you to pass this measure to make what has been done wrong now become acceptable, and to preserve your exceptional treatment by the incumbent providers. A vote in favor of this legislation is a vote in favor of keeping Hawai' i in its consistent last place positions in educational endeavors and communication technologies, not to mention critical thinking.
Do not pass this measure.
Sincerely Disgusted,
Jeff Garland
Read More...
The Molokai Dispatch goes Digital TV for all of Maui, Lanai and Molokai
The Molokai Dispatch's weekly Molokai Minute news update goes digital. Now available on Youtube, and digitally netcast on http://HEMOWAI.TV/.Read More... or Watch It! and Watch HEMOWAI.TV
Glenn Went! Hawaii Weather Today with Glenn James from Maui Goes Digital
Hawaii Weather Today and Maui Weather Today with Glenn James goes Digital. Viewers familiar with Maui Weather Today with Glenn James on local cable channel 55, Maui Community College Television (MCCTV,) can now watch the daily weather every week day at 9:15am HST at http://mauiweathertoday.com/ or at http://hawaiiweathertoday.com/. Glenn James acclaimed Hawaii Weather Television Show is now available to viewers over almost any satellite, wired Internet or wireless Wi-Fi connection throughout the State of Hawaii as well as the rest of the world, and now even to Hawaii's fisherman and mariners in port or at sea that depend on accurate and up to date local weather forecasts for both their livelyhoods and well being.From Glenn James Website:
Glenn’s TV Weather show is back online again now. The colors aren’t perfect, although they are close enough. One day’s show will replaced with the next new days show at around 9am HST (11am PST - 2pm EST)…Monday through Friday. Thanks to the folks at the Maui Media Lab in Paia for making this happen!
Read More... or Watch It!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Science honors earned, Ribbons, awards received!
Lee Imada, 20 February, 2008, The Maui News
KIHEI — An Iao Intermediate student who saw her wave power experiment legitimized in the days leading to the Maui District science fair and a pair of Baldwin High seniors whose project warns of the power of the media on racial and gender stereotypes will be heading the Maui County contingent of young scientists going to the State Science & Engineering Fair on Oahu next month.
Janelle You’s project, titled “Wave Power: What Type of Wave Produces More Electricity,” captured the best junior project award, and the work of Veronika Biskis and Meghan Luther, “Stereotypes: As Seen On TV,” took the best senior project-team award at the 49th Annual Maui Schools’ Science & Engineering Fair held on Feb. 8 at the Kihei Community Center.
Their projects and 10 others received blue ribbon merit awards and will be traveling to Oahu for the state science fair at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall from March 31 to April 3.
Veronika and Meghan, who won...
Read More...
KIHEI — An Iao Intermediate student who saw her wave power experiment legitimized in the days leading to the Maui District science fair and a pair of Baldwin High seniors whose project warns of the power of the media on racial and gender stereotypes will be heading the Maui County contingent of young scientists going to the State Science & Engineering Fair on Oahu next month.Janelle You’s project, titled “Wave Power: What Type of Wave Produces More Electricity,” captured the best junior project award, and the work of Veronika Biskis and Meghan Luther, “Stereotypes: As Seen On TV,” took the best senior project-team award at the 49th Annual Maui Schools’ Science & Engineering Fair held on Feb. 8 at the Kihei Community Center.
Their projects and 10 others received blue ribbon merit awards and will be traveling to Oahu for the state science fair at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall from March 31 to April 3.
Veronika and Meghan, who won...
Read More...
Olelo offers trial digital community television service
Olelo Community Television's new, trial digital community television service looks like it is helping fill the gap left when according to Public Court Documents on Maui, Akaku: Maui Community Television Lawyer Lance Collins sued a local Maui non-profit charity, requested and received a preliminary injunction from a Maui Circuit Court to enforce the denial of access of Pulelehua, Maui Community Television to the approximately thirty thousand viewers a month that were freely receiving the digital community television service via a public access "website" the non-profit charity's students had created specifically to bring Public Access community television to the outer Islands, especially Molokai and Lanai, where access to this crucial public resource is especially needing and access to the cable television system has not been provided, during these tumultous times of land use upheavel, the destruction of natural resources, the seasonal availability of clean, drinkable water, healthy food and the escalating cost of energy.
The new service is called Olelonet Community Programming and fortunately appears to be based on the same Maui Media Lab LLC, Digital Television, IPTV Netcasting, video on demand technology that has been providing digital community television and radio service throughout and for the Kingdom of Hawaii since 1998 and throughout the rest of the world since 1994.
