Molokai Ranch to close, lay off 120

Uncle Jimmy Duvauchelle runs a string of horses for visitors to ride at The Lodge at Molokai Ranch.

[Adobo man]

No more Molokai Canoe Race

[Big Okole]

120 people lost their jobs each of which has a family.

I bet that there are less than 120 people who opposed this project.

[keoninui]

Well Walter Ritte and his hoods got their wish. Molokai only or bust. The "Bust" is here and the crying begins, but they will survive. Plenty of fish in the ocean and Taro patches on the land. "No worry Brah."

[Joann Mattos]

This move is so sad for the people of Molokai. I can feel their despair and hopelessness. But you know progress and growth is okay as long as it's controlled and people of Molokai you have that power through your Senator and Councilman. For your survival its okay to give because I know in your heart Molokai Ranch has been a good provider.

[tommy z]

what a shame.good luck to all my friends on molokai

[Aiea]

Wop Ritte's jaws. Now what, you dumb Hawaiian?

[MauiSlugbug]

I visited Molokai several years ago. I'm a local boy, yet I've never felt so unwelcome during my short stay on The Friendly Isle. I feel sorry for the folks who will lose their jobs. However, many people on Molokai have been so antioutsider, antibusiness and antidevelopment, Molokai Ranch's decision to close shop should have been expected.

[Concerned]

Its good to be self sufficient, Walter
but try it without State and Federal
aid . IF YOU WANT TO BE BACK IN THE 10TH CENTURY DO IT BY YOUR SELF.

[Campbell grad 73]

MauiSlugbug wrote:

I visited Molokai several years ago. I'm a local boy, yet I've never felt so unwelcome during my short stay on The Friendly Isle. I feel sorry for the folks who will lose their jobs. However, many people on Molokai have been so antioutsider, antibusiness and antidevelopment, Molokai Ranch's decision to close shop should have been expected.

I'm sorry that you met some of what you saw as unfriendliness on Molokai. I was there in 1971 in the summer picking pineapple for Dole, and met no one who did not give aloha to me and the others working this temp summer job, whether locals from other islands or the Mormon boys brought over. I ended up in the hospital in Kaunakakai overnight, and had the best medical care I have had anywhere. The island is nothing but beauty, with all of the green and the blue of the ocean and the brown sands along the beaches. Again, the people that I was fortunate to meet during my stay would do anything for you if you needed help, and it was more ohana on that island than anywhere else I have ever lived. This is such a blow to the people of a beautiful island because of the business of greed that has ripped our society in all states.
To the wonderful residents that I met, to my ohana, I wish you nothing but luck trying to make your life livable on that beautiful island, and give you fond aloha for what you gave me so many years ago.
Mahalo and aloha to you all.

[Steve]

This is only the BEGINNING for Hawaii! The anti-growth, anti-capitalism DEMOCRAT hallmarks. Many folks are starting to see the hateful attitude for "outsiders" that many in Hawaii show. If you doubt me just log on to the Web sites and listen to the Racist, anti growth, anti capitalism fly. Too bad the pro jobs, pro growth folks do not speak out!

[Go Warriors]

well, they asked for it. if they hate molokai ranch so much, they should be happy that they're shutting down, not bitter. right?

[halemalu]

here is my prediction: a windfarm. they have already offered to buy land for it. this would provide electricity to oahu.
there aren't enough places for visitors to stay. folks should be allowed to open their doors to visitors. now they are talking about ways to permit that. in the meantime, bring a tent.

much of the ranch's accommodations sat empty for years, but they charged some 300 per night. rather leave the rooms empty than make them affordable makes no sense to me.

[Dan]

Steve wrote:

This is only the BEGINNING for Hawaii! The anti-growth, anti-capitalism DEMOCRAT hallmarks. Many folks are starting to see the hateful attitude for "outsiders" that many in Hawaii show. If you doubt me just log on to the Web sites and listen to the Racist, anti growth, anti capitalism fly. Too bad the pro jobs, pro growth folks do not speak out!

You need to read up a little more. Not everyone was anti-growth! The key was responsible growth that was compatible with the lifestyle on the island. An internationally owned company is now punishing the locals.

[Milmgr]

I'll bet Molokai Ranch just gained 120 new supporters,if they weren't already,for their development plans.

[molo]

Almost every community in the U.S. has had some regrets over some part of their development. THIS is not anti growth or anti capitalist. It is wishing that progress was done with more thoughtfullness as to the ramifications. And racism inhabits the minds of those who perceive it as the cause for all problems, yeah? Moloka'i needs a sound business plan. The State and powerbrands like OHA need to get more involved, if they are not already. At this point, the inhabitants have been relegated to the roles of pawns by environmentalists/activists and BIG money (BIL. Enough already. Molokai'i needs our attention.

Aloha

[Go Warriors]

Concerned wrote:

Its good to be self sufficient, Walter
but try it without State and Federal
aid . IF YOU WANT TO BE BACK IN THE 10TH CENTURY DO IT BY YOUR SELF.

exactly. we should totally cut off molokai from government resources, since none of them pay taxes anyway. if anything, THEY'RE THE ONES WHO TAKE AND NO GIVE!!!

[Go Warriors]

Steve wrote:

Too bad the pro jobs, pro growth folks do not speak out!

that's because they're too busy working and doind something productive for themselves and the economy. and they have more class than to protest and tell other people what to do with their own land/money.

[Whats up buttercup]

Steve wrote:

This is only the BEGINNING for Hawaii! The anti-growth, anti-capitalism DEMOCRAT hallmarks. Many folks are starting to see the hateful attitude for "outsiders" that many in Hawaii show. If you doubt me just log on to the Web sites and listen to the Racist, anti growth, anti capitalism fly. Too bad the pro jobs, pro growth folks do not speak out!

Capitolism doesn't work anymore. There are too many people in the world for there to be rich people. In fact, I will go so far as to say that being wealthy is immoral. To have more than what you really need in the face of so much povery and desperation is nothing that I want on my conscious. Watching developers bully communities on Molokai and Kauai is driven by the current "Politics of Greed" and not the "Politics of Community". Communities would be far more open to growth and jobs if they felt they were benefitting an area and not just going to make some developer even wealthier while reducing their quality of life. There has to be a balance established between community and growth that our current capitalistic approach is incapable of achieving.

[A PRAGMATIST]

Concern for the environment, heritage, and history are fine, and should be respected. But the other side of the coin is that businesses like Molokai Ranch cannot be expected to lose millions of dollars, year over year, without any relief in sight. The smart man will weight the consequences and know what the economic penalties will be.....I am sorry for the people who will be losing their jobs, but the fault lies not with the ranch but with people like Walter Ritte.

[Stan]

When your out go,
Is more than your income,
Your up keep,
Will be your down fall.