Safari Explorer tour boat returns under intense security

Posted on January 23, 2012 by molokainews

Protesters temporarily block a van of visitors. Law enforcement created a clear passage for the tourists without difficulty.


Security measures on Molokai were at an all-time high Saturday as the Safari Explorer luxury tour yacht docked at Kaunakakai Harbor under the scrutiny of U.S. Coast Guard, a Maui County SWAT team, FBI, Department of Land and Natural Resources officers and the State of Hawaii Judicial Department security forces.

The DLNR and Coast Guard created a security zone around the harbor in response to protests of the 145-foot American Safari Cruises ship. On Nov. 26, a group of local protesters on surfboards and small vessels successfully blocked the Safari Explorer from coming to Molokai. Although an agreement had been reached between the protesters and ASC that would allow the boat to return, Governor Abercrombie’s office decided a security zone would still be needed.

The Safari Explorer at Kaunakakai Harbor surrounded by coast guard security.


A group of approximately 50 peaceful protesters were watched over by an equal number of law enforcement officials in the early morning hours. At 6:30 a.m. all vehicular traffic on wharf road was blocked. When the Safari Explorer docked at 7:30 a.m., it was strategically surrounded by jet skis, Zodiac boats and a coast guard cruiser. No protesters attempted to enter the water and no arrests were made.

Some protesters expressed anger toward the Safari Explorer. But a larger contingent, many of whom never protested the cruises, were upset by the excessive law enforcement presence.

“What next, marshall (sic) law?” asked one protest sign. “We are not terrorists” was written on a few signs. The feeling that Kaunakakai wharf was now under martial law seemed to resonate with the crowd.

“Molokai has always peacefully demonstrated,” shouted activist Hano Naehu through a bullhorn. “Yet you guys come here fully loaded, armed and ready to shoot, what’s up with that? What you gonna do, shoot our kids? Gonna shoot the kupuna? What’s next, martial law, huh?”

Protesters asked the visiting law enforcement how much this security zone action would cost taxpayers. Without a clear answer from the DLNR, many questioned if this was the best use of resources.

Could the Safari Explorer have come in to Kaunakakai Harbor with a simple coast guard sweep of the water instead of a security zone?

A pule to end the peaceful protest.


“We did look at all of our options,” responded U.S. Coast Guard Captain Joanna Nunan when asked this question. “We wanted to have an option where we would be able to take action if folks actually got in the water. So to be able to do that we need a bit more than just a sweep.”

After the Safari Explorer passengers — apparently a group of 28 Peruvians — drove through the crowd of protesters, they were met by a group of sign-waving supporters in Kuanakakai town. The group then spent the weekend enjoying Molokai’s beaches on Saturday and then hiking to Moa’ula Falls in Halawa Valley on Sunday.

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Second quarter high school honor roll released

Posted on January 20, 2012 by molokainews

The principal’s honors list at Molokai High School is for students who have earned grade point averages of 4.0 or above while enrolled in six or more courses.

For the second quarter of the 2011-12 school year, they are:

Grade 9: Edel Mae Alvarez, Tiera-Lee Bishaw Marquez, Kelsie Espiritu-Tanabe, Alexandra Gilliland, Olelo K.P.A Hamakua Poepoe, Kristin Tancayo.

Grade 10: Xrystina Bicoy, Kilo Au Lani Kaawa-Gonzales.

Grade11: Ronalyn May Carino, Piikea Hanaoka, Faron Kamakana.

Grade 12: Charisse Manley, Chelsea Simon, Kate Sandy Espejo, Kailen Inouye, Mikayla Pico, Tiffany Tanielu.

The honor roll students who earned grade point averages of 3.5 to 4.0 for the second quarter of this school year are:

Grade 9: Sarah Jenkins, Katalina Santiago, Makana Arce, Luke Kikukawa, Trevor Takata, Kealohanuikalawai’amoku Helm, Eliana Kalilikane Garces, Rusty Nakayama, Michaiah Soares.

Grade 10: Jeremy Ilaban, Mia Mendija, Paul Parker, Teyani Domingo, Alohalyn Espejo, Monaliza Espejo, Laureano Torres Batara, Rizpah Torres-Umi, Brayden Willing-McCutcheon, Patience Nakihei-Rubin, Caulin Nelson-Angelsea, Taylor Tamanaha.