However, unlike the litigiously shuttered (sued out of existance,) student run Pulelehua, Maui Community Television service which also appeared to be based on Maui Media Lab LLC's digital television netcasting system, Olelo.net is presenting their trial Community Programming service using Microsoft Windows Media Encoding, which limits access to the service to computers running Microsoft Windows on a fast, broadband Internet connection. Other computer users need to download and install the required Windows Media Plugin if available.
Read More... or Watch It!
The new service is called Olelonet Community Programming and fortunately appears to be based on the same Maui Media Lab LLC, Digital Television, IPTV Netcasting, video on demand technology that has been providing digital community television and radio service throughout and for the Kingdom of Hawaii since 1998 and throughout the rest of the world since 1994.
However, unlike the litigiously shuttered (sued out of existance,) student run Pulelehua, Maui Community Television service which also appeared to be based on Maui Media Lab LLC's digital television netcasting system, Olelo.net is presenting their trial Community Programming service using Microsoft Windows Media Encoding, which limits access to the service to computers running Microsoft Windows on a fast, broadband Internet connection. Other computer users need to download and install the required Windows Media Plugin if available.
Read More... or Watch It!
Farmers warned of water shortage
13 March 2008, Lihue: The Honolulu Star Bulletin
Though earlier rains built up the supply, officials are worried about later demand
LIHUE » It's been a winter of extremes.
So concedes the National Weather Service after a month of dry weather has forced some farmers and homeowners to conserve water.
After major storms in December, there was little rainfall in January. Storms came again early last month, but since then there's been almost no rain.
Farmers on Maui and Oahu have been asked to voluntarily cut back their water usage by 10 percent. And homes that depend on catchment for water on the Big Island are being asked to order water early, because of heavy demand...
Read More...
Though earlier rains built up the supply, officials are worried about later demand
LIHUE » It's been a winter of extremes.
So concedes the National Weather Service after a month of dry weather has forced some farmers and homeowners to conserve water.
After major storms in December, there was little rainfall in January. Storms came again early last month, but since then there's been almost no rain.
Farmers on Maui and Oahu have been asked to voluntarily cut back their water usage by 10 percent. And homes that depend on catchment for water on the Big Island are being asked to order water early, because of heavy demand...
Read More...
Maui gas hits $4
12 March 2008, Wailuku, The Honolulu Star Bulletin
Some residents wonder why prices are at least 40 cents higher than on Oahu
WAILUKU » Some Maui County residents are staying home more and driving less as the price for unleaded regular gasoline has already soared above $4 in rural areas and appears poised to move above $4 in Wailuku.
Unleaded regular sold for $4.33 yesterday at Lucky's Gas Station in west Molokai and $4.62 at Lanai City Service. Diesel fuel already costs more than $5 per gallon on Lanai.
Some residents cannot understand why gasoline prices on Maui are at least 40 cents more than on Oahu.
"Who's making the money?" one Maui resident demands.
Read More...
Some residents wonder why prices are at least 40 cents higher than on Oahu
WAILUKU » Some Maui County residents are staying home more and driving less as the price for unleaded regular gasoline has already soared above $4 in rural areas and appears poised to move above $4 in Wailuku.
Unleaded regular sold for $4.33 yesterday at Lucky's Gas Station in west Molokai and $4.62 at Lanai City Service. Diesel fuel already costs more than $5 per gallon on Lanai.
Some residents cannot understand why gasoline prices on Maui are at least 40 cents more than on Oahu.
"Who's making the money?" one Maui resident demands.
Read More...
Wonderful Show in Wonderland
Rachel Lau, 3/11/2008, The Molokai Times
High school play entertains kids, adults of all ages
Using very few props and many bright colors splashed across the lit stage, the Molokai High School cast of “Alice in Wonderland” elicited fits of laughter from audience members throughout its performances last week.
The school's drama club sold more than 250 tickets over three performances last Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night in the Molokai High School cafeteria.
From silly strings of words exchanged between Tweedledum and Tweedledee...
Read More...
High school play entertains kids, adults of all ages
Using very few props and many bright colors splashed across the lit stage, the Molokai High School cast of “Alice in Wonderland” elicited fits of laughter from audience members throughout its performances last week.
The school's drama club sold more than 250 tickets over three performances last Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night in the Molokai High School cafeteria.
From silly strings of words exchanged between Tweedledum and Tweedledee...
Read More...
Akaku, Hoike, Na Leo O Hawaii and O`lelo try to exclude Hawaiians and Dish TV Viewers from Hawaii Government
Akaku: Maui Community Television, along with Hawaii's other State owned, incumbent Public Access Cable Television Organizations, Hoike, Na Leo O Hawaii and Olelo attempt to enforce denial of access to video taped and cable cast meetings of the proceedings of the State of Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives.
