AUGUST 24, 2016 - VOLUME 31, ISSUE 34
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 198 5
Making Money Matter
Building Strong
F o u n d at i o n s
By Molokai Dispatch Staff
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By Sarah Ching | Dispatch Staff
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unning a business on Molokai can be tough, but it can be easier with healthy money habits, according to financial educator and entrepreneur Helen Wai. No stranger to financial struggle, Wai is incorporating her personal experiences to assist community members in breaking detrimental money habits that have often been instilled since birth. “It’s time to break the cycle, and change what has become second nature,” she said of a two-hour work-shop she is offering on Molokai called “Money Habits Matter,” on Aug. 29 at Kuha`o Business Center. Growing up in Hawaii, Wai has overcome her own trials with finances and persevered to become the self-made business owner she is today. She credits her lack of money management knowledge at a young age for inspiring her to change. Battling the constant ebb and flow of trying to stay afloat financial-ly eventually took a toll and she decided to make a difference in her own life by educating herself on di-verse financial topics. Now, after 15 years' experience and speaking on various topics such as, energy efficiency, financial literacy, home buyer education and lease cancellation, she is always looking for ways to improve and turning the often uncomfortable topic of money into something people are excited to talk about. She said a person's core belief about money, whether good or bad, is important and drives their everyday choices and habits. Wai taught a workshop at the recent Molokai Business Conference, and she said she is excited to return to Molokai and hopes the upcoming workshop will offer attendees a new perspective on money mana-gement. “I’ve been to Molokai numerous times before, this is my third time offering a financial literacy class, but this is a totally new workshop and it’s through the partnership with ONABEN [Our Native American Busi-ness Network] that this is possible," she said. "This is a great tool and I’m hoping to have an even bigger turnout this time around." Wai said her place is not to diagnose and point out specific issues, but to introduce new and innovative ways to allow attendees to figure out their own financial challenges and if those habits are helping or hurting their cause. She credits this hands-off approach to using Money Habitudes cards. Money Habitudes -- or what other participants often jokingly referred to as money tarot cards -- is a simple money management game which allows the player to understand their money personality, she said. . Wai added that the workshop is great for couples who need an icebreaker in opening their own financial discussion. “This will help find the root of their financial issues, but in a fun way that will benefit their relationship," she explained. Those who are interested in attending her Money Habits Workshop can contact Kuha`o Business Center at 808553-8100.
Air Riflery Takes Aim
Over their summer vacation, a group of Molokai students volunteered in Kalaupapa and had the opportunity to assist in rebuilding some stone work in the settlement. Some of the students who attend Aka`ula School shared their experiences on page 2. Photo courtesy of Aka`ula School.
Akutagawa Awarded for Nonprofit Service
he Air Riflery teams are shooting for a fun and challenging season, according to Coach Chinky Hubbard. The Girls and Boys teams have begun practice, gearing up for a fall season of competition. The boys side is led by 20142015 MIL boys team champion and two time air riflery States qualifier, senior Jershon Kaalekahi, said Hubbard, via email. "Kaalekahi is also playing football which entails strength, speed and stamina, whereas Air Riflery is meticulous relaxed precision sport," said Hubbard. Nonetheless, the shooter makes the transition smoothly, and his coach anticipates a competitive season ahead. Hubbard said the Girls’ team has a combination of both novice and experienced shooters. "[It's]] a lively group of girls with marksmanship skills are led by senior Sonja Angst," he said. "The girl’s team has the ability to be a strong contender in the upcoming season." The teams will be hosting a Molokai Air Riflery tournament shoot, held at the Barn on Sept. 2 starting at 6 p.m. They will travel to the Maui High shoot which will be held on Sept. 18 . MILS will be held at Baldwin High School on Oct. 16 and States will be held on Oct. 30 on Oahu. "We look forward to our home competition, and a challenging fun season," said Hubbard. "Our team with represent the Farmers well in the 2016-2017 season."
THIS WEEK’S
Dispatch William Akutagawa, Jr., at right, was one of five Ho`okele award honorees. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Community Foundation.
By Molokai Dispatch Staff
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olokai's William Akutagawa, Jr. was one of five leaders statewide recognized for their commitment to making Hawaii a better place. The annual Ho`okele awards were given by Hawaii Community Foundation in their centennial year, and also marked the organization's15th year honoring the state's nonprofit leaders, according to a press release. The five honorees were awarded $10,000 for professional development and personal renewal. “...We are honored to recognize these hardworking and inspiring individuals for their years of service in our community,” said Kelvin Taketa, CEO
of the Hawaii Community Foundation. “While working in the nonprofit sector can be incredibly rewarding, it is also very demanding, which experiences high rates of burnout and turnover. By investing in our nonprofit leaders, we hope to bring about lasting change and build stronger communities in Hawaii.” Akutagawa is the executive director and founder of Na Pu`uwai, a Native Hawaiian health care system serving Molokai and Lanai. The federally funded nonprofit administered under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act offers cancer screenings, health education and disease prevention, smoking cessation, routine testing
Kualapu`u School Celebrates 50 Years
Join Molokai Swimmers
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Akutagawa Continued pg. 2
Why I fly with Makani Kai “It’s so much simpler,” says Melia. “Nicer. Everything, from the pilots to the workers.” Melia, who will be a freshman at UH Manoa this fall, intends to major in Hawaiian Studies. Asked how she feels about going away to school, Melia says, “Molokai’s a hard place to leave, but at least I don’t have to worry about the island changing while I’m gone.” Melia then gave us perhaps the greatest compliment she could pay our small airline, “There’s no other plane I’d rather catch home.”
From topside Molokai to Honolulu or Kahului
$50 online fare, every seat, every flight, every day. MakaniKaiAir.com | (808) 834-1111
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