NOVEMBER 30, 2016 - VOLUME 31, ISSUE 47
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
Water Tanks Vandalized
Shopping
and
Celebrations
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
T
wo 3.5 million gallon water tanks serving 1800 Ho`olehua residents were vandalized, causing school cancellations and a 24hour advisory on all water usage. The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) water storage tanks, located just north of Kualapu`u, had their hatch covers ripped off. Water tests run by the Department of Health following the discovery of the vandalism came back clean for contaminants. "Whoever did this was motivated," said Halealoha Ayau, acting DHHL Molokai supervisor. "It doesn’t appear like some random act of stupidity... DHHL will do everything in its power to find and prosecute this person because what they did endangered the health of hundreds of people and we’re not going to stand for that." The vandalism constitutes a federal crime of tampering with a public water source. The Maui Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Ayau said removing the hatch covers involved scaling an eight-foot fence with barbed wire on top, climbing up the massive tanks and cutting through metal security bars holding down the covers. He said the covers themselves are heavy, but only large enough for someone to climb inside the tank to clean and maintain it. The hinges of one of the covers was ripped off, which Ayau added "is no simple task." The vandalism was discovered last Tuesday, Nov. 22 during a regular monthly tank inspection. Ayau said the previous inspection had been completed on Oct. 15, so officials don't know exactly when the incident took place. The department also conducts monthly water sample tests for contamination, and the last test was conducted on Nov. 1, which showed clean results, according to Ayau. "Water is our most precious resource," said Rep. Lynn DeCoite in a statement Wednesday. "This act of vandalism affects all of us doing the things we do in everyday life. It affects our families and disrupts our businesses -- especially as we are all getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday. Finding out what happened, getting a full report will hopefully help us make sure this does not happen in other communities across the state." No visible debris was seen in the tanks Tuesday, said Ayau. However, the breached seals of the hatches could have allowed foreign contaminants to enter the water, he explained. Samples were sent to the DOH for expedited water quality analyses on Tuesday. The water usage advisory was issued as a precaution, and DHHL urged residents not to use the water to drink, bathe, cook, wash dishes or brush teeth. Potable water from a fire hydrant next to Kulana `Oiwi in Kalama`ula was made available for Ho`olehua res-
Tanks Continued pg. 3
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By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor 1. The 150th anniversary of the iconic Kalaiakamanu Hou Congregational Church in Kalama`ula was celebrated on Saturday with a service and pa`ina. Established in 1866, it changed names and locations several times before settling in its current home in n 1928. Having seen generations of community and worship events, the anniversary celebrated the church's long history through speakers, photos from the past and fellowship. Photo by Dara Lukonen. 2. Across the nation, Black Friday shopping sales have caused a commotion. Along with holiday savings, trends of encouraging support of local businesses have also emerged. On Molokai, Small Business Saturday was observed by many local shops and shoppers. For the island, buying local takes on a heightened meaning of making a tangible difference in Molokai's economy and supporting mom-and-pop stores, talented crafters, designers and artisans for holiday gift-giving. Pictured here, Hat Therapi, a custom hat business in the Molo-
3 kai Car Rental shop in Kauanakai, offered special deals for Small Business Saturday, along with fellow Molokai businesses Rock Salt Plum and Rosebuds Creations jewelry also sold in the shop. Photo by Olelo Schonely. 3. Local potter Dan Bennett held his annual Show and Sale at his Kalae studio on Saturday. With hundreds of pieces up for grabs, the event is a hit Christmas gift shopping spot each year. Bennett's designs feature utili-
Girls Basketball Warms Up in Preseason Photo courtesy of Molokai High Athletics
tarian stoneware like mugs, plates and bowls, along with decorative and sculptural pieces, all glazed with a variety of colors and artwork. Bennett has been creating his pottery on Molokai for more than 40 years, and his work was also featured this year at the Hawaii Craftsmen Show, a juried statewide exhibit in Honolulu. Photo by Paula Scott.
THIS WEEK’S
Dispatch
Snow Goose on Molokai
By Rick Schonely | Sports Reporter
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he Molokai High School Girls Basketball team started its preseason last weekend at the Saint Francis Thanksgiving Tournament on Oahu, under head coach Lester Delos Reyes. In their first game, the Lady Farmers lost
to Kaimuki 45-29. Kaitlin Derouin had nine points and Sydney Rawlins added eight. In their second game, Molokai lost to Kaiser 53-31 and were led by Camille Ledesma with 10 points, Sydney Rawl-
Basketball Continued pg. 3
Wrestling Readies for Season Pg. 3
Why I fly with Makani Kai “I’ve been flying with Makani Kai since you first started,” says Joseph, “I think I was your first passenger (in June 2013)…and the only passenger on the plane from Honolulu to Molokai.” There are some good reasons he continues to choose Makani Kai, “It’s convenient for me…the baggage rates, it’s all good.” But mostly, Joseph likes the staff, “Your people are unbelievable, they really help you out.” We feel lucky to have Joseph as a fan. And we’re thankful for the loyalty from all our regulars flyers.
From topside Molokai to Honolulu or Kahului
$50 online fare, every seat, every flight, every day. MakaniKaiAir.com | (808) 834-1111
The
Molokai Dispatch
P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Pg. 3
Joseph Wallumoore Molokai Born & Raised