HR105, Currently before the open session of the 2008 State of Hawaii, House of Representatives, would explicitly grant the State of Hawaii's, incumbent, obsolete, analog public access cable television organizations an exclusive right to carry the proceedings of the State of Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives and explicitly exclude Hawaiians and Satellite Television Customers that have not been provided access to the State of Hawaii's cable franchisee's cable system, including the tens of thousands (and rapidly growing) viewers a month that currently have free access to digital community television netcasts of these proceedings on the Internet and wireless Cell phone networks.
Do we really want the incumbent State owned, Public Access, cable television organizations like Akaku to have the right to exclude Hawaiians, especially on Hawaii's remote outer islands from access to our State Governement and restrict availability of the television coverage of Hawaii's public meetings of the Senate and House of Representatives to affluent members of our community that have both access to the cable and the ability to pay a monthly subscription fee to Time Warner Inc.?
Read More... "ESTABLISHING POLICIES FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BROADCAST PROGRAM'S CABLECAST OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES."
HR105, Currently before the open session of the 2008 State of Hawaii, House of Representatives, would explicitly grant the State of Hawaii's, incumbent, obsolete, analog public access cable television organizations an exclusive right to carry the proceedings of the State of Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives and explicitly exclude Hawaiians and Satellite Television Customers that have not been provided access to the State of Hawaii's cable franchisee's cable system, including the tens of thousands (and rapidly growing) viewers a month that currently have free access to digital community television netcasts of these proceedings on the Internet and wireless Cell phone networks.
Do we really want the incumbent State owned, Public Access, cable television organizations like Akaku to have the right to exclude Hawaiians, especially on Hawaii's remote outer islands from access to our State Governement and restrict availability of the television coverage of Hawaii's public meetings of the Senate and House of Representatives to affluent members of our community that have both access to the cable and the ability to pay a monthly subscription fee to Time Warner Inc.?
Read More... "ESTABLISHING POLICIES FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BROADCAST PROGRAM'S CABLECAST OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES."
Clogging wheels of government
March 10, 2008: Maui News
Wailuku attorney Lance Collins is pursuing a legal theory that may generate a new respect for the rights of the public in the state’s open meetings law, Hawaii Revised Statutes 92. Or, it may bar any action of the government in which there is a controversy by providing for a public right to filibuster — eroding the rights of the public wishing the government to act.
Collins is wielding a two-edged sword that appears highly likely to produce unintended consequences....
Read More...
Wailuku attorney Lance Collins is pursuing a legal theory that may generate a new respect for the rights of the public in the state’s open meetings law, Hawaii Revised Statutes 92. Or, it may bar any action of the government in which there is a controversy by providing for a public right to filibuster — eroding the rights of the public wishing the government to act.
Collins is wielding a two-edged sword that appears highly likely to produce unintended consequences....
Read More...
Akaku:Maui Community Television Fact Check
Allegations of Akaku CEO/President April and Lawyer Collins Violating HRS 415B
According to Public Records, Akaku: Maui County Community Television CEO/President John "Jay" April and Lawyer for Akaku: Maui County Community Television's Board of Directors, Lance Collins appear to be systematically violating Chapter 415B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes which clearly states:
"No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of the duplication or dissemination of materials with the purpose of attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation through its officers or Directors, shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, or for or against any cause or measure being submitted to the people for a vote."
Akaku's Lawyer, Lance Collins is registered as a Lobbyist with the State of Hawaii for Akaku: Maui Community Television, and was recently appointed as the Media Chair for Maui's Democratic Party, and along with Jay April, Akaku CEO/President has been tirelessly and personally lobbying on Oahu at the Capital for the passage of laws exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from both the procurement process as well as exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from Sunshine Laws and open access and the public right to inspect Akaku: Maui Community Television's executive proceedings, accounts and other records, which ironically is the very "cause de celebre" that Mr. Collins proudly trumpets in his well publicized, and Akaku televised lawsuits against the State of Hawaii, and most recently, now the County of Maui.
Akaku: Maui Community Television's CEO/President Jay April has directed community television staff to run the repeating text scroll appearing on Maui's public access television channels as well as alter Akaku: Maui Community Television's website to instruct viewers to contact Representatives Kyle Yamashita, Robert Herkes and Marcus Oshiro directly in support of SB1789 exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from the procurement process, directly in violation of HRS Chapter 415B and the bylaws of Akaku: Maui County Community Television.
Read More...
