STATE APPROVES $5 MILLION FOR THE KALAUPAPA MEMORIAL
On the morning of June 2, 2007, Kalaupapa visionary Bernard K. Punikai‘a picked up his pen and signed a personal check for $500. It was the first donation for the Kalaupapa Memorial that would list the names of the nearly 8,000 people sent to Kalaupapa.
“These are my people,” Bernard proudly said.
On September 15, 2018, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa President Boogie Kahilihiwa picked up his pen and signed a check for $5,000 for the Memorial the donation was from he and his wife, Ivy.
“This is for all of our people,” Boogie said softly as he wrote the check.
On June 29, 2022, Governor David Ige picked up his pen and signed into law a bill passed by the Hawai‘i State Legislature that appropriates $5 million for planning and construction of the Memorial.
The Memorial had reached a milestone.
Bernard Punikai‘a (right) makes the first donation to the Kalaupapa Memorial in 2007 with his closest friend, Wally Inglis, at his side.
Photo: Valerie Monson
Boogie and Ivy Kahilihiwa as King and Queen of Aloha Week at Kalaupapa.
Photo: Rafael Torres
Continued on page 6
Governor David Ige signs into law the bill appropriating $5 million to build the Memorial. (Full caption inside).
Photo: Courtesy of the Office of Governor David Ige
kalaupapaohana.org
“E Ho‘ohanohano a E Ho‘omau. . . . . . To Honor and To Perpetuate”
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa Board of Directors
In Memoriam
Bernard K. Punikai‘a Chairman of the Board, 2004-2009
Kuulei Bell President, 2004-2009
Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa President, 2009-2021
A Message from Our President
He ‘a‘ali‘i ku makani mai au; ‘a‘ohe makani nana e kula‘i. I am a wind-resisting ‘a‘ali‘i; no gale can push me over. A boast meaning “I can hold my own even in the face of difficulties.” The ‘a‘ali‘i bush can stand the worst of gales, twisting and bending but seldom breaking off or falling over.
Kawena Pukui
‘Ōlelo No‘eau, Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings
As we reflect on this past year, we cannot help but be grateful for the sacrifices our ancestors have made like the a’ali’i, strong and resilient in the midst of difficulty. Separated from their loved ones, stripped away from their ability to parent their babies, our ancestors who were sent to Kalaupapa found a way to live through adversity and build heroic lives.
On April 5, 2022, 10-year-old Nainoa Woodward, greatgreat grandson of David and Alana Kamahana and my oldest son spoke in front of the State House Finance Committee that designated $5 million for the design and construction of the Kalaupapa Memorial, a key step in getting the bill approved and signed into law.
Charmaine Woodward with her father, Aaron Wong, and son Nainoa in Senate Chambers of the Hawai‘i State Legislature. Aaron Wong’s mother, Maihui Kamahana, was one of the children born to David and Alana Kamahana at Kalaupapa.
process of healing generations of impact. Mahalo nui to all those who supported this endeavor and those who continue to support the creation of this monumental memorial.
Our masthead was designed by Kalaupapa artist Henry Nalaielua. Newsletter editor: Valerie Monson Design: Yellowbird Graphic Design Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa P.O. Box 1111 Kalaupapa, Hawai‘i 96742 email: info@kalaupapaohana.org www.kalaupapaohana.org ©2022 Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
Nainoa said: “The memorial is a representative of patients of Kalaupapa and how they were resilient and strong as the A’ali’i tree, and how they persevered through adversity. The memory of them is now in our hearts and needs to be shared with the world. A memorial can help us heal and connect to our kūpuna.”
The memorial is an opportunity for ‘ohana to walk the footsteps their ancestors walked, feel that history, gather, seek information of their ‘ohana, hear the stories, learn about their ‘ohana’s journey, share with others, and begin the
We look forward to the new year filled with opportunities to grow through adversity, connect with our kūpuna, remember those who came before us, and build the foundation for generations to come. Join us on this historic journey to honor our kūpuna by completing our Kalaupapa memorial.
Aloha nui,
2
Photo: Courtesy Charmaine Woodward
Charmaine Woodward, President
Mary
Charmaine Woodward President
Pauline Ahulau Chow Vice President
DeGray Vanderbilt Secretary
Gloria Marks Director
Sister Davilyn Ah Chick Director
Lorna Catalani Director
Debbie Collard Director
Kehaulani Lum Director
Valerie Monson Director & Executive Director
Monica Lee Loy Morris Director
Looking Back at Beginnings of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
2023 MARKS OUR
Anniversary
In the summer of 2003, calls went out from Kalaupapa to family members and friends about an upcoming twoday workshop to form an organization that would unite them all.
As the day arrived, no one knew how many people would attend. 10? 25? Maybe 35?
Leaders were astonished on the morning of August 4 as they watched the crowd file in to McVeigh Hall: 70 people in all, including 20 Kalaupapa residents, 15 family members and 35 friends of the community, staff workers and clergy.
“Seeing all of you here today does my heart good,” said a proud Bernard K. Punikai‘a who initiated the workshop and the organization that emerged: Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa.
