Mar 25th, 2008
This is a somewhat sad day for Moloka’i as they have just yesterday received an announcement that will bring about drastic change…
Moloka’i Ranch announced that they will be closing down by the end of the month, thus leaving an estimate of 120 Moloka’i residents without employment.
Many of these employees have just begun to settle down here by recently buying houses and cars. They are now left to without jobs, and having to start over.
What exactly is being closed?
Moloka’i Ranch operations that will be closing down include the Moloka’i Lodge in Maunaloa Town, Kalua Koi Golf Course, Kaupoa Beach Village, the Maunaloa Wallace tri-plex theater (which happens to be the only theater on the island), cattle rearing/ranching, and maintenance.
Why is Moloka’i Ranch closing down?
According to CEO Peter Nicholas, the closing is due to “…unacceptable delays caused by continued opposition to every aspect of the master plan means we are unable to fund continued normal company operations…”. Nicholas was making reference to the La’au project (a plan to build a couple of hundred luxury homes at La’au Point) which was greatly opposed by some residents.
A Time of Change & Adjustment
We would like to hear what you think about this situation as Moloka’i residents, Hawaii residents, or for those just following the story. Please feel free to leave your comments below…
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Tags: maunaloa town, Molokai, molokai lodge, molokai ranch
Molokai brings to my mind thoughts of Hawaiiana of old, like Niihau, even though the closest I been was from crossing the Pailolo Channel. I still think of it as mysterious and natural, so I’d like to believe it doesn’t have to be another luxury tourist resort development. Some people see the natural world as a finished masterpiece. Some see it as a blank canvas. It sounds like the locals have given their opinion on what world they want to be in.
This is a fresh start. The people of Molokai have spoken and got what they have asked for. I hope Mr. Ritte has a plan for all the people who have followed him off the cliff. It’s almost funny. Things always happen for a reason. Well at least they can still rent videos and buy microwave popcorn at Mango market. Gas is available still in Kaunakakai 21 miles west of Maunaloa. I hope That Mr. Peter Nicholas is proud of himself.