According to Public Records, Akaku: Maui County Community Television CEO/President John "Jay" April and Lawyer for Akaku: Maui County Community Television's Board of Directors, Lance Collins appear to be systematically violating Chapter 415B of the Hawaii Revised Statutes which clearly states:
"No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall consist of the duplication or dissemination of materials with the purpose of attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation through its officers or Directors, shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, or for or against any cause or measure being submitted to the people for a vote."
Akaku's Lawyer, Lance Collins is registered as a Lobbyist with the State of Hawaii for Akaku: Maui Community Television, and was recently appointed as the Media Chair for Maui's Democratic Party, and along with Jay April, Akaku CEO/President has been tirelessly and personally lobbying on Oahu at the Capital for the passage of laws exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from both the procurement process as well as exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from Sunshine Laws and open access and the public right to inspect Akaku: Maui Community Television's executive proceedings, accounts and other records, which ironically is the very "cause de celebre" that Mr. Collins proudly trumpets in his well publicized, and Akaku televised lawsuits against the State of Hawaii, and most recently, now the County of Maui.
Akaku: Maui Community Television's CEO/President Jay April has directed community television staff to run the repeating text scroll appearing on Maui's public access television channels as well as alter Akaku: Maui Community Television's website to instruct viewers to contact Representatives Kyle Yamashita, Robert Herkes and Marcus Oshiro directly in support of SB1789 exempting Akaku: Maui Community Television from the procurement process, directly in violation of HRS Chapter 415B and the bylaws of Akaku: Maui County Community Television.
Read More...
OHA trustee at odds with comments
3/11/2008 Kate Gardner, The Molokai Times
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ critical analysis of the La’au Point Draft Environmental Impact Statement calls aspects of the DEIS “preposterous.”
The OHA statement, attributed to administrator Clyde W. Namu’o and submitted to Molokai Properties Limited by the Feb. 22 deadline, was released to the public March 2.
In a press release issued Friday, Colette Machado, OHA trustee for Molokai and a known supporter of the La’au Point development, responded to the criticisms of the document by her office by recommitting to the “implementation of the overall Community-Based Master Land Use Plan for Molokai Ranch ... I still believe in and remain hopeful that the community-based plan is the best strategy to keep Molokai, Molokai.”
This, continued her statement, “must include a thorough Environmental Impact Statement that addresses all of the valid concerns about potential impacts to the cultural and natural resources of the shorelines adjacent to La’au Point.”
Machado said that she, “support[s] all constructive criticism of the [Dec. 21, 2007] DEIS. For example, it was helpful for OHA to point out that the DEIS disclosed that a maximum potential dwellings could be 300 rather than 200.”
Machado wrote in her statement that she called Peter Nicholas, chief executive officer of Molokai Properties Limited, to clarify the issue, and he said, “This was an unfortunate typographical error, and I can now clarify that the actual maximum is 200, not 300 dwellings.”
Machado wrote that many of the OHA comments addressing new sections of the DEIS were based on misinterpretation. Under the proposed zoning described in the DEIS, Machado believes development of the area will be limited to 200 lots, “There is a long discussion bemoaning the rezoning of agriculture-zoned lands, but no acknowledgement that some of these lands will be rezoned into conservation, or that under the current Maui Community Plan that 1,500 houses could be built on these agriculture-zoned lands.”
The length of the OHA letter prevented Machado from specifically addressing all of the OHA concerns, however the tone of the document seemed to characterize administrator Namu’o’s opinion of the DEIS provisions.
When he addressed the 382-acre buffer zone intended to protect the mauka area of the development, Namu’o quoted the DEIS, “The mauka area will be defined by a deer and livestock fence to minimize conflicts with adjacent subsistence hunting,” and will “protect the open space and coastal conservation areas from degradation by livestock and deer.”
Namu’o wrote in response, “OHA finds it amusing that a fence will accomplish these two stated objectives. Surely a fence may stop a deer, but not a bullet … something more substantial than what OHA imagines a 382-acre deer fence to look like will need to be arranged [to achieve protection from hunters.]”
Namu’o continued, “We also suggest that this fence and buffer space could be seen as being more about creating a feeling of exclusivity than stopping stray bullets from potentially killing people....
Read More or Watch It!
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ critical analysis of the La’au Point Draft Environmental Impact Statement calls aspects of the DEIS “preposterous.”
The OHA statement, attributed to administrator Clyde W. Namu’o and submitted to Molokai Properties Limited by the Feb. 22 deadline, was released to the public March 2.