Because more people attended than were expected, food ran out by the end of the first day. Boogie and Ivy Kahilihiwa hurried down to the Kalaupapa Store to buy rice, pasta and mayonnaise. Nellie McCarthy, Pauline Chow and Ellen Storm Rycraft stayed up late, baking desserts for the
next day. Friendly Market on upper Molokai flew down what other food was needed.
The challenge made things that much more fun, everyone pitching in, laughing and sharing. Those from outside Kalaupapa slept where they could: Visitors Quarters and Wilcox Hall were packed. Others enjoyed a slumber party atmosphere on cots and futons at the cozy Protestant Social Hall. A few were hosted by the Franciscan nuns at Bishop Home, some bunked with their ‘ohana.
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa was born.
The year 2023 marks our 20th anniversary, a remarkable achievement for a grassroots organization whose founding leaders have now nearly all passed away, a nonprofit that has grown because of the descendants of Kalaupapa.
Next year we will be taking a closer look at the accomplishments of the ‘Ohana. You can also find a list on our website: www.kalaupapaohana.org.
None of this would have been
possible without all of us coming together. Mahalo to each of you for our collective success. We are nearly 20 years old!
3
Jean Shimose, a founding member of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, arranges flowers for the grave of her Uncle Kenso Seki. Photo: Wayne Levin
Kalaupapa residents, family members and friends gather in 2003 at McVeigh Hall in Kalaupapa to organize Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. Photo: Wayne Levin
A January to Remember
New Year’s Day of 2022 brought another new dawn: the first January designated by the State of Hawai‘i as Kalaupapa Month. Because of the efforts of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, Kalaupapa Month will be observed annually across Hawai‘i Nei.
“Kalaupapa Month is a time for us to talk about the people of Kalaupapa and remember them,” said Pua Akamu whose parents were at Kalaupapa. “It wasn’t that long ago when we couldn’t talk about them, couldn’t talk about our ‘ohana who were there.”
Pua’s parents, Lucy Maunu and Johnny Kaona, met at Kalaupapa where they fell in love, married and had three children —each of
whom was taken away at birth, causing a lifetime of mixed emotions for them all, everlasting love with the pain of separation
“Kalaupapa Month means a lot to me,” Pua continued through tears. “I just want to make sure they are never forgotten. I want people to know who they were, how they lived.
To bring Kalaupapa Month to her home on Hawai‘i Island, Pua arranged 12 small coral stones bunched together near the entryway to represent the first 12 people affected by leprosy who were sent to the peninsula on January 6, 1866. Nearly a year later, the 12 stones remain in place, a constant reminder to pause and reflect no matter the month.
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa selected January as Kalaupapa Month because of the number of significant dates that occurred throughout history during January.
4
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa honored for Kalaupapa Month at the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation awards banquet, Oct. 20, 2022. From right: Kehaulani Lum, Roy Catalani, Lorna Catalani, Hitoshi Hida, DeGray Vanderbilt, Charmaine Woodward, Solomon Woodward, Monica Bacon.
Photo: Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.
The 12 coral stones arranged by Pua Akamu outside her family home.
Our First Kalaupapa
Photo: Courtesy Pua Akamu
First Kalaupapa Month
The initial Kalaupapa Month was highlighted by newspaper articles and television reports that featured interviews with Kalaupapa descendants, webinars that focused on the people and history and church services where Kalaupapa was remembered with prayer and music.
On January 6, 2022 a day Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is calling Remembrance Day in honor of those first 12 people sent in 1866 the residents of Kalaupapa gathered at the harbor for a solemn service that ended with everyone tossing blossoms into the sea. Elsewhere, families made a point to come together to talk about their Kalaupapa ancestors. Some people walked three miles the distance the first 12 people walked after landing at Kalaupapa to reach the original settlement of Kalawao. Perhaps the most creative commemoration of Kalaupapa Month came from the hands and lawnmower blades of Sister Barbara Jean Wajda, one of two Franciscan nuns living at Bishop Home at Kalaupapa. Sister Barbara Jean boldly and beautifully cut Kalaupapa Month into their front yard. So proud was the community that the State Department of Health arranged for an unforgettable photograph taken from a hydraulic lift.
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation was equally impressed with Kalaupapa Month, presenting Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa with a Preservation Award for establishing this annual event.
In informing Ka ‘Ohana of the honor, HHF Executive Director Kiersten Faulkner wrote: “Kalaupapa Month will be a way to bring the people of Kalaupapa back into their own history and to make sure their legacy lives on. We congratulate Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa on their exemplary preservation efforts.”
It was the seventh Preservation Award HHF has bestowed upon Ka ‘Ohana.
How will you observe Kalaupapa Month? Please share your ideas at info.kalaupapa@gmail.com
Kalaupapa Month celebrated on the lawn of Bishop Home at Kalaupapa. Photo courtesy: Sisters Alicia Damien Lau and Barbara Jean Wajda
Coming up in 2023:
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is reaching out to teachers, librarians and church leaders to include Kalaupapa in their January activities. If we haven’t contacted you, please get in touch. We will have a Kalaupapa Month link on our website with a brochure that describes the significant dates that took place in January throughout history as well as events for January, 2023, as they become scheduled. The best thing you can do to prepare: Read Kalaupapa: A Collective Memory by Anwei Law (pictured below).
