NOVEMBER 9, 2016 - VOLUME 31, ISSUE 44
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
Kaunakakai Brownfield Cleanup
Photos by Catherine Cluett Pactol
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
A
MOLOKAI HIGHLIGHTED AT PRODUCT FESTIVAL By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
L
ast weekend, 16 Molokai businesses joined the county's best crafters, artists, designers and food creators at the third annual Made in Maui County Festival in Kahului. With more than 10,000 attendees, the event offers local vendors a step up to market their products, secure wholesale deals and network with eager customers. Marked with green flags in a prime location at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Molokai booths were an event attraction, led in popularity by Kanemitsu Bakery, which boasted a long line across the lawn. With the largest representation of
Molokai businesses in the festival's three years, a mixture of new and veteran and vendors showcased Friendly Isle products alongside more than 140 other vendors from Maui and Lanai. New to the scene this year was Po`oHala, a business highlighting the art of Lauhala weaving owned by Mokihana Jackson; Anne Bacon's Puko'o Shells featuring elegant shell lei; Keoki and Jennifer Johnson of Keawaike Hawaiian Jewelry showcasing hand carved opihi necklaces; and Na`ike shoyu and chili pepper sauces made by Nani Kahinu. Repeat vendors were Barking Deer Farm, Kainanea, Kanemitsu Bakery, Kealopiko, Keaohulu, Kupu A`e, Lanakila Designs, My Leialoha, Pacifica Salt, Pualani O Molokai, Rock Salt Plum Creations and SuiKeala Native Jewelry.
SENDING PRAYERS TO SEA
A Look at the Past The site was formerly the generating station for the Molokai Electric Company, which began operation in 1932. In 1985, Molokai Electric relocated operations to the current power plant site at Pala`au, and in 1989, Maui Electric purchased the company and began providing electric service on the island. In 1994, the Molokai Planning Commission requested a site investigation from the DOH for the parcel where Paddlers Inn currently stands, according to Maui Electric officials. The results showed no contamina-
Cleanup Continued pg. 2
F
loating lanterns were released onto the ocean at sunset last Saturday in an observance honoring loved ones who have passed away. The third annual Floating Lantern Ceremony, hosted by Molokai's Hospice Hawaii and Guzeiji Soto Mission, brought hundreds together in grief and gratitude with a theme of "in peace and harmony." Participants wrote messages on the
Products Continued pg. 5
Dispatch
Photo by Rick Schonely
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
"Most people do not realize that the goal of the festival is actually not to see how much money a vendor can make," said Jennifer Hawkins of the Kuha`o Business Center. "The festival is designed to help a business get to the next level." Kahinu said her business already scored on a wholesale deal for their shoyu blend products to be marketed on Maui by the end of the year. Sui Joao, owner of SuiKeala Native Jewelry, also had some potentially business-changing interactions. "I got to talk to a few wholesalers here on Maui, and they were really interested," she said. "I wasn't expecting to do wholesale but now we might con-
THIS WEEK’S
Photo by Catherine Cluett
Kaunakakai property with known contamination from operations of the former Molokai Electric Company is slated for comprehensive testing and cleanup, beginning in the coming year. Maui Electric, which inherited the company but not the site, is initiating the first steps in the effort, and shared their plans with the community last month. "Maui Electric has never operated out of this site, we inherited the site, but we want to make sure we get the site cleaned up and ready to be repurposed into something else," said Greggory Kresge, Maui Electric environmental compliance engineer. The brownfield property -- a term used to describe a former industrial site with hazardous pollutants -- is located on the lot currently occupied by Molokai Supply across from Paddlers Inn. Initial tests have shown several toxic contaminates may be present at the site, and Maui Electric, in cooperation with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state Department of Health (DOH), is launching the cleanup process. Kresge said the community expressed interest in using the current industrial site for different community uses, meaning the potential effects of contamination might change. "So now that has opened this back up again and we're looking at it differently, and that's because we've received that request from you as a community," he said. "It's taken a long time to get there, and I know it's very frustrating... So we're going to try to get the land ready for it to be redeveloped and identify those contaminates, make sure they're not migrating offsite, make sure we're not contaminating the groundwater... and what's the best way to move forward that meets your goals...." Though she was not present at the meeting, many community members and project leaders credited Karen Holt of the Molokai Community Service Council with raising awareness of the need for the cleanup and spurring the project forward.
paper lanterns, mounted on a wooden base with a waterproof candle. Standing at the water's edge, they pushed their vessels into the breeze, releasing their prayers for the deceased. Later, the lanterns were retrieved by volunteers from the Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club. Attendees of the event at the Molokai Community Health Center also enjoyed Taiko drumming and hula, along with food and fellowship.
Hunters Rescued from Pelekunu Pg. 3
Learn about Farm to School Program Pg. 3
Why I fly with Makani Kai “I ain’t flying with nobody else,” says Wade, “This my ohana over here, from Richard to Kauwela to the pilots…they go out of their way to help me.” Wade, who’s worked with atrisk youth in Waianae for the past 20 years, recalls a time when he had extra bags and all he had was a check. “Richard came down and said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’” Wade says he especially appreciates the way Richard has treated the people of Kalaupapa with dignity, “You think the people of Molokai aren’t watching, but we’re watching.”
From topside Molokai to Honolulu or Kahului
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The
Molokai Dispatch
P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Wade Lee Molokai Born & Raised