The past year marked a turning point and a new beginning in the life of the Moloka`i EC in four ways. First, the board determined that in the best interest of the EC, it should end its contract with the original lead entity, Moloka`i Community Service Council (MCSC). Operating without staff services for a year, volunteer board members were able to achieve standing as an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

Second, the board made notable progress in the development of board capacity. Board members have become aggressively more self-reliant, looking to themselves and increasingly engaging task leaders and community partners to accomplish goals. Members are actively and personally involved in the monitoring and evaluation of projects in a systematic way that they have developed and are continuing to refine. And rather than seeking task leaders for a slate of projects, the board made a decision to focus on projects that are not only aligned with broad strategic plan goals, but that are driven by strong task leaders. As a result, projects that have not been moving have been set aside.

Third, the Moloka`i EC forged new inroads with broadening participation. This has been accomplished by bringing fresh voices to the board, by acting in the role of facilitator for dialogue within the community on hard issues, and by welcoming new projects.

Fourth, as a priority, the board is pursuing long-term sustainability for the Moloka`i EC. It is now exploring models and partnerships that will enable it to continue as an economic and community development organization after the designation ends.

The community vision which guides the Moloka`i Enterprise Community (EC) reflects the aspirations of our citizens who have risen to the challenges that our island faces: past, present and future. Economic independence, educational excellence, environmental stewardship, cultural diversity, health initiatives, youth leadership, arts and recreation are facets of our shared values. Charged with translating these responsibilities into dynamic measures of expression, Ke Aupuni Lokahi (KAL) faced its most serious challenge in Year 4.

The Moloka`i EC board has weathered the considerable struggles of this transitional year with persistence and dedication. These lessons have been hard won, and are among KAL’s most valuable and enduring assets. As a result, the Moloka`i EC has emerged from 2003 as an empowered organization. KAL is indebted for the assistance it received from the USDA Rural Development – Moloka`i Field Office, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Hawai’i Alliance for Community Based Economic Development, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and others.

Funding Community Initiatives

Since receiving our designation in 1998, we have partnered with over 70 private and public organizations. Reaching out with support to local leadership and projects, KAL has pledged over $300,000 in grants this year. The strength and diversity of these new partnerships will build sustainable assets and serve our community’s vision well.

Moloka`i Ohana Health Care – EC#41:
Health initiative, adopted June, 2003. This community health clinic has already leveraged our EC commitment 13:1. A long term funding commitment is promised by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Aka’ula Middle School – EC#43:
Educational excellence, adopted August, 2003. Two award winning educators are committed to building a community where students, their families and teachers are engaged in learning. The timely assistance received from an EC grant provided the traction this new project needed and enabled an accelerated planning process. Opening is scheduled for July, 2004.

Kahua Ola Hou – EC#44:
Youth program, adopted August, 2003. This EC project partners with Alu Like to develop a youth substance abuse and intervention facility. Their residential program will target Moloka`i residents age 14 to 21.Culturally appropriate activities will complement their treatment program.

Friends of Kalani’anaole – EC#45:
Cultural institution, adopted November, 2003. Renovation work is underway on this property nominated as a National Historic Place.

Northwest Erosion Project – EC#9:
Environmental stewardship, adopted October, 2003. Erosion control and fence line construction have begun in several areas to protect and propagate endangered plant species. Watershed protection activities are intended to minimize the runoff which negatively impacts shoreline and reef areas.

Community Based Compatible Development – EC#47:
Economic independence, adopted September, 2003. KAL, DHHL, Moloka`i Ranch and others have joined a community based partnership to explore compatible development issues on their 64,000 acres.

*Disclaimer Notice

Molokai EC Summary Page    Molokai EC Funding Page 

Main Map    EZ/EC Home Page