In a press release issued Friday, Colette Machado, OHA trustee for Molokai and a known supporter of the La’au Point development, responded to the criticisms of the document by her office by recommitting to the “implementation of the overall Community-Based Master Land Use Plan for Molokai Ranch ... I still believe in and remain hopeful that the community-based plan is the best strategy to keep Molokai, Molokai.”
This, continued her statement, “must include a thorough Environmental Impact Statement that addresses all of the valid concerns about potential impacts to the cultural and natural resources of the shorelines adjacent to La’au Point.”
Machado said that she, “support[s] all constructive criticism of the [Dec. 21, 2007] DEIS. For example, it was helpful for OHA to point out that the DEIS disclosed that a maximum potential dwellings could be 300 rather than 200.”
Machado wrote in her statement that she called Peter Nicholas, chief executive officer of Molokai Properties Limited, to clarify the issue, and he said, “This was an unfortunate typographical error, and I can now clarify that the actual maximum is 200, not 300 dwellings.”
Machado wrote that many of the OHA comments addressing new sections of the DEIS were based on misinterpretation. Under the proposed zoning described in the DEIS, Machado believes development of the area will be limited to 200 lots, “There is a long discussion bemoaning the rezoning of agriculture-zoned lands, but no acknowledgement that some of these lands will be rezoned into conservation, or that under the current Maui Community Plan that 1,500 houses could be built on these agriculture-zoned lands.”
The length of the OHA letter prevented Machado from specifically addressing all of the OHA concerns, however the tone of the document seemed to characterize administrator Namu’o’s opinion of the DEIS provisions.
When he addressed the 382-acre buffer zone intended to protect the mauka area of the development, Namu’o quoted the DEIS, “The mauka area will be defined by a deer and livestock fence to minimize conflicts with adjacent subsistence hunting,” and will “protect the open space and coastal conservation areas from degradation by livestock and deer.”
Namu’o wrote in response, “OHA finds it amusing that a fence will accomplish these two stated objectives. Surely a fence may stop a deer, but not a bullet … something more substantial than what OHA imagines a 382-acre deer fence to look like will need to be arranged [to achieve protection from hunters.]”
Namu’o continued, “We also suggest that this fence and buffer space could be seen as being more about creating a feeling of exclusivity than stopping stray bullets from potentially killing people....
Read More or Watch It!
Culture Shock
Monday 3-10-08 BY: BRANDON ROBERTS, The Molokai Dispatch
At Kaupoa Beach, in West Molokai, there is a sacred garden named Na Piko, where culture was cultivated alongside indigenous plants. It is there that the mo`olelo of Molokai had been shared with many by Anakala Pilipo Solatario, a man who dedicates his life to perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
Solatario, the man who created Na Piko, doesn’t enter the garden anymore. The grounds are leo`ole – stories are no longer told. Solatario will not set foot in the sanctuary until it is closed with proper Hawaiian ceremony.
On Feb. 23, Solatario gave his final protocol as Molokai Ranch’s Cultural Director; his position, along with the Ranch’s cultural program, was terminated.
“The Ranch has always spoken of how important Hawaiian culture is,” Solatario said, expressing his disappointment. “Now, all of the sudden, there is no need for culture.”
Read More ... or Watch it!
At Kaupoa Beach, in West Molokai, there is a sacred garden named Na Piko, where culture was cultivated alongside indigenous plants. It is there that the mo`olelo of Molokai had been shared with many by Anakala Pilipo Solatario, a man who dedicates his life to perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
Solatario, the man who created Na Piko, doesn’t enter the garden anymore. The grounds are leo`ole – stories are no longer told. Solatario will not set foot in the sanctuary until it is closed with proper Hawaiian ceremony.
On Feb. 23, Solatario gave his final protocol as Molokai Ranch’s Cultural Director; his position, along with the Ranch’s cultural program, was terminated.
“The Ranch has always spoken of how important Hawaiian culture is,” Solatario said, expressing his disappointment. “Now, all of the sudden, there is no need for culture.”
Read More ... or Watch it!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
News from Maui Media Lab
11 March, 2008: The Haleakala Times
The Maui Media Lab Foundation’s Media Arts and Science Class was honored to be invited to provide Maui Recording with a student, an apprentice videographer, to participate in their High Definition HDTV live production of the 2008 Barryfest in support of Mana‘o Radio.
All of Maui’s residents can be proud of our young men and women who are inspired by the vision of Barry Shannon and Kathy Collins’ citizens radio station to pursue their own careers in local media and community television....
Read More...
The Maui Media Lab Foundation’s Media Arts and Science Class was honored to be invited to provide Maui Recording with a student, an apprentice videographer, to participate in their High Definition HDTV live production of the 2008 Barryfest in support of Mana‘o Radio.