5
State of Hawai‘i Appropriates $5 Million to
Sadly enough, Bernard and Boogie had died by the time of the Governor’s action, but their presence and the presence of so many others could be felt during the ceremony.
“It is my hope that this will be a testament to the resilience of the residents of Kalaupapa and their determination,” said the Governor. “In spite of the situation, they continued to live out their lives.”
Ige’s message at the bill-signing ceremony was from the heart.
“I know the Memorial has been decades in the making and I really wanted to thank all the advocates, for their persistence and commitment, to those who were in Kalaupapa,” he said.
The legislative action was spearheaded by Senators Lynn DeCoite and Brian Taniguchi who attended the ceremony. Ige thanked them for shepherding the bill through the Legislature to reach his desk. In the State
House, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa found a champion in Finance Chair Sylvia Luke.
During the 2022 session, all lawmakers as well as Ige were impressed with the perseverance of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa over the many years and with the impassioned, personal testimonies of so many descendants and friends of Kalaupapa.
Those who testified in writing or in person ranged in age from 10 to 98.
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa Executive Director Valerie Monson remembered the apology resolution adopted by the Legislature nearly 15 years earlier that was the idea of the late Kalaupapa leader Paul Harada and proposed by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. This resolution thanked the people of Kalaupapa for their sacrifices and apologized to them and to their families for the pain of the separation and the many injustices they all wrongly experienced for so very long.
Continued from page 1 6
“I know the Memorial has been decades in the making and I really wanted to thank all the advocates, for their persistence and commitment, to those who were in Kalaupapa.”
— Governor DaviD Y. iGe
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa gathers around the future site of the Kalaupapa Memorial for our traditional Circle of Remembrance. Photo: Wayne Levin
Caption from Page One: Governor David Ige flanked by Senators Brian Taniguchi and Lynn DeCoite, and, from left: Valerie Monson; UH President David Lassner; Danette Wong Tomiyasu, State Department of Health; DeGray Vanderbilt; Hitoshi Hida; Nainoa Woodward; Margaret Wong and Aaron Wong.
Million to Build the Kalaupapa Memorial
“It was a powerful statement from the Legislature when they adopted that,” said Valerie. “The Kalaupapa Memorial feels like an extension of this resolution: putting those words into action.
Our Path Forward
Now that $5 million has been appropriated to build the Kalaupapa Memorial. . . can we sit back and relax?
If only we could.
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa still relies on this year-end newsletter with our green donation envelopes to provide the foundation for our operations and programs. We hope you will consider returning your envelope with a contribution.
Fundraising for the Kalaupapa Memorial continues, too. Once the
“The Kalaupapa Memorial will be a lasting symbol of justice where the names of the people of Kalaupapa will forever live on.”
Memorial is dedicated, it will need to be continually maintained until the endowment is sufficient to sustain the costs. Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa has long said the Memorial is a $10 million project $5 million for building the Memorial and $5 million for an endowment which will guarantee the Memorial is kept up and that the names of the people of Kalaupapa are lovingly cared for.
A local foundation has generously offered to help with maintenance of the Memorial until the endowment is sufficient . We hope
others
is just as significant as
Onward!
7
families, philanthropists and large donors will realize that the endowment
the construction fund.
Kehaulani Lum arranges plumeria blossoms around the base of an ahu built by descendants at the place where the Memorial will be located. Photo: DeGray Vanderbilt
The Kalaupapa Memorial. Image by G70
OHA Resolution
and, as such, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supports the Memorial and its design and deems it an appropriate use of this ceded land; WHEREAS, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supports and honors Ka ‘Ohana and the patients, especially, in providing the wisdom for the way we shall commemorate those whose names will rest on the Memorial;
WHEREAS, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs recognizes the importance of the relationships, and that emotional ties between past and present patients and generations of ‘ohana members are deeply sensitive matters; and,
The
OHA APPLAUDS THE KALAUPAPA MEMORIAL
Support for the Kalaupapa Memorial grew even more this summer when the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs adopted a powerful resolution endorsing the Memorial and the mission of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa.
The three-page resolution—signed by each of the nine Trustees — paid special attention to Ka Ohana’s
“efforts in establishing Kalaupapa’s important historic Memorial” as “an important step toward recognizing and healing the tragic harms of the past.”
The resolution also states, in part: WHEREAS, the Memorial location is on ceded lands that provide the Office of Hawaiian Affairs a stakeholder interest in the land,
WHEREAS, it is Hawaiian custom to look up to kūpuna, our elders, for guidance and instruction because of the wisdom they possess. Ka ‘Ohana has fulfilled that role.
OHA has backed Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa on other occasions. In 2009, the Trustees endorsed the Position Paper developed by Ka ‘Ohana that