Grade11: David Pascua-Kahookano, Jake Sakamoto, Nicholei Galam Dudoit, Esther Lopez, Michael Onofrio, Brittanie-Rae Nerveza, Cara Connolly, Kenny Dudoit Enos, Lesley Escobar, Kaiulani Laemoa.

Grade 12: Julian-Daniel Bicoy, Brianna Tangonan, Kaloko Akina, Moriah Jenkins.

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‘Rodeo mom’ Planning Commissioner will support local job creation

Posted on January 19, 2012 by molokainews

When the Molokai Planning Commission meets for the first time in February, new member Sherry Tancayo will be seated in the place formerly occupied by Don Williams.

Sherry Tancayo will begin serving on the Molokai Planning Commission in the first meeting in February.


The Maui County Council Policy Committee voted Jan. 4 to recommend Tancayo, a 22-year resident of Molokai, to the spot vacated by Williams. The full council is expected to confirm this nomination within the week.

A self-proclaimed “rodeo mom” of two who volunteers with Molokai 4H and other local organizations, Tancayo decided it was time to step up. “Instead of just sitting and bitching, I wanted to do something about it.”
While working with Na Pu’u Wai’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, Tancayo noticed many Molokai High School youth remain in a “limbo state” without clear goals or motivation.

The answer? “We need different types of jobs that blend into our island,” she said. “The Planning Commission can be involved (in attracting new jobs) without wrecking the overall mana of our island.”

Tancayo is “absolutely against large cruise ships,” but does support American Safari Cruises in its efforts to bring the Safari Explorer with its 36 visitors to Molokai. “We need this shot in the arm, desperately.”

Although pro-business, Tancayo emphasized that she opposes the Big Wind proposal to bring an industrial wind farm to Molokai’s West End.

She does, however, support local renewable energy projects such as solar farms. “If we can put up windmills on our own then Oahu can buy the electricity from us; we need to make it a community project.” Tancayo emphasizes the need to create jobs for locals, not off-islanders, like those who would construct and maintain the large-scale wind project proposed by Pattern Energy.

“The unemployment rate leads to alcohol and drug abuse and violence,” she said. New business would ease these problems while also keeping Molokai families from splitting up when one spouse takes an off-island job, she said.

One simple way to create jobs, says Tancayo, is to ease the Maui County restrictions on bed and breakfast operations. She believes the Transient Vacation Rental rules for Maui County are too restrictive and don’t necessarily apply to Molokai.

The bulk of the work for the Molokai Planning Commission is to consider permits and exemptions for land use and construction on Special Management Area land. For the most part, Tancayo thinks SMA rules “work OK,” but need to be “personalized for Molokai.”

Before coming to Molokai in 1988, Tancayo worked for the California Highway Patrol. She then worked for three years on airport security at Molokai Airport before becoming a full-time mom.

Tancayo will only be in office until March of 2013 before she needs to reapply for the appointed position.

Admittedly not a person who attends a lot of MoPC meetings, Tancayo said she “wants to go in and see how things are going … we need to listen to people.”

In the past, the MoPC — the only Maui County political representation that actually meets on Molokai — has had a problem in meeting quorum. At least five of the nine members must be present for the twice-a-month meetings to take place. In December, the MoPC was forced to cancel a meeting for lack of quorum. It was Williams’ failure to attend meetings that led to his recent resignation from the MoPC.

“Attendance is a key factor,” said Tancayo. “You have to be involved and take it seriously,” she said about the regular meetings and public forums.

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Kalaupapa celebrates lower air fares

Posted on January 18, 2012 by molokainews

Travel to and from the Kalaupapa peninsula has become easier and cheaper for the Hansen’s disease patients along with the state and National Park Service workers.

With lower air fares, Kalaupapa has become more accessible to the workers and families. The National Historical Park will continue to maintain its limit of 100 visitors per day.


Residents and workers celebrated the coming of Makani Kai Air Charters on Tuesday at Kalaupapa Airport in a dedication to the new air service.

Makani Kai Air Charters replaced Pacific Wings on Dec. 10 as the sole provider of scheduled flights to the remote peninsula on Molokai’s north shore. The new airline will accept a federal subsidy of almost $2 million over two years which allows the company to offer more affordable flights.

