Molokai Dispatch -- April 30, 2014

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April 30, 2014 - Volume 30, Issue 17

The

Molokai Dispatch T h e i s l a n d ’s n e w s s o u r c e s i n c e 1985

Honoring Hawaii’s First Homestead

By Catherine Cluett | Editor-In-Chief

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eginning in 1921, a selected group of hardy Hawaiian families began building a life in Kalama`ula. They cleared kiawe, constructed homes and infrastructure, planted gardens and raised livestock. It was difficult work, but because of their success, more than 6,000 Hawaiian Homesteaders now live around the state, according to OHA Chairperson Colette Machado. “They had to make do and… they overcame that and succeeded,” said Machado. “If it wasn’t for the Kalama`ula demonstration, [Native Hawaiians] wouldn’t be where we are today.” Last week, the descendants of Hawaii’s first 42 homesteaders in Kalama`ula gathered to celebrate 90 years since the establishment of the Kalaniana`ole Settlement, as it was known. “[We] give tribute to Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, whose vision and legacy is why we are gathered here today,” said Gene Ross Davis, a third generation beneficiary and Hawaiian Homes Commissioner from Molokai. “It was during a time of upheaval and turbulence within the kingdom… he was the author of the Hawaiian Homes Act of 1921… [and] it was his level of commitment and dedication and love for the people that brought this great blessing which we enjoy at this time.” Prince Kuhio was among those who selected that first group of homesteaders, said Nani Kawa`a, Ross Davis’ sister and granddaughter of George Wellington Maioho, one of the original settlers. Seventy applications were received to settle Kalama`ula, Kawa`a said, and eight were chosen initially, with others

Homestead Continued pg. 3

This Week’s

Dispatch

Gov. Abercrombie Campaigns on Molokai Pg. 2

Hawaiian Immersion Summer Schools Pg. 6

Softball Wins MIL

Championship

By Bianca Moragne | Staff Writer

T

he Lady Farmers’ softball team is headed to states after defeating the Lanai Pinelasses last weekend in an exciting, close win at Duke Maliu Regional Park. Homes runs and a killer comeback led Molokai to 12-11 victory against Lanai last Saturday. The win claimed the Farmers the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II Championship crown. The team is already thinking ahead to the State Tournament on Oahu May 6-9. Molokai High School (MHS) freshman centerfielder and pitcher Brooke Keliihoomalu said “it’s indescribable” to be going to state her first year on the team. She said she and her teammates will give it their all at the State Tournament. Teammate and MHS senior outfielder, Cay-

lee Ledesma, said it felt great to win the championship game after a rough start to the season. “After losing our first season game 23-6 and getting smashed…it was great to come back and win and become season champs,” she said. Ledesma said she looks forward to coming back harder than last year at the State Tournament. “It felt great to win my last game before state,” she said. “I hope to do better than last year [at state] where we got out in the first inning. We’re going to play hard.” The Lady Farmers were down in the bottom of the sixth inning 4-8. As the Pinelasses maintained the lead, the score went up 7-11 and Molokai fans started to cheer louder against the bubbling raucous of the Lanai fan base. Molokai caught up and tied the game 11-11 at the top of the seventh inning. They continued their rally throughout the inning, not letting up on defense or offense, and by the bottom of

the seventh inning Molokai topped Lanai with an unsuspected 12-11 triumph. The Pinelasses placed second and also earned a berth to the State Tournament. Molokai Head Coach Coco Augustiro said Waipuna Kelly-Paleka, MHS junior third base came through at the bottom of the seventh inning with a base hit to score the winning home run. “It feels great because last season during my sophomore year I tore my ACL and was out for the whole season, so it’s great to be back and to win,” said Kelly-Paleka. “I’m excited and ready for state and this is my first time going…I have faith in my team.” Augustiro said most of all, she’s proud of the girls. “It feels real good to win the championship game and be heading to state.” Augustiro said. “The girls did it. Mahalo to all the coaches, the girls, their families and all

Softball Continued pg. 3

Photo by Laura Pilz

Sharing the Love of Music Learning Journey By Bianca Moragne | Staff Writer

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nside the white brick walls of Kaunakakai Elementary School room A-103, the reverberation of melodies fill the air after school Mondays and Wednesdays as keiki, parents and community members tackle playing some of the toughest string instruments to learn. The students are a part of the Molokai Community Band and the 21st Century Instrumental Music program, an afterschool music program for individuals of all ages to receive group music lessons and learn a string or woodwind instrument. The focus is learning how to read music, play an instrument and interact with others in a group environment, said Bob Underwood, a first grade teacher at Kaunakakai Elementary and volunteer string instrument teacher. “To empower our students with the tools that music provides will help to open up doors for opportunity in their future, this is something we feel very strongly about,” said Rob Stephenson, a woodwind instrument teacher. “[Our classes] create well rounded students and groom

Hokule`a crew inspires students By Bianca Moragne | Staff Writer

T Bob Underwood, left teaches beginner violin students. Photo by Bianca Moragne

them to have an appreciation for the fine arts.” Neither Underwood nor Stephenson receive payment for sharing music with

Music Continued pg. 2

he first time Molokai’s Captain Melvin “Mel” Paoa touched the Hokule`a -- a replica of the traditional Hawaiian double-hulled seafaring canoe -- in 1977, he said he held on tight and never let go—no matter the odds. As a diabetic, Paoa was told to discontinue sailing on Hokule`a for health reasons, but he didn’t take no for an answer. In 1985, he set sail on his longest voyage yet for 12,000 miles from Hawaii to Tahiti to French Polynesia and finally the Cook Islands. He told Molokai Middle School (MMS) students, education leaders and community members at an education event last Friday to never give up.

Hokule`a Continued pg. 3

Why I Fly with Makani Kai. Kai says he appreciates how easy it is to fly with us, “No lines, no waiting, just show up and get on the plane.” He also likes Makani Kai’s reliability. We’re dedicated to getting you there on time, which is why we have a backup aircraft and crew on standby, just in case. Our on-time reliability is among the best in the nation. Out of 910 days serving Molokai, we’ve had just three days when weather caused delays. We take pride in being your on-time air carrier.

(808) 834-1111 | MakaniKaiAir.com $50 fare, every flight, every day | Makani Kai Air | 130 Iolana Place | Honolulu, HI 96819

The

Molokai Dispatch

P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748

Kai Kea


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