20 years after tragedy, memories remain vivid at Molokai High Oct 29, 2009
It was a day that changed Molokai forever ... Twenty years ago today, a plane carrying 20 people, including eight players on the Molokai High School boys and girls volleyball teams, girls coach Odetta Reyes Rapanot and athletic director John Ino, went down in heavy clouds on the way home from Maui, at the cliffs near Halawa Valley ... Befitting the extended family that is the island of Molokai, the idea to wear the flight number was a collaborative effort. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Maui faithful celebrate Damien relic Oct 26, 2009
After visiting churches in Kula, Waihee and Lahaina tomorrow, the reliquary will travel to Lanai, Kauai and Molokai, arriving in Kalaupapa on Saturday. On Nov. 1, the relic will go to Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu, where Damien was ordained in 1864. (Honolulu Advertiser)
State volleyball brackets set Oct 26, 2009
Second-seeded Molokai, the unbeaten champion from the Maui Interscholastic League, will play the Honokaa-University victor on Thursday at Kalani's gym ... Second-seeded Molokai, the unbeaten champion from the Maui Interscholastic League, will play the Honokaa-University victor on Thursday at Kalani's gym. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
St. Damien relic concludes tour of churches on Big Island Oct 24, 2009
Damien, born Joseph de Veuster in Belgium, was ordained in Honolulu and served the Big Island for nine years before going to Kalaupapa, Molokai, to serve the colony of patients with Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy ... And on the altar stood a hala tree, to symbolize the tree under which Father Damien slept on his first night on Molokai. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Molokai credit union teller stole $162K Oct 24, 2009
Daniel K. Mahiai, 32, of Molokai resident, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Thursday to embezzling money from the island s community credit union from January 2005 through February 2008, the U.S. Attorney s office announced. He had worked at the credit union since 2004. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Hawaii jobless rate creeps up to 7.2% Oct 23, 2009
Other figures reported yesterday show nonseasonally adjusted unemployment increased on all islands compared to a year earlier, except for Molokai ... Molokai showed improvement at a rate of 13. (Honolulu Advertiser)
HGEA Unit 6 ratifies state contract Oct 21, 2009
Ratification meetings were held Oct. 15, 16, 19 and 20 on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai ... Ratification meetings were held Oct. 15, 16, 19 and 20 on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
St. Damien relic arrives Oct 19, 2009
A special service will be held Oct. 31 at Kalaupapa, where Damien ministered to the leprosy patients banished to Molokai ... "I brought it from Rome to Detroit to San Francisco," said Akiona, who is from Molokai and in the same order as Saint Damien ... A special service will be held Oct. 31 at Kalaupapa, where Damien ministered to the leprosy patients banished to Molokai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Renewable-energy wave hits Hawaii Oct 19, 2009
More windfarms are planned, including at least two near Kahuku on Oahu, as well as huge projects on Lanai and Molokai ... The 200-megawatt windfarm being proposed for Molokai by First Wind Holdings Inc., and a similarly sized project on Lanai by Castle Inc., would require the installation of an up-to-$2 billion transmission line to Oahu that would have to clear a host of approvals, including questions about how it would affect marine life. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Like Damien, hala a blessing to humankind Oct 18, 2009
The ground beneath a hala tree in Kalawao was Damien's first and last resting spot on Molokai. He spent his first night on the island there, right before becoming the permanent resident priest for the Hansen's disease patients of Kalaupapa. (Honolulu Advertiser)
The pope's remarks Oct 13, 2009
"Not without fear and loathing, Father Damien made the choice to go on the island of Molokai in the service of lepers who were there, abandoned by all," Pope Benedict XVI said during the ceremony yesterday ... "Not without fear and loathing, Father Damien made the choice to go on the island of Molokai in the service of lepers who were there, abandoned by all," Pope Benedict XVI said during the ceremony yesterday. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Father Damien, Aid to Lepers, Now a Saint Oct 12, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI gave the Roman Catholic church five new saints Sunday, including Father Damien, born as Jozef De Veuster in 1840, a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium who cared for leprosy victims on the Hawaiian island of Molokai from 1873 to 1889, when the disease killed him ... She had prayed to Belgium-born Jozef De Veuster, more commonly known as Father Damien, who himself died from leprosy in 1889 after contracting the disease while working with leprosy patients who were living in... (CBS News)