All of Maui’s residents can be proud of our young men and women who are inspired by the vision of Barry Shannon and Kathy Collins’ citizens radio station to pursue their own careers in local media and community television....
Read More...
Monday, March 10, 2008
Prescription drugs found in drinking water across U.S.
(AP) -- A vast array of pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe.
But the presence of so many prescription drugs -- and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.
In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas -- from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit, Michigan, to Louisville, Kentucky....
Read More...
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Hawaii League of Women Voters supports PEG Access, Community Television RFP and Standard Procurement
Hawaii League of Women Voters and DCCA Agree Public Access Television Openness and Accountability is Crucial
...
The League agrees that the RFP process is a fair process using standard procurement methods that will result in healthy competition and encourage accountability. HB1098 and its companion bill in the Senate SB1847 will exempt contracts to provide public, educational, and government cable access services from state procurement code pursuant to chapter 103D. Therefore, do not support HB1098 or SB1847.
Read More...
...
The League agrees that the RFP process is a fair process using standard procurement methods that will result in healthy competition and encourage accountability. HB1098 and its companion bill in the Senate SB1847 will exempt contracts to provide public, educational, and government cable access services from state procurement code pursuant to chapter 103D. Therefore, do not support HB1098 or SB1847.
Read More...
Friday, March 7, 2008
Molokai High School Future Fest 2008
Friday 3-7-08, The Molokai Dispatch
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Music industry representatives Keala Chock and Raiatea Helm attended Molokai High School Future Fest 2008 this past Saturday.
Local girl and Grammy nominee Helm gave students an insightful and realistic view of a career in music, including the hardships of young musicians trying...
Read More... or Watch It!
Music industry representatives Keala Chock and Raiatea Helm attended Molokai High School Future Fest 2008 this past Saturday.
Local girl and Grammy nominee Helm gave students an insightful and realistic view of a career in music, including the hardships of young musicians trying...
Read More... or Watch It!
Executives at Akaku: Maui Community Television and KKCR, Kauai Community Radio Refute Allegations of Racisim.
KKCR Radio Station refutes allegations of racisim.
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.
Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.
“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said...
Read More...
---- Separately,
Maui, Hawaii: Maui Second Circuit Court Records
Meanwhile, public court records on Maui show that, Jay April, CEO/President of Akaku: Maui Community Television has illegally attempted to claim copyright ownership of all Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meetings, and has sued a Maui non-profit vocational school to remove from the Internets all recorded copies of all 2007 Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meetings.
Apparently high school age students had posted a recorded video of a 2007 Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meeting documenting CEO/President of Akaku: Maui Community Television, Jay April, and Akaku: Maui Community Television "Parlimentarian" Lance Collins jokingly referring to members of Maui's Public Access Television Community using the racially derogatory term "Tar Baby" in front of the entire Board of Akaku: Maui Community Television, comprising a majority of white men, the Akaku: Maui Community Television Cameras, the Akaku: Maui Community Television Staff, and broadcast live to the entire community of Maui on Time Warner/Oceanic Cable Channel 53.
What is happening to Hawaii's community television, radio and print media?
By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
Posted: Friday, Jan 04, 2008 - 11:07:50 pm HST
PRINCEVILLE — Several residents have banded to tackle alleged racism at KKCR after Kaua‘i’s community radio station fired a Hawaiian programmer last month and canned two talk show hosts this week.
Protests late Thursday afternoon outside the Princeville station led to police arresting Anahola activist Hale Mawae, 24, for trespassing and resisting arrest.
Ka‘iulani Edens-Huff, who hosted the popular but controversial “The Song of Sovereignty” program Monday mornings on 90.9 FM, was suspended “due to multiple violations of station policies and FCC laws,” KKCR Program Director Donna Lewis said yesterday.
“It’s really unfortunate that some mad folks are trying to spin this into a racial issue — it’s not in any way,” Lewis said...
Read More...
---- Separately,
Maui, Hawaii: Maui Second Circuit Court Records
Meanwhile, public court records on Maui show that, Jay April, CEO/President of Akaku: Maui Community Television has illegally attempted to claim copyright ownership of all Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meetings, and has sued a Maui non-profit vocational school to remove from the Internets all recorded copies of all 2007 Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meetings.
Apparently high school age students had posted a recorded video of a 2007 Akaku: Maui Community Television Board Meeting documenting CEO/President of Akaku: Maui Community Television, Jay April, and Akaku: Maui Community Television "Parlimentarian" Lance Collins jokingly referring to members of Maui's Public Access Television Community using the racially derogatory term "Tar Baby" in front of the entire Board of Akaku: Maui Community Television, comprising a majority of white men, the Akaku: Maui Community Television Cameras, the Akaku: Maui Community Television Staff, and broadcast live to the entire community of Maui on Time Warner/Oceanic Cable Channel 53.
