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Walter encourages community to come together
Walter Ritte
4/2/2008 4:57:11 PM
We have been forthright and consistent in our opposition to the development of La'au Point on Molokai. Throughout the entire process we have encouraged the Ranch to come back to the table to negotiate out a compromise plan, as the community had rallied around the protection of La'au.
Because of our open invitation, we were taken by surprise by the sudden closure of the Ranch operations, even though the threat of a closure and selling of the property were part of the "take it or leave it" proposal made by the Ranch. Many of us opposing the La'au development had family who worked for the Ranch, myself included, as my youngest son was a recent employee.
The Ranch has decided to close, but none of us have decided to move off of Molokai, so it is imperative that we begin the process of coming together to pick ourselves up. Our first meeting to draw up an economic development plan we can agree upon was held last Saturday by some 30 people. We formed three working committees and will be working daily and meeting weekly.
We are a unique island, a Hawaiian Island, seeking a Hawaiian future. We have good leaders who need to re-unite and push forward.
This letter is not to blame anyone, but to send a message to everyone that the closing of the Ranch need not be a half empty glass, but an opportunity to move Molokai forward. To all those who have obligations or interest in the positive future of Molokai, this is the time to act, this is the time to Lokahi, this is the time to Kokua.
Walter Ritte
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Thank you for the info,You can say one thing about Walter and his activist they are smart people, nothing better than free money.
scott
4/22/2008, 7:54:26 AM |
I believe most of them get their money from the government which is from taxpayer dollars including welfare. Walter received a $2 million dollar grant to restore the fish ponds but it never happened nor have any new jobs been created as a result of it. I think a federal investigation should be conducted to find out what happened to the funds.
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you...
4/22/2008, 5:40:09 AM |
Sorry typos
Can someone tell me where Walter and
his activist get their money from ??
S
4/21/2008, 9:35:47 AM |
Can someone tell me where Walter and
his activits get there money form ??
Scott
4/21/2008, 6:48:39 AM |
Hmm... More speculation again. I guess we'll never know since La'au point development did not get built and as a result of it, MPL closed shop. Sometimes you'll need to take a loss before you can become profitable and it looks like MPL's parent company had deep enough pockets to support MPL to profitability if their business plan (La'au) went through...
In either case, this discussion is going into a different tangent from the original subject matter of a economic and leadership plan for Molokai.
4/20/2008, 1:57:22 PM |
As far a financial stability, given MPL’s track record, it is hardly conjecture that MPL would not have reversed it’s debt load. There were no revisions in their marketing strategy and no new visionary business design that would have reversed their negative operating losses. Previously abandoned projects and a neglect of maintenance of existing infrastructures are glaring examples of their poor business practices.
4/20/2008, 1:41:47 PM |
Actually the activists had a lot to do with the failure of the La’au point development. The flaws you speak of were just another ploy to prevent the development from happening. We all know that even if MPL provided all supporting documentation to solve the mythical water shortage problem and put a fence around monk seals, the activist would never agree to a the La’au Point development. As far a financial stability, it is pure conjecture on your part that MPL would not have come out of financial debt even if the La’au point development succeeded. Skeptical or not, MPL had offered and documented the offering of 26,000 acres to the Land Trust. The activist groups had offered nothing, since they have nothing to offer except spite and malice.
Again, this goes back to the main point. Molokai’s future should not be lead by activist groups anymore than we would want a military or police state to run the island. All three groups are good for protecting, but not for providing leadership to Molokai’s future and success.
4/20/2008, 9:24:40 AM |
The reason that MPL’s plan failed had little to do with Activists. It rested on the inherent flaws within the plan which included no genuine plan or source of water infrastructure, lack of adequate protection of endangered species, and segmentation of its project which violates State Law. MPL failed to demonstrate the cumulative impact of all of their projects. MPL also failed to demonstrate how its operations would be financially sustainable and how its current operations deficit would be reversed. None of this had anything to do with threats to others or foul play of any kind. The rapid decision on the part of the LUC was on behalf of MPL’s poor planning. Furthermore, most people remain skeptical in regard to the Land Trust of which 26,000 acres is supposed to be granted to. This is basically the same group that has mismanaged the Molokai EC and have continuously voted down a community referendum to decide whether or not the community actually supports La’au.
4/20/2008, 7:48:58 AM |
With all due respect, MPL’s Master Plan was a proposal to seek community support to build on less than 1,500 acres of their land at La’au point. In exchange, they had offered to donate and preserve more than 24,000 acres of their significant property back to the community as a land trust, rebuild the Kaluakoi hotel, create 100’s of new jobs, and pump $10-million dollars back into Molokai’s economy. If this went through, MPL could have returned back to profitability and would not have shut down its operations or lay-off 120 loyal employees. I do not understand why you said you were surprised since MPL stated they would be forced to do this if La’au Point did not go through. Your counter-proposal was to accept everything that MPL had to offer except NO LA’AU Point Development, which is exactly what MPL’s compromise was all about. It seems that actually your 'Aole La’au campaign was the true “take it or leave it” proposal. Although you state “This letter is not to blame anyone”, it is obvious that you are blaming MPL for this misfortune, however your 'Aole La’au group must take some responsibility since it did contribute to MPL’s downfall. In spite of all this, MPL’s recent gift of 1,600 acres of the most environmentally significant land along Mo’omomi and Illio Point further signifies that maybe they are not the dark and unfair evil property owners of Molokai land. I do agree that Molokai must move forward and it is absolutely time for change in Molokai! Leadership cannot be based on negativity and the mockery of others that do not accept what they believe in. Leadership should not be hostile. We should not be concerned by threats of harm, property damage, punishment, embarrassment, or verbal abuse if you do not follow or relent to false leadership needs. Likewise, the community must rise up, speak up, and contemplate whether we want to continue having antagonistic activist groups leading Molokai’s direction or a peaceful group of advocates that desire a balanced future which include preservation, growth, cultural sensitivity, equal opportunity for all Molokai citizens, sustainability, and most importantly, the opportunity for the children of Molokai to succeed in Molokai.
4/18/2008, 11:03:07 PM |
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