Hawaii's Father Damien canonized Oct 12, 2009
She had prayed to Belgium-born Jozef De Veuster, more commonly known as Father Damien, who died in 1889 after contracting leprosy while working with patients living in isolation on Molokai island. Toguchi and her doctor, Walter Chang, joined a procession of faithful bringing relics of the new saints to Benedict at the central altar of the basilica. (USA Today -- News)
Pope Canonizes Five New Saints Oct 12, 2009
She had prayed to Belgium-born Jozef De Veuster, more commonly known as Father Damien, who himself died from leprosy on Molokai island in 1889 ... In his homily, Benedict praised Damien's missionary work, saying that "not without fear and repugnance, he chose to go to the island of Molokai to serve the lepers who were there, abandoned by all.". (Newsmax)
World embraces caring soul Oct 12, 2009
The canonization ceremony of Father Damien of Molokai ended a decades-long effort by supporters who considered him worthy of the church's highest honor ... The canonization ceremony of Father Damien of Molokai ended a decades-long effort by supporters who considered him worthy of the church's highest honor. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Shell Vaa wins again Oct 12, 2009
Shell Vaa blew away the field to win its fourth straight Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe paddling championship today ... Shell Vaa blew away the field to win its fourth straight Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe paddling championship today. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Vatican names Belgian priest a saint Oct 12, 2009
Toguchi has credited her survival to praying to Belgium-born Jozef De Veuster, also known as Father Damien, who himself died from leprosy in 1889 after contracting the disease while working with patients living on Molokai island. Among the five Benedict added to the church s roll call of saints is French nun Jeanne Jugan, who helped the elderly, including some abandoned by their families. (Boston Globe)
Hawaii's saint fulfilled humanity's ideals Oct 12, 2009
But the Islands' fervent embrace of Damien de Veuster, "the leper priest of Molokai" now known as St. Damien, speaks to his extraordinary intimacy with ordinary life ... And there have been few people who fulfilled these ideals, throughout the history of Hawaii, as fully as St. Damien of Molokai. (Honolulu Advertiser)
A joyous day Oct 11, 2009
"It was a great celebration, but they wept because they knew there were suffering brothers and sisters." Damien volunteered, and his arrival at Kalaupapa was when "the day of the Lord came to Molokai." ... "It was a great celebration, but they wept because they knew there were suffering brothers and sisters." Damien volunteered, and his arrival at Kalaupapa was when "the day of the Lord came to Molokai.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Pope proclaims 5 new saints Oct 11, 2009
She had prayed to Jozef De Veuster, more commonly known as Father Damien, who himself died from leprosy on Molokai island. The others are two Spanish religious figures, a Polish bishop and a French nun. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Hawaii-born Obama commemorates Damien's sainthood Oct 11, 2009
The Roman Catholic priest was beloved by the patients he ministered to for 16 years on Molokai before dying of the disease himself in 1889 ... The Roman Catholic priest was beloved by the patients he ministered to for 16 years on Molokai before dying of the disease himself in 1889. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
President calls Damien an example for the world Oct 10, 2009
Obama, who spent much of his childhood in Hawaii, recalled hearing many stories in his youth about the priest who served the leprosy patients of Kalaupapa, Molokai ... " Obama, who spent much of his childhood in Hawaii, recalled hearing many stories in his youth about the priest who served the leprosy patients of Kalaupapa, Molokai. The White House released his statement ahead of the Sunday morning (Saturday night-Hawaii time) ceremony at Vatican City. The full text of Obama's message: "I wish... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Vatican to canonize Belgian priest who helped Hawaiian lepers Oct 9, 2009
