January 1, 2014 - Volume 30, Issue 1
The
Molokai Dispatch M o lo k a i n e w s , M o lo k a i S t y l e - w w w. t h e m o lo k a i d i s patc h . co m
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Since 1985
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2013 YEAR IN REVIEW
July - December Molokai Hoe 2013
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Waikiki Surf Club paused for prayer beneath a rainbow before the annual October Molokai Hoe canoe race. Photo by Blaze Juario.
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The Hokulea docked on Molokai July 8 before starting a three-year worldwide voyage, giving local youth a chance to experience the historic vessel.
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Even the smallest community members helped at Sust`ainable Molokai’s first work day to plant gardens for schools.
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Olexandr the clown kept the crowd laughing during The Modern American Circus performance in September.
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Residents seek to preserve the 150-yearold Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove.
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Molokai High senior Pono Chow takes aim during air riflery practice.
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Olexand Modern r the Clown fr om America n Circus
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Freediving Safety
Championship Air Riflery State Chow Competitor Pono
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Celebrating Tradition
By Catherine Cluett | Editor-In-Chief
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olokai is rooted in tradition. From celebrating the birthplace of hula, to longstanding family values, to the success of local businesses, traditions old and new create the foundation of community. Sometimes, we witness or experience the closing of a tradition. For fourth generation paniolo Uncle Jimmy Duvauchelle, 2013 was the end of an era. After nearly half a century of ranching Maunaloa’s rolling hills and herding cattle along the western shoreline, Duvauchelle announced a bittersweet retirement from ranching. And while the closure of Duvauchelle’s family-run Pohakuloa Ranch signaled the end of a six-generation family tradition, the paniolo lifestyle on Molokai carries on in a younger group. “The cowboy legacy is a dying race, so our generation has to keep it strong,” Nicholei Galam-Dudoit, 18, said. Added 18-year-old Kainoa Kamakana, “It’s a hard working life. You barely have free time because you’re chasing cows out of
the road or fixing fenses.” But they agree it’s worth the work, and while many of Molokai’s young paniolo are making a name for themselves in the rodeo arena, they’re also following their family’s traditions and carrying them forward. One of Molokai’s groceries, Friendly Market, also celebrated a milestone in family traditions this year -- the business’ 60th anniversary. Owner Jeff Egusa recalls stocking shelves as a kid, thinking ‘I never, ever want to work in this business.’ But when he moved home in 1980 to do just that, he later called it “the best decision of [his] life.” Meanwhile in Kalaupapa, the entire community celebrated patient resident Aunty Gloria Marks’ 10th ownership anniversary of Fuesaina’s Bar..Marks, the settlement’s only business owner, said she asked settlement officials if she could close the road for the celebration. And so, with colorful banners, games, and free drinks, residents gathered together for good company and laughter in the middle of the street.
All traditions begin somewhere, and this year fostered several events that may stick around for years to come. One of them came in July, when thousands of pounds of goods and dozens of services were given away during what was called the island’s largest ever humanitarian event. Organizers of the Weekend of Hope, sponsored by local churches and the nation-wide humanitarian effort Convoy of Hope, hope it will be even bigger next year. Emerging trends of excellence among Molokai’s students in science and technology were also celebrated this year. The Middle School robotics team, the Molokai Golden Eyes, won the county and state robotics championships and went to the national competition. As we enter the New Year, we look forward to the many traditions that will be carried forth, and the new ones that may get their start in 2014. As a community, let’s resolve to honor the past while leaving ourselves open for new possibility.
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Molokai to Honolulu $50 one way, every flight, every day. Must book online. Makani Kai Air | 130 Iolana Place | Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 834-1111 | MakaniKaiAir.com The
Molokai Dispatch
P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Micah Calair o-N Little League akagawa at Tou rnament 7
Kalaupapa residents enjoyed free drinks at Fuesainas Bar’s 10th anniversary celebration.
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Freediving world recorder holder Martin Stepanek taught free safety courses to Molokai divers.
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Molokai hosted it’s first county-wide Little League Tournament in seven years.