What is happening to Hawaii's community television, radio and print media?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Guoco Group. Undisclosed Risk. Red Flags.
Guoco's Stewardship of Dilapidated Property Raises Red Flags6 March, 2008, The Molokai Dispatch
Photo: Star Bulletin
...MPL says they want to sell the land so they can take the money and "fix" the resort at Kaluakoi. My wife and I went to that sad, pathetic property hoping to play golf. Rather than the thriving resort we anticipated, we found terrible roads, boarded up condos - all of which indicate a rotting infrastructure. It will take years to upgrade this area. In my experience, large corporations that answer to stockholders have little regard for the needs or hopes of the local population. It's all about the corporation's bottom line.
MPL's business plan seems to be one of selling off the Ranch one piece at a time - until it's gone. Maintenance can only be deferred for so long. We stayed at the Camp at Kaupoa Beach and although great place and a wonderful staff, it was obvious that there was a lot of concern...
Read More..., and More... or Watch It!
Skate Park Facelift
Tom Patrick
March 5, 2008, The Molokai Dispatch
Skate Park Facelift!
Skaters took Leap Day literally by flying high at the re-opening last Friday of the Molokai Skate Park.
With the strong support of Councilman Danny Mateo, Maui County Parks and Recreation provided the materials needed for the rejuvenated facility at Kaunakakai Park next to the Mitchell Pauole Center.
“It is a culmination of people coming together and working together for the youth,” Mateo said.
A skilled construction crew transformed piles of plywood into...
Read More ... or Watch it!
March 5, 2008, The Molokai Dispatch
Skate Park Facelift!Skaters took Leap Day literally by flying high at the re-opening last Friday of the Molokai Skate Park.
With the strong support of Councilman Danny Mateo, Maui County Parks and Recreation provided the materials needed for the rejuvenated facility at Kaunakakai Park next to the Mitchell Pauole Center.
“It is a culmination of people coming together and working together for the youth,” Mateo said.
A skilled construction crew transformed piles of plywood into...
Read More ... or Watch it!
Oceanic Time Warner Cable Unable To Troubleshoot its Own Molokai Cable System
Oceanic Time Warner Cable plans to upgrade service
By Molokai Times Staff
3/5/2008 12:54:51 AM
Many Molokai residents subscribing to Oceanic Time Warner Cable may have noticed channels such as 2 through 5 are fuzzy on analog. People may have seen ongoing problems with digital services as well. Bringing cable to Molokai was a technical wonder in the first place. Rick Colletto, Maui general manager for Oceanic Time Warner Cable explained the network as a complex mix of microwave towers and fiber running from East Molokai to the West End. Colletto went on to say that the one- and two-man teams sent to Molokai for day trips have not been able to properly troubleshoot issues in the network....
Read More...
By Molokai Times Staff
3/5/2008 12:54:51 AM
Many Molokai residents subscribing to Oceanic Time Warner Cable may have noticed channels such as 2 through 5 are fuzzy on analog. People may have seen ongoing problems with digital services as well. Bringing cable to Molokai was a technical wonder in the first place. Rick Colletto, Maui general manager for Oceanic Time Warner Cable explained the network as a complex mix of microwave towers and fiber running from East Molokai to the West End. Colletto went on to say that the one- and two-man teams sent to Molokai for day trips have not been able to properly troubleshoot issues in the network....
Read More...
Akaku: Maui Community Television Cuts Off Mayor Charmaine Tavares Live 2008 State of the County Broadcast
Akaku: Maui Community Television Cuts Off Mayor Charmaine Tavares audio during the live broadcast of the 2008 State of the County Address.
March 6, 2008, The Maui News
...The live broadcast of the speech on Feb. 26 was interrupted for several minutes because of a technical problem at the Kalana O Maui building.
That problem was corrected, and the taped version of the speech has no audio or visual glitches, said Jay April, Akaku president and chief executive officer.
Read More... or Watch It!
March 6, 2008, The Maui News
...The live broadcast of the speech on Feb. 26 was interrupted for several minutes because of a technical problem at the Kalana O Maui building.
That problem was corrected, and the taped version of the speech has no audio or visual glitches, said Jay April, Akaku president and chief executive officer.