Pacific Wings had been charging round trip fares of around $500 to either topside Molokai or to Honolulu. Makani Air flights will cost $154.56 round trip to topside; for Kalaupapa residents the fare is half that, or $77.28.

“It means a renewed freedom for them to travel when they wish, have family visit to have patients reconnect with people that they love and make sure people that want to see Kalaupapa as a sacred place can visit,” said the state Department of Health Kalaupapa Administrator Mark Miller.

Since losing the contract, Pacific Wings has filed a petition with the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider awarding the route to Makani Kai.

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Community insecure over new security zone

Posted on January 17, 2012 by molokainews

The Kaunakakai Harbor security zone can be enforced anytime between Jan. 20 and May 15, 2012. Notification of specific enforcement times will be provided via a broadcast notice to mariners and the display of a red flag at the Kaunakakai Harbor Master's building.


The U.S. Coast Guard and the state of Hawaii’s plan to create a security zone around Kaunakakai Harbor received a combative response at today’s informational community meeting.

The U.S.C.G. announced Friday it will establish a temporary security zone for the harbor “during potential non-compliant protests involving the passenger vessel Safari Explorer to its intended berth in the harbor.”

Protesters who blocked the Safari Explorer on Nov. 26 had agreed to not interfere with the arrival of the boat this Saturday. As part of the agreement, American Safari Cruises would wait until after the last of four moku ‘Aha Ki’ole meetings to consider the island’s position on this 36-passenger cruise boat and tourism in general.

William Aila, chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, explained his position outside the Mitchell Pau’ole Center. “We felt this was the prudent thing to do. We have to make public health and safety number one.”

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Joanna Nunan and DLNR Chair William Aila field questions and defend the enforcement of a security zone around Kaunakakai Harbor.


USCG Captain Joanna Nunan said the security zone was planned to be “as small and short as possible.” The zone extends 1,375 yards out to sea from the middle of wharf road and is 770 yards wide. With the Safari Explorer expected to arrive at 7:30 a.m., enforcement of the security zone will begin at 6:30 a.m. and stop at 7:40 a.m. The security zone will resume again one hour before the boat leaves on Sunday.

Several residents expressed concerns about this security zone violating their rights. “We have to balance rights with public safety,” Aila responded.

Any unauthorized vessel in the zone will receive a warning. If it stays in the security zone, the vessel will be subject to civil penalties of up to $40,000 or criminal penalties including imprisonment for up to 10 years and forfeiture of the vessel.

Kanoho Helm, an organizer of the group I Aloha Molokai, stood up to say how this zone will interfere with boats and canoes used for gathering and fishing. Aila asked Helm when he plans to use the harbor area and they would try to accommodate him. “I practice my traditional Hawaiian rights all the time and without a $40,000 fine.”

Molokai Planning Commissioner Lori Buchanan said the state and the federal government are both in violation of their own processes in creating this security zone, which, she said, could lead to lawsuits. “This is not pono,” said Buchanan. “You are stepping up the aggravation in the community. This is the Superferry all over again.”

A designated area for protesters will be open along the fence line bordering Young Brothers. Once the security zone is set at 6:30 a.m., no additional protesters will be allowed in this area.

Concerns about invasive species coming to Molokai in the rubbish brought from Kona by the Safari Explorer were also raised. Aila said he would talk to Captain Dan Blanchard of ASC about returning the opala to the Big Island.

Local activist Hano Naehu said this security zone “makes us feel like terrorists … I feel like I’m being raped.”

“No one can guarantee that nothing is going to happen,” said Aila, “so this is a prudent action.”

Even supporters of the Safari Explorer questioned this action. “I don’t believe we need to go to these drastic measures,” said Clare Mawae, whose company Molokai Outdoors will provide ground transportation for the visitors. “There has always been a trust in this community.”

When asked if a simple patrol would work, Aila said it is difficult to enforce the area without a security zone in place. “That’s just the way it is … This vessel has the right to fair passage and that’s what we’re here for.”

Neither the DLNR nor the Coast Guard would say exactly how long this security zone would remain in place. While Safari Explorer has cruises planned until May, the security zone may be abandoned before then. “We don’t know for how long (it will remain),” said Aila. “Once the community is OK with it (the Safari Explorer) we can dial it back.”

