The Molokai Dispatch
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
By Brandon Roberts
In the wake of the Molokai Ranch closure, the Friendly Isle's economic future rests in the hands of the community. State, county, and local representatives were brought together to find short and long-term approaches to economic stability, and assist the Ranch employees.
The Molokai Action Team (MAT) was created by Governor Linda Lingle and facilitated by Abbey Mayer, the newly appointed Director of the Hawaii Office of Planning. MAT held its first meeting, which was open to the public, April 7 at Kulana `Oiwi.
"The function of this group is not to be dictating to Molokai what should happen," Mayer explained. "What happens here must be from the bottom up."
The team consists of 13 state, county, and community officials, whose kuleana is workforce development and job creation for Molokai.
"The main advantages I see this action team bringing are collaborations among different levels of the community and government," Mayer said, relying on community leaders for public outreach.
Maui County Councilman Danny Mateo believes the success of MAT begins with the inclusion of the Molokai residents. Mateo believes Molokai should be the piko of Hawaiian agriculture. He suggested the state look at relocating the Department of Agriculture to Molokai.
"We need to offer a hand up, not a hand out," Mateo said, emphasizing that many unfilled county jobs have already been funded.
Homesteader Walter Ritte and OHA trustee Colette Machado both agreed that the state must be transparent in their inter-agency actions, as well as their dealings with the Ranch. Mayer concurred that MAT is currently limited without more information from the Ranch.
Senator J. Kalani English said there are immediate solutions that do not need legislative action. English created the Emergency Environmental Work Force and believes it can be partnered with the Nature Conservancy, and other organizations, to provide instantaneous island employment.
"There is a genuine sense of just what is at stake," English said. "What is on the table is the ability to deliver."
MAT will meet again, May 5, at 11 a.m. in the DHHL conference room at Kulana `Oiwi.
The team consists of Senator J. Kalani English, Representative Mele Carroll, OHA trustee Colette Machado, Jo-ann Ridao (Office of the Mayor), Councilman Danny Mateo, Henry Oliva (Department of Human Services), Ray Foster (Monsanto), Stacy Crivello (Molokai Enterprise Community), Barbara Kalipi (QLCC), Kammy Purdy (Ho`olehua Homestead Association), Barbara Haliniak (Molokai Chamber of Commerce), Janice Kalanihuia (Governor's Molokai Community Advisory Council), and Jimmy Duvauchelle (Maunaloa 'Ohana Community Association).
Original article URL: http://themolokaidispatch.com/node/1905