A group from Molokai, Hawaii, visited a statue depicting Father Damien in the garden of his birthplace in Tremelo, Belgium, on Oct. 4 ... He spent nearly a decade serving on the Big Island before volunteering to go to the settlement at Molokai, where about 8,000 people had been banished amid an epidemic of leprosy also known as Hansen's disease. (USA Today -- News)
'STAMP OF APPROVAL' Oct 9, 2009
Audrey Toguchi, in Rome for Sunday's ceremony in St. Peter's Square, told journalists that Father Damien's work with Hansen's disease patients on Molokai in the 19th century showed people they are all special ... Another Hawaii resident who journeyed to Rome for the ceremony was Elroy Malo, a Mormon who was sent to the Hansen's disease settlement on Molokai in 1947 when he was 12, joining a brother and sister there. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Islanders get up close with pope Oct 9, 2009
Some 21 members of Damien of Molokai parish are in Rome for the canonization, too ... Some 21 members of Damien of Molokai parish are in Rome for the canonization, too. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Pacific Air Cargo goes interisland Oct 9, 2009
Honolulu-based said Thursday it has started a new service, Pacific Air Express, that will fly cargo from Honolulu to Maui and Molokai to meet growing demand. The weekday service comes through a partnership with Oahu-based Makani Kai Helicopters and is intended to complement Pacific Air Cargo s freight operations between Los Angeles, Honolulu, Kona and American Samoa. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Story told through personal items Oct 8, 2009
With his brother's tutoring, he struggled through, learning the liturgical Latin that he would use at the altar even at the farthest corner of the world in Molokai ... He often wrote asking for another priest to come and hear the confession of the cantankerous, stubborn pastor who broke the quarantine law when he hiked to topside Molokai to build churches ... With his brother's tutoring, he struggled through, learning the liturgical Latin that he would use at the altar even at the farthest... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Akaka going to Rome for Damien canonization Oct 8, 2009
A native of Belgium, Joseph de Veuster was a Catholic priest who ministered to leprosy patients on Molokai in the 19th century ... Many leprosy patients were forced to live in the Molokai enclave of Kalaupapa during the 1800s ... A native of Belgium, Joseph de Veuster was a Catholic priest who ministered to leprosy patients on Molokai in the 19th century. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Art commemorating canonization adds Hawaiian cultural elements Oct 7, 2009
"He slept under a pandanus tree when he first got to Kalaupapa, and that's in it. There's kukui flower and leaves because that's the official blossom of Molokai," he said in an interview ... There's kukui flower and leaves because that's the official blossom of Molokai," he said in an interview. "I used hibiscus, the state flower; there's an unopened bud which tells us there is more beauty to come. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Belgian television crew investigate a miracle Oct 7, 2009
Van Lysebeth said, "The story will be about the procedure to name a saint. Most people have no idea that there is a department in the Vatican that investigates saints. What makes this special is that the people are still around who were involved. "For me it was surprising that everybody here in Hawaii seems to know Father Damien or has heard about him, or has some relative who was on Molokai," she said. "People feel strong about him in Belgium ... "For me it was surprising that everybody here in... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Pilgrim's pride Oct 6, 2009
Before Mass a brief costumed enactment of the priest comforting people banished to Molokai featured Damien Eraly, whose grandmother called Damien "Uncle Jef." ... Eraly and his brother Joseph, Damien's great-grandnephews, have visited Molokai more than once ... Before Mass a brief costumed enactment of the priest comforting people banished to Molokai featured Damien Eraly, whose grandmother called Damien "Uncle Jef.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Countdown to canonization Oct 5, 2009
It was the center of the daily Mass he gave during his 16 years as a builder, caregiver and spiritual adviser to people banished to the leprosy settlement on Molokai ... They are among 20 remaining former patients who contracted the disease and were put into quarantine on the isolated Molokai peninsula ... It was the center of the daily Mass he gave during his 16 years as a builder, caregiver and spiritual adviser to people banished to the leprosy settlement on Molokai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Belgium Joins Hawaii Marking 'Leper Priest' Oct 5, 2009
TREMELO, Belgium -- Belgian royals and government officials joined the bishop of Honolulu at a Mass on Sunday to celebrate a 19th-century local hero, a week before he will become a saint for his work with lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai ... Better known as Father Damien, the Roman Catholic priest from Belgium cared for leprosy victims on Molokai, an island in the Hawaiian archipelago, from 1873 to 1889, when the disease killed him ... Its rapid spread and unknown cure led Hawaii's King... (Newsmax)
Damien honored in Belgium Oct 5, 2009
TREMELO, Belgium Belgian royals and government officials joined the bishop of Honolulu at a Mass on Sunday to celebrate a 19th-century local hero, a week before he will become a saint for his work with lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai ... Better known as Father Damien, the Roman Catholic priest from Belgium cared for leprosy victims on Molokai, an island in the Hawaiian archipelago, from 1873 to 1889, when the disease killed him ... Its rapid spread and unknown cure led King Kamehameha V... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
NEXT STOP: BELGIUM Oct 3, 2009
The patients, most of whom still live in Kalaupapa, Molokai, left Honolulu yesterday and will arrive in Belgium tomorrow, as part of a pilgrimage with Honolulu Diocese Bishop Larry Silva and more than 300 Hawaii residents. The group will visit Damien's birthplace in Tremelo and his tomb in Louvain before heading to Rome to attend Damien's canonization on Oct. 11. (Honolulu Advertiser)
NCL adds two spring Hawaii cruises Oct 3, 2009
The cruises include an evening sail by the Kilauea eruption on the Big Island, a day cruise past Molokai and an afternoon sail along the Napali Coast of Kauai. Miami-based NCL has said the Hawaii seven-day interisland cruises are profitable. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Maui Electric seeks 9.7% rate hike Oct 2, 2009
The utility, which services the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai, submitted a request with the state Public Utilities Commission Wednesday for a 9 ... 65 on Molokai to $172. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Leprosy patients to see 1800s priest canonized Oct 2, 2009
The Kingdom of Hawaii began banishing leprosy patients to the remote section of Molokai island in the 1860s to control an outbreak of the disease that was killing Native Hawaiians in large numbers. Many Hawaiians had no natural immunity to leprosy, as well as other diseases that led the Hawaiian population to shrink 70 percent in the seven decades after Capt. James Cook, the first European to visit the islands, arrived in 1778. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Verizon enhances Molokai cell service Oct 2, 2009
Verizon Wireless has added a cell site on Molokai. The cell site adds wireless coverage in Maunaloa, including the Molokai Ranch Rodeo Arena, Maunaloa Elementary School, Kaluakoi Road, Pa Loa Loop and Oha Road, the company said Thursday. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Tsunami watch canceled but officials say stay out of the water today Sep 30, 2009
As a precaution, Kamehameha Schools closed its Honaunau School in west Hawaii and its preschool on Molokai ... As a precaution, Kamehameha Schools closed its Honaunau School in west Hawaii and its preschool on Molokai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Float shows aloha for Damien Sep 26, 2009
Damien will be declared a saint in Rome on Oct. 11 for dedicating his life to victims of leprosy ostracized on Molokai in the mid-1800s ... DENNIS ODA / SEPTEMBER 2008 Pa'u rider Berna Carvalho represented Molokai in last year's parade ... Damien will be declared a saint in Rome on Oct. 11 for dedicating his life to victims of leprosy ostracized on Molokai in the mid-1800s. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hawaii getaways from $139/night Sep 26, 2009
Island escapes to Maui, Molokai and more ... Molokai 3-Night Getaway with Airfare from $759Anyone in search of unspoiled scenery should head straight to the tiny island of Molokai, renowned for its towering sea cliffs, ancient Polynesian fishponds and 32 miles of natural barrier reef ... Located on picturesque Kamilolao Beach, the Aqua Hotel Molokai has a full-service spa featuring traditional Lomi Lomi massage treatments, an onsite restaurant serving tasty island cuisine and 53 oceanfront... (MSNBC -- Travel)
Last sugar harvest set for Kauai Sep 24, 2009
In the meantime, it has leased some of its lands in west Kauai, including 3,400 acres to , which grows corn seed, soybean and sunflower crops on Kauai and Molokai. Gay & Robinson said its G&R Ranch operations are not affected by the mill s shutdown. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Hawaii residents' net worth has been hit hard by recession Sep 23, 2009
Residents of Molokai whose largest employer, , shut down last year saw their net worth fall an average of 19 percent. Maui was next with an average drop in net worth of 13. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Meetings to explore plans for a Kalaupapa memorial Sep 17, 2009
Plans to establish a memorial at Kalaupapa, Molokai, in recognition of the 8,000 leprosy patients who died there will be discussed at a public meeting Friday in Honolulu ... The meetings are sponsored by the National Park Service, which administers the Molokai settlement where Hansen's disease patients were sent between 1866 and 1969, and Ka 'Ohana o Kalaupapa, a nonprofit group supporting the remaining few patients ... 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Kalana O'iwi Conference Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Friendly seal causes concern at Molokai Sep 16, 2009
Seventeen-month-old monk seal KP2 has won the hearts of Molokai children and adults ... "The seal poses a public safety risk to members of the Molokai community," said David Schofield, a marine mammal specialist with NOAA. "Some form of intervention will need to take place. It's just the when and where we're still discussing." ... "He came from the back and wiggled himself on my head," said Toth, a 20-year resident of Molokai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Click to read:Is there Such a Thing as Too Cute? Sep 16, 2009
KP2, a Hawaiian Monk Seal Plays with children off the coast of Molokai ... An unusually friendly baby monk seal on the Hawaiian island of Molokai has been showing off his playfulness in and beach photos ... On Molokai residents are hoping that KP2 can beat the odds and stay wild but still hang out with them. (CBS News)
Lawmakers facing curbs on individual spending Sep 14, 2009
J. Kalani English, who represents East Maui, Molokai and Lanai, used almost all of his allowance for rental car expenses and fuel to travel on Molokai and Lanai ... J. Kalani English, who represents East Maui, Molokai and Lanai, used almost all of his allowance for rental car expenses and fuel to travel on Molokai and Lanai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Lingle: Politicians' role in Superferry 'pathetic' Sep 9, 2009
With projects like a proposed telescope for Haleakala, an undersea cable to bring power to Oahu from Molokai and Lanai and various windfarms and wave-energy plans for Maui, Lingle urged business leaders and citizens to consider the long-term consequences of opposition. Because you represent businesses, I believe it is your kuleana to pose those kinds of questions, Lingle said. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Father Damien: Isle-born artist Maria Lee creates a collection that touches on Kalaupapa's tragic past Sep 7, 2009
With sparse details, she depicted beauty of place, abundance of fish and sadness of isolation at the remote Molokai peninsula where leprosy patients were quarantined ... With sparse details, she depicted beauty of place, abundance of fish and sadness of isolation at the remote Molokai peninsula where leprosy patients were quarantined. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Molokai Forest Reserve section to remain closed Sep 6, 2009
The state says it will keep a section of the Molokai Forest Reserve closed indefinitely because of the danger falling trees, smoldering hot spots and other threats stemming from a wildfire ... The Department of Land and Natural Resources initially closed the entire Molokai Forest Reserve due to concern for the general public's safety ... The state says it will keep a section of the Molokai Forest Reserve closed indefinitely because of the danger falling trees, smoldering hot spots and other... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Downturn offers opportunity, Lingle says Sep 6, 2009
"Hawaii exports $7 billion a year, mostly to foreign nations, by importing 97 percent of its energy from fossil fuels, Lingle noted. Her vision would convert the state to 70 percent clean energy sources, such as solar, wave, biofuels and wind power, in just one generation, she said.She predicted that the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce will only continue to gain influence in the coming years as developers and entrepreneurs seek the group's advice and endorsements. For instance, she said a... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Firefighters battle blaze on difficult forest terrain Sep 3, 2009
FIRE'S DESTRUCTION ON MOLOKAI ... State and county firefighters appeared to have a brush fire under control near residential areas in central Molokai yesterday but were continuing to battle its spread into difficult mountain terrain ... Ed Misaki, director of Molokai programs for the Nature Conservancy, a partner in protecting Kamakou Preserve, said the fire is burning in sectors mostly inaccessible to firefighters on foot or in trucks. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hawaii wildfire growing, puts native Molokai forests in danger Sep 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009. Posted on: Tuesday, September 1, 2009. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Winds Expected To Fuel Molokai Brush Fire Sep 2, 2009
State Officials Tour Molokai Fire Damage ... HONOLULU -- Forecasters on Tuesday said they expect winds to fuel the Molokai brush fire on Wednesday ... Officials fly to Molokai for an aerial view of the damage caused by a massive brush fire. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Fire threatens preserve, forest lands Sep 2, 2009
MOLOKAI'S BURN AT 7,800 ACRES AND GROWING ... But she was grateful her home at Pano Place in central Molokai was spared from a brush fire now into its third day ... Molokai Brushfire Rages On. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Multiple Wildfires Scorch West, Force Evacuations Sep 1, 2009
About 25 residents of Molokai had to evacuate when flames from an 11-square-mile wildfire headed toward their homes ... Four public schools were closed in Molokai because of the brush fire. (Fox News)
Molokai brush fire grows to 7,200 acres Sep 1, 2009
Four public schools on Molokai are closed today because of a brush fire that has charred more than 7,200 acres since Saturday. The schools are: Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary, and Kualapuu Elementary Public Charter School ... The fire was blowing in a westerly direction in central Molokai, including areas of Kalamaula and mauka of Kaunakakai, county spokeswoman Mahina Martin said this afternoon. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Some leave homes as blaze on Molokai burns 6,000 acres Sep 1, 2009
Police ordered residents of 25 Molokai houses to evacuate yesterday as a raging brush fire scorched 6,000 acres and threatened at least four residential areas ... Fire Crews Continue To Battle Molokai Brushfire, Residents Evacuate ... At one point the fire was just across the street from the Aqua Hotel Molokai in Kaunakakai. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Firefighters battle large brush fire on Molokai Aug 31, 2009
Molokai firefighters today are continuing to fight a 6,000-acre brush fire that injured one firefighter and forced officials to call for voluntary evacuations near Kaunakakai town. The fire started about 12:05 p.m. yesterday and moved mauka, but began heading towards Kaunakakai town this morning, coming as close as across the street to Hotel Molokai, said Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin ... Today 23 state wildland firefighters will be flown to Molokai, joining Maui firefighters that were... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
50 fun facts about Hawaii as 50th star hits 50 Aug 31, 2009
21 Kalawao County on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Molokai (home to the former leper colony that's now a national historical park), is the second least populated county in the United States, according to the 2000 census, with 147 residents. The rest of Molokai - and several other islands - fall within Maui County ... 31 Father Damien, the Belgian priest who worked in Molokai's leper colony and eventually died of Hansen's disease (as leprosy is now called), will officially become a saint in October.... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hawaii comedian finds humor is serious business Aug 28, 2009
5), Molokai and Lanai (102. 3), Oahu (104. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Homeless vets' aid vowed Aug 23, 2009
" He assumed the head of VA, which serves 23.4 million veterans, seven months ago. Shinseki and Hawaii's U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, spent Thursday meeting with veterans on Kauai and the Big Island, touring the clinics on both islands. There are 118,000 veterans living in the islands, and the VA spent $384 million here last year. Shinseki said Akaka and his colleagues have consistently appropriated more than what the administration has asked since... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Happy 50th birthday, Hawaii Aug 23, 2009
The most recent reintroduction program began in late 2001 on Molokai ... In 1958, two divers from Lahaina discovered the rare coral whose living tissue can be a variety of colors growing in the deep waters off Molokai. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Hawaii parks saw 2.1% fewer visitors Aug 22, 2009
Visitor counts at Kalaupapa (Molokai) were flat at 5,239. Haleakala (Maui) saw a 5. (Pacific Business News, HI)
