The Moloka’i Enterprise Community moved forward seventeen projects outlined in its 10-year strategic plan. The EC Governance Board has focused on seeking strong, committed task leaders. It has also acted as task leader for two major new projects: 1) the creation of a community land trust involving nearly one third of the island of Moloka’i, and 2) the reopening of the Kaluakoi Resort, that once employed over 100 residents. EC funds have been used by all projects to leverage funding from other partners. Activity highlights include:

• A community based, master land use planning process with the island’s largest landholder to protect and enhance Moloka’i’s environment. This project resulted in a historic donation of 55,000 acres for a conservation land trust, currently being incorporated as a non-profit organization .
• A community development corporation for a separate community land trust is being incorporated and will focus on affordable housing and economic development. This organization will continue the efforts begun by the Molokai EC after the designation expires, and sources of sustainable funding have been identified. Both the land trusts are being assisted by experts within Hawaii as well as national experts.
• A USDA-RD funded project to link existing and new businesses with the reopening of the island’s largest resort, thereby strengthening local entrepreneurship. Reopening of the resort will also result in restoring 100 jobs .
• Meeting the health needs of the community while creating jobs through the expansion of the Community Health Center to include a dental facility. The federally qualified center, opened in 2004, brings stable and much needed care, targeted to the underserved. It currently adds approximately 3 million dollars to Molokai’s economy annually.
• Development of a visitor plan for tourism on Molokai founded on the perspective, resources, and desires of the local community and visitor industry. In the second phase of this project, a visitor coordinator will be hired for implementation of the plan .
• Bringing fire safety to federal standards through support of a project to secure a fire truck and equipment and by facilitating land for a new fire station. The opening of a youth substance abuse and violence intervention center that provides rehabilitation through ho’oponopono (Native Hawaiian mediation).
• Capacity building and community outreach for potential sub-grantees of EC funds with the creation of the EC Grant Solicitation Manual to improve the procedures for soliciting, receiving, evaluating, and approving grants.
• Community participation, especially among the kupuna (elder) community, in the continued restoration of Kalani’anaole Hall—an historic preservation site that volunteers are restoring as a community gathering place.
• The Education Coordinator benchmark was reactivated to establish a leadership structure on Molokai that will promote education from birth to adulthood and improve the coordination and collaboration required for the effective delivery of educational services.

*Disclaimer Notice

Molokai EC Summary Page    Molokai EC Funding Page 

Main Map    EZ/EC Home Page