JUNE 3, 2015 - VOLUME 31, ISSUE 22
The
Molokai Dispatch
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Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice
By Catherine Cluett | Editor-In-Chief
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Concerns Grow Over Coconut Grove
of the local VFW used to place flags on the grave of every veteran buried on Molokai each year. "The VFW lost seven members in the last couple years," he said. "There was only one name left on the list, and it was mine. There was no one to help [place flags]." With some graves virtually inaccessible or difficult to locate, Nanod said recently the decision was made to only place flags in the Ho`olehua cemetery. Families wishing to still mark their loved ones' resting places with flags can pick up an American flag at the Veterans Center, said Nanod. In closing, veteran and owner of Molokai Rainbows, Clay Adachi, released his colored pigeons in honor of those who have passed. They fluttered from their travel boxes and circled over the cemetery before flying home.
n Memorial Day last Monday, families gathered to place fresh flowers on the markers of loved ones at the Ho`olehua Veterans Cemetery, while local veterans and community members joined in a ceremony to honor the ultimate sacrifice of their comrades and fellow residents. Boy Scouts placed American flags on each grave, which fluttered in the breeze that morning. While there is sometimes confusion about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, veteran David Nanod explained that Memorial Day is to remember those who have passed, while Veterans Day honors the living. During the graveside ceremony, Nanod read the names of Molokai residents who gave their lives in battle, and a bell was rung for each. Ten from Molokai Photos by Catherine Cluett died during World War II, three in the Korean War and five in Vietnam. "We thought World War II was the war to end all wars," said Nanod. "But five years later... the Korean War. Then for Vietnam, we were obligated to again send men." Veteran Sam Makaiwi, the Molokai commander for both local vet organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans, said as a young boy, he never envisioned joining the military. But he served in multiple conflicts and capacities, and reflected on his time in service. "Let's not forget what Memorial Day is for," he said. "We're here for one purpose, so those of us still living... can laugh, can talk, can be free.... Every night, I still see those missions [I went on during my service.] There were so many empty seats coming home." Nanod said he and fellow members
THIS WEEK’S
Dispatch
CPR Saves Drowning Child
Noddies in the Rocks
Pg. 2
Pg. 3
By Colleen Uechi | Staff Writer
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olokai’s historic Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove has stood for more than a century. However, recently residents have begun to notice the deteriorating health of the coconut trees. Scattered among the healthy palms are a number of dead trees, their tall trunks ending abruptly in leafless stubs. Not only are the lifeless trees an eyesore, but the cause of their death is an increasing concern within the community. Last December, the Molokai/Maui Invasive Species Committee (MoMISC) gathered fruit and leaf samples from the grove for testing, according to Lori Buchanan, field outreach coordinator for MoMISC. The Department of Agriculture (DOA) and UH College of Tropical Agriculture tested the samples and identified multiple pests and diseases. “Besides the coconut mite, there are other pests adding to the overall decline of the trees,” Buchanan said via email. “… The following was also detected: coconut scale, a weevil, white flies and other hard scales. Also suspected is some type of fungus.” On May 21, Kalama`ula Homestead Association members met at Kulana `Oiwi to discuss the grove’s condition. They said the grove is being overtaken with unwanted growth, and the trail of rubbish left by careless residents and visitors is also taking its toll. Community members felt that both their concerns and the grove’s maintenance are being ignored by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL),
Coconut Grove Continued pg. 2
Graduates Ready to ‘Rise Above’ By Colleen Uechi | Staff Writer
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eated just past the scoreboard that ticked down the closing seconds at hundreds of home games, Molokai High School’s graduating class counted down their final moments as seniors at last Saturday’s graduation ceremony. “Isn’t it crazy how fast time has flown by?” said Kristin Tancayo in her valedictory speech. “We entered those gym doors almost four years ago for our welcome assembly as freshmen, and here we are now, just about an hour away from walking out those same doors with our high school diplomas.” With a crowd of supporters packed into The Barn proudly looking on, MHS administrators awarded diplomas to 75 students. This year’s class included four valedictorians with the highest grade point average (GPA): Tancayo, Sarah Jenkins, Amber Afelin and Edel Mae Alvarez. Luke Kikukawa was class salutatorian with the second highest GPA. All finished summa cum laude, with a GPA of 4.0 or higher. The class selected the motto of “Rise Above All.” Commencement speaker Bernell Bishaw, Molokai resident and grandfather of a graduating senior, gave examples of challenges he overcame in life, from mid-
Photo by Colleen Uechi
dle school rejection to unsavory basketball coaches to the responsibilities of raising a family. Student speakers encouraged their classmates to face life after high school with courage. “No matter where we go or what we do, there are challenges ahead of you,” said class president Kaylie Tanaka. “What I ask from each and every one of you, including myself, is that we meet those challenges and obstacles straight on with our head held
high and our hearts wide open.” The seniors drove the point home with their class song “Conqueror,” by artist Estelle, saying they’d “rather stand tall than live on my knees, ‘cause I am a conqueror, and I won’t accept defeat.” In their speeches, students added that they will carry with them the lessons of hard work and aloha that Molokai has
Graduation Continued pg. 3
Why I fly with Makani Kai Elenita and her husband, Milton, were on their way to Molokai for the big school reunion when we spoke to her on the comfy couch in our terminal. “It’s nice here, it’s a nice lounge.” She laughed when we talked about how regular airlines have a TSA line, “First they told me if you’re over 75, you don’t have to take off your shoes. Then they told me to take ‘em off anyway.” Elenita appreciates Makani Kai’s extra flights on Fridays and Sundays, “All the different flight times make it convenient.” From topside Molokai to Honolulu or return
$50 online fare, every seat, every flight, every day. MakaniKaiAir.com | (808) 834-1111 The
Molokai Dispatch
P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Elenita Keanini Molokai Born & Raised