Read More... or Watch It!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Molokai Soldier in Afghanistan
3 March, 2008, Jesse English, The Molokai Dispatch
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The people of Afghanistan are mostly pleasant, hard-working, and pose no threat to US or Coalition forces. They are simple and lack much if any education. Most have no concept of what is going on in the world around them.
I once tried to explain through my interpreter what a convenience store or a mall was and I was totally unable to get them to even grasp...
I had always been poor growing up, and felt that I had a good appreciation for things, but five and a half months later upon my return from my first deployment all of life seemed even sweeter.
To be able to walk outside and not have to wear body armor, a helmet, night-vision goggles or to carry a rifle was nice. To be in a real house with clean running water and carpeting and not have to worry about mortars and rockets shelling you is bliss.
After months of eating nothing but MRE's and drinking plain bottled water, the simple act of getting in your car and driving to the store and being able to buy or eat anything you want any time is more than I can describe.
Being able to watch REAL television and drink a beer is probably taken for granted by every person in America,...
Read More..., or Watch Hawaii Community Television!
The people of Afghanistan are mostly pleasant, hard-working, and pose no threat to US or Coalition forces. They are simple and lack much if any education. Most have no concept of what is going on in the world around them. I once tried to explain through my interpreter what a convenience store or a mall was and I was totally unable to get them to even grasp...
I had always been poor growing up, and felt that I had a good appreciation for things, but five and a half months later upon my return from my first deployment all of life seemed even sweeter.
To be able to walk outside and not have to wear body armor, a helmet, night-vision goggles or to carry a rifle was nice. To be in a real house with clean running water and carpeting and not have to worry about mortars and rockets shelling you is bliss.
After months of eating nothing but MRE's and drinking plain bottled water, the simple act of getting in your car and driving to the store and being able to buy or eat anything you want any time is more than I can describe.
Being able to watch REAL television and drink a beer is probably taken for granted by every person in America,...
Read More..., or Watch Hawaii Community Television!
Upcoming Akaku Closure
KAHULUI, HI,March 3 – The studio offices and media lab of Akaku: Maui Community Television (Akaku) at 333 Dairy Road, Kahului will be closed to the public...
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Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Time to grind
Tom Patrick
March 3, 2008, The Molokai Times
Molokai Skate Park officially opens!
No more jumping the fence for skaters, bladers, BMXers, or anyone who wants to tempt fate with some wheel-based acrobats. Molokai Skate Park officially opened Feb. 29. Located next to the Mitchell Pau‘ole Center in Kaunakakai, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is free to use.
"I am an avid boarder. I had to discontinue when they started to put wheels on it," joked Danny Mateo, Maui County Council vice-chair, during his speech at the grand opening. "We came together to recognize people like the Surfing the Nations group who came and helped us. We were strangers the first day and when you left we became family."
After visits in August and October, members of the charitable organization Surfing the Nations returned two weeks ago...
Read More ... or Watch it!
March 3, 2008, The Molokai Times
Molokai Skate Park officially opens!
No more jumping the fence for skaters, bladers, BMXers, or anyone who wants to tempt fate with some wheel-based acrobats. Molokai Skate Park officially opened Feb. 29. Located next to the Mitchell Pau‘ole Center in Kaunakakai, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is free to use.
"I am an avid boarder. I had to discontinue when they started to put wheels on it," joked Danny Mateo, Maui County Council vice-chair, during his speech at the grand opening. "We came together to recognize people like the Surfing the Nations group who came and helped us. We were strangers the first day and when you left we became family."
After visits in August and October, members of the charitable organization Surfing the Nations returned two weeks ago...
Read More ... or Watch it!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Injunction against website is lifted, Judge reverses earlier decision, saying he may have violated the free speech rights...
Henry Weinstein, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 1, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO -- -- Saying he may have violated free speech rights, a federal judge reversed field Friday and lifted an injunction that had effectively shut down a website that...
The judge acknowledged in court Friday that there were serious questions about whether his original order represented a "possible violation of the 1st Amendment." White said he was making no definitive finding on that issue now.
Later in the day, the judge issued a formal written ruling, stating that the groups had raised many issues that were not considered at the original hearing. He also said the injunction had triggered "exactly the opposite effect" of that intended: generating ...
Read More...
March 1, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO -- -- Saying he may have violated free speech rights, a federal judge reversed field Friday and lifted an injunction that had effectively shut down a website that...
The judge acknowledged in court Friday that there were serious questions about whether his original order represented a "possible violation of the 1st Amendment." White said he was making no definitive finding on that issue now.
Later in the day, the judge issued a formal written ruling, stating that the groups had raised many issues that were not considered at the original hearing. He also said the injunction had triggered "exactly the opposite effect" of that intended: generating ...
Read More...
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