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Alternative Energy Festival brightens weekend

Posted on January 16, 2012 by molokainews

Amy Hanaiali'i and Jeff Peterson get the entertainment going at the Mitchell Pau'ole Center Saturday for the first Molokai Alternative Energy Festival.


The first Alternative Energy Festival on Molokai Friday and Saturday offered everything from youth contests and panel discussions to live music and information on loans for small solar-powered systems.

Presented by I Aloha Moloka’i, with the help of a $92,500 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the festival brought in off-island speakers and presenters looking at energy saving solutions and alternatives.

Since June of 2011, IAM has been organizing local opposition to a proposed industrial wind power project. The plan, supported by Hawaiian Electric Company and the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, involves the controversial construction of a $1 billion-plus undersea transmission cable to move 400-megawatts of energy generated on Lanai and Molokai to Oahu.

A panel to discuss the proposed wind energy project on Molokai included, from left, Life of the Land leader Henry Curtis, former Hawaii State Representative and former Molokai Middle School Principal Lyla Berg, Friends of Lanai organizer Robin Kaye, University of Hawaii Professor of Ethnic Studies Davianna McGregor and Maunaloa activist Janeel Hew.


A panel discussion Saturday offered insight on this project from Life of the Land leader Henry Curtis, former Hawaii State Representative and former Molokai Middle School Principal Lyla Berg, Friends of Lana’i organizer Robin Kaye, University of Hawaii Ethnic Studies Professor Davianna McGregor and Maunaloa activist Janeel Hew.

The panel unanimously rejected the need for this project, pointing to the technological, environmental, economic, health and political problems related to bringing up to 90 400-foot tall wind turbines to Molokai. Although the decision to move forward on this project will come from Oahu, points out Berg, it is important for the Molokai community to use its influence to sway the hearts and minds of decision-makers.

Later in the day, the panel members discussed alternatives to a large-scale wind energy project. Discussions arose on ocean thermal energy conversion, geothermal, horizontal windmills and a combination of different solutions.

Dr. Dan McGuire shows off his new all-electric Mitsubishi I at the Alternative Energy Festival. The vehicle travels up to 80 miles on a charge.


A youth poster contest included schools across Molokai. Students in three age categories received prizes for energy saving ideas in the areas of consumer use, food production and transportation.

Dr. Dan McGuire, though not on the agenda, presented his own energy-saving transportation with his new all-electric 2012 Mitsubishi I. The four-door car goes 80 miles on a single charge, travels up to 80 miles an hour, takes 12 hours to charge at 110-volts, six hours at 220 volt. With a range that could easily take a traveler from Maunaloa to Halawa, and gas hovering around $5 a gallon, this might be the future of Molokai transportation.

Kim Markham, a local CPA, offered a workshop on getting USDA grants or guaranteed loans to install a solar-powered system. She provided a checklist of documents needed to qualify under section 2007 Rural Energy for America Program.

Local couple John Wordin and Artice Swingle, known as creative raw food chefs, presented two workshops. Artice had her raw food dehydrator on display to show how to prepare items like dried bananas. John, an inventor with eight patents as well as an engineer and woodworker, showed how to make a solar food dryer. John also had his electric car on display.

Darlene Toth taught children how to plant soy beans and pigeon peas, beneficial companion plants for any garden. Free plants were given to keiki.

Filed under: Business, News, Sustainability | Leave a Comment »

Coast Guard to enforce security zone for Kaunakakai Harbor

Posted on January 13, 2012 by molokainews

The Safari Explorer will return to Kaunakai Harbor Jan. 21 under the protection of a Coast Guard security zone.

Governor calls community meeting to present the security plan, Tuesday 4:30 p.m., Mitchell Pau’ole Center

Following the recent blockade of Kaunakakai Harbor by protesters, concerns were voiced across the coconut wireless, as well as through the media, regarding the rule of law on Molokai. Does it exist in the waterways around the island? And if so, who is doing the enforcement?

It seems like the Coast Guard was listening. In today’s Federal Register, The U.S. Coast Guard announced it will establish a temporary security zone for the harbor “during potential non-compliant protests involving the passenger vessel Safari Explorer to its intended berth in the harbor.”

On Nov. 26, protesters on surfboards and small vessels blocked the American Safari Cruises boat, the Safari Explorer, from making dock in Kaunakakai.

In response, Molokai Chamber of Commerce President Rob Stephenson wrote, “When there is interference with lawful commerce it can set a precedent that may have significant consequences to a fragile economy like ours.”

A well-attended Nov. 30 community meeting on this issue was followed by negotiations between ASC and community leaders. In an attempt to “preserve Molokai’s unique character, history and traditions,” wrote ASC, an agreement was reached that would allow the ‘Aha Ki’ole O Molokai to meet publicly with all four of its moku, or districts, before the Safari Explorer would return to Molokai. The final meeting, covering the Kaluakoi Moku, is in Maunaloa Jan. 17. The Safari Explorer announced it will return to its two-day visits Jan. 21-22.

The Coast Guard explains the justification for this new rule:

“Given this past protest activity and the communicated desire of certain persons to carry out protest activities in the future, certain individuals may attempt to implement the same or similar techniques in order to impede future transits by the Safari Explorer. By designating the waters and land within Kaunakakai Harbor as a security zone, to be enforced prior to scheduled Safari Explorer transits, the regulation provides the Coast Guard and its law enforcement partners the authority to prevent persons and vessels from intentionally blocking the channel and ensures the safe passage of the vessel.”

A press release issued today from Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office addresses the specifics of enforcement. “The security zone will be enforced one hour prior to Kaunakakai Harbor entries and departures by the passenger vessel Safari Explorer. Notice of the zone’s activation will be provided by broadcast notices to mariners and the display of a red flag at the Kaunakakai Harbor Master’s building.”

The governor’s press release also announces a community meeting to present the security plan for the resumption of port calls by American Safari Cruises. It will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, at Mitchell Pau’ole Community Center in Kaunakakai.

Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila will be joined at this meeting by officials from the state Department of Transportation, the Maui County Police and the U.S. Coast Guard who oversee and ensure environmental, public and navigational safety in the harbor. Aila and the DLNR have been in discussions with ASC and community members to negotiate this issue on behalf of the state.

The rule establishing the security zone around Kaunakakai Harbor goes into effect at 11 p.m. on Jan. 19 and continues through 9 a.m. May 15. During this time, entry into the temporary security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Honolulu, or her designated representatives.

A 21-day comment period begins today on this new rule. Comments and materials related to this ruling can be submitted to the Coast Guard on or before Feb. 3.

You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2011-1159 using any one of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
2. Fax: (202) 493-2251.
3. Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
4. Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

If you have questions on this temporary rule call or email Lieutenant Commander Scott O. Whaley, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 808-522-8264 (ext. 352), email Scott.O.Whaley@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

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Hoolehua boy sustains injuries in tractor accident

Posted on January 12, 2012 by molokainews

A 4-year-old Hoolehua boy is now in stable condition at Queens Medical Center after sustaining injuries yesterday in a tractor accident.

Maui Medevac helicopter on its way to Molokai to pick up injured 4-year-old boy. Photo courtesy of MauiNow.com


Elijah Huff Jr. was riding on the tractor being driven by his grandfather, Walter Mendes, on Wednesday near the Molokai Airport, according to Maui Police. The boy stepped off the tractor when it stopped. Mendes tried to reach for the boy but his foot slipped off the clutch and he ran over his grandson. Police say it was an accident.

Emergency crews responded to the scene at 5:11 p.m. Wednesday. Fire officials said Elijah was flown to Honolulu with life-threatening injuries. Police said Thursday he was in stable condition.

Elijah’s grandmother, Kathy Mendes, said today that he was awake and alert during transportation. At the airport Elijah even gave a shaka to the emergency responders, according to Mendes.

Elijah was injured on the left side of his body, said Mendes. In the first CAT scan taken, bleeding behind the eye was noticed. A second scan was taken later and no bleeding or other injuries were observed.

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New effort launched to combat wildlife crimes in Hawaii

Posted on January 11, 2012 by molokainews


The Humane Society of the United States and Hawaii DLNR Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement inaugurate reward tip line as total rewards grows to $30,000 in monk seal killings

HSUS and DLNR News Release

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust announced new efforts to support the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement’s work to combat poaching and designated wildlife-related crimes by sponsoring a toll-free, confidential reward tip line, 1-855-DLNR-TIP.

A reward of up to $30,000, the largest of its kind in Hawaii, is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for monk seal killings on Molokai.


The statewide tip line will allow citizens to confidentially report information about poaching crimes to law enforcement. The HSUS will offer $2,500 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for specific, predetermined cases.

The first case under this new reward program and tip line involves three monk seals killed on Molokai and a fourth monk seal found killed on Kauai. Necropsies performed on three of the four seals confirmed the deaths were suspicious. The fourth case is pending additional information. Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call the confidential reward tip line.

Along with The HSUS’s $2,500 reward offering, the Conservation Council for Hawaii, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Marine Conservation Institute are collectively offering $2,500 for each incident. A generous anonymous local donor has offered to match these rewards, bringing the reward total up to $30,000, or $10,000 per seal.

“We are pleased to support the critical work of DOCARE by funding a reward program and tip line for information on illegal wildlife-related offenses,” said Inga Gibson, Hawaii state director for The HSUS. “We must be a voice for these innocent animal victims and encourage anyone with information to please call the confidential tip line.”

“Monk seals are a vital part of Hawaii’s marine ecosystems,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “The intentional killing of any monk seal is not only illegal, it is inexcusable environmentally and culturally.”

“We thank The HSUS for their sponsorship of this new program to help protect Hawaii’s precious wildlife,” said Randy Awo, DOCARE chief. “Our hope is that the reward program will deter future wildlife crimes and also encourage the community to become more involved in protecting our environment and reporting wildlife offenses.”

Wildlife officials estimate that tens of millions of animals are poached annually nationwide, but less than 5 percent of poached animals come to the attention of law enforcement. Wildlife officials report that poachers often commit other crimes as well.

For more information about this current reward posting visit humanesociety.org/Hawaii.

Monk Seal Facts:

• Hunted to the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, Hawaiian monk seal populations have been declining since modern surveying due to human interactions such as intentional killing, marine debris and fishing gear entanglement, disease and loss of habitat.

• Hawaiian monk seals are one of the world’s most endangered animals, with population estimates less than 1,100. Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to Hawaii and found nowhere else in the world.

• In June 2010, the Legislature passed Act 165, specifically to increase penalties for taking (which is defined to include harassing or killing) a monk seal. It’s a Class C felony (up to five years imprisonment). Someone convicted under this law could face a maximum fine of $50,000. Monk seals are also protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it a crime to kill or harm a Hawaiian monk seal.

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Molokai produces four champions at local MIL wrestling meet

Posted on January 10, 2012 by molokainews

Molokai High School played host to wrestlers from four Maui schools in the annual Maui Interscholastic League round robin event held at The Barn Friday and Saturday.

Senior Mikayla Pico earned first place in 103-pound 'A' division Saturday at The Barn.


Lahainaluna, which brought the largest team of 27 wrestlers, led the way with 11 champions.

The Lady Farmers won three weight divisions, more than any other school. Team scores were not kept during the event.

Molokai’s Mikayla Pico won the 103-pound A division with a win over Kiana Soloria of Kamehameha Maui. In the 103B division, Tiandra Negrillo-Magsayo of Molokai took first place. Charisse Manley in the 130-pound class was the other local girl to win her division.

Other local girls earning points were Kaila’oe Cabanting, second place, 108-pounds; Sierra Pico, third place, 114 pounds; Rizpah Torres-Umi, second place, 125 pounds; and Saydee Semitara-Makaiwi, second place at 140 pounds.

Kailen Inouye was the only Molokai boy champion at the event, taking first place in the 135-pound class, beating out Lorenzo Angel of King Kekaulike. Noah Caparida, Molokai, took third place in the same weight class.

Alika Ka’ahanui and Sonny Balbas took second and third place respectively for the Farmers at 120 pounds. Jordan Gorospe placed second for Molokai at 125 pounds.

At 140 pounds, Molokai’s Daniel Bicoy took second place. Shauden Pedro placed second while Solomon Maliu finished third for Molokai at 160 pounds.

Behind Lahainaluna High School, Maui High School brought the second largest team with 23 wrestlers. Molokai had the third largest team followed by Kamehameha Maui and King Kekaulike.

Filed under: News, Schools, Sports | 1 Comment »

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