FREE!
March 17, 2010 - Volume 27, Issue 11
Molokai Dispatch
One issue per person.
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
Meth Charges Girls’ Tennis Reap Plague Kalaupapa Boys fall short against Maui Prep. Settlement also due for landfill closure. By Heather Driscoll
W
hile Kalaupapa patient Norbert Palea awaits a verdict for his Feb. 26 arrest for intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, the settlement has been advised to treat him as it did prior to the allegations. “He is innocent until proven guilty,” said Mark Miller, Kalaupapa Department of Health (DOH) administrator. In a community meeting on March 9, he informed the patient residents and state workers that Palea “shouldn’t be treated any differently.” Palea, 68, was released Thursday, March 4 and arrived back at the peninsula the following day, Miller said. He was released on $25,000 bail. Palea is Kalaupapa’s youngest patient, and was arrested at the Honolulu International Airport nearly three weeks ago while on a medical visit. He was allegedly attempting to ship 18 grams of methamphetamine in several Ziploc bags. His court date was set for March 15. Kalaupapa National Historical Park Superintendent Stephen Prokop said although this situation brought sadness and embarrassment to the community, it also brought a sense of relief because the drug problem is being addressed and investigated. “Lives are being destroyed by this terrible drug, and this [situation] allows for help to be given to those who need it,” he said. “It will ultimately make the community a better place.” Kalaupapa Cont. on Page 5
S i n c e 1985
Victory
By Heather Driscoll
however, felt some of the losses of Saturday’s double-header match. For the No. 1 singles, Maui Prep’s Byron Doan defeated Horner 6-3, 6-3 in the first match, and then again in the second, 6-1, 6-3. During No. 2 singles, Dino Desalvio snagged a double win over Molokai’s Antolin, 7-6 (tiebreaker), 6-4 in the first match, and 6-2, 6-4 in the second. At No. 3 singles, Maui Prep’s Mayron Karinamabadi defeated Ringor, 6-1, 6-3 in the first match and 6-3, 7-6 (tiebreaker) in the second. “I was a little disappointed with the boys but they still did very well,” Mason Horner swings his racket in hopes to gain a point over his opponent in his first singles match during Horner said. Horner said his No. 2, Saturday’s tennis game at Molokai High. No. 5 and No. 6 boys were playing Maui Prep’s No. 1, No. 2 and ast weekend, the Molokai High in her second match, 6-0, 6-0. “I’m excited to get my first [two] No. 3 boys, and therefore didn’t make girls’ tennis team took home its first two Maui Interscholastic singles wins,” Wainwright said. for an even match. “I was missing my No. 1 and 4 League (MIL) wins of the season with “I normally only play doubles but boys,” he said. a solid 3-0 victory in both matches over there wasn’t enough people this time As for the teams’ next match Maui Prep. The boys’ team fell short, around.” against Maui High, Horner said they Farmers’ Denichel Ruiz and Britlosing both matches 0-3 at Molokai are a tough team to beat, as Maui High tanie Nerveza teamed up for a double High School on Saturday. are the boys’ doubles MIL champions. The Lady Farmers’ Aloha Will de- win on Saturday, outscoring Maui Prep “It’ll be interesting,” Horner said. feated her first opponent, Aja Toscana girls 6-2, 6-1 in the first match, and “We might get a game or two [against 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles, and then took then 7-6 (tiebreaker), 6-3 in their secMaui High]. But the important thing is victory over Samantha Hartsell 6-3, 6-1 ond match. they have fun.” “I’m really pleased with how the in her second match. The tennis team will compete Senior Kalani Wainwright, a girls did,” said Coach Stacey Horner. against Maui High on March 26-27 at three-year veteran of the tennis team, “They got their first victory.” Molokai High School. Kane Farmers Mason Horner, also defeated both of her opponents at No. 2 singles, the first 6-1, 6-1, and then Herbert Antolin and Alvin Ringor,
L
Eco-Students Ignite Action PRISM celebrates 13th year. By Megan Stephenson
Autopsy Released This Week’s on Manalili Dispatch Cause of death determined By Megan Stephenson
their business to provide students with three such trips. Their PRISM program provides “real life application” to environmental issues, inspiring kids to tackle a range of issues from illegal hunting to carrying on Hawaiian sailing traditions. “Kids this age are always told they can’t – can’t drive, can’t vote,” said Dara Lukonen, coordinator for PRISM. “They have a strong sense of social justice that we need to capitalize [on].” All 60 students participate every year in PRISM – which stands for Proving Resolutions with Integrity for a Sustainable Molokai Penny Martin tells Aka`ula School students and their – which is in its 13th year. parents to take care of the `aina before it’s too late. Aka`ula’s They are treated to three Symposium focuses on environmental issues. field trip choices – learning about wetlands, learning othing breaks up a monotonous about sustainable agriculture, or workschool year better than a field ing at the Ali’i Fishpond – last Friday trip. In the name of science and morning, followed by a reunion dinner. sustainability, Aka`ula School makes it The following day was their symposium
upert Manalili, 44, was a recent arrival to Molokai when he passed away on Dec. 29, 2009. His recently released autopsy reported cause of death to be accidental drowning. Detective Santiago, the officer in charge of his investigation, said there was no evidence of foul play and the investigation has been closed. “He had some injuries [on his hands] consistent with being facedown and making contact with the reef,” Santiago said. “None was significant” to cause of death. Manalili was found by two passersby on the morning of Dec. 30 at Papohaku Beach. Santiago said by the time medical help arrived, Manalili was already deceased. Manalili was born in Lakewood, Washington, and lived Massachusetts, New York City, and Colorado before living in Molokai. His travels took him to the Philippines, Japan, Maine, Paris, San Francisco, and the Caribbean before visiting the Hawaiian islands. He made friends on Molokai and decided to move here in Sept. 2009. He mainly worked as a chef, includ-
Prism Cont. on Page 6
Manalili Cont. on Page 2
N
IG N 5 B EE R S SC T V’
Class of 2000 St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser Wednesday, March 17 @ 8pm
R
Light Bulb Q & A Energy efficient bulbs almost here! Page 9 Psyched on New Psych New psychologist added to Molokai Community Health Center. Page 4
Fiscal Shortfall Mayor Tavares addresses Maui County. Page 7 Aunty’s Corner Molokai aunty wants to talk story with you. Page 12
2 FOR 2 TUESDAYS ARE BACK! 2 HAMBURGERS OR CHEESEBURGERS
FOR $10
$ 2 R o l l i n g R o c k A l l D ay E ve r yd ay • 5 5 3 - 5 2 5 6 major credit cards accepted
The
Molokai Dispatch
P.O. Box 482219 Kaunakakai, HI 96748
••ECRWSS Postal Patron
Car-rt sort Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Maunaloa, HI 96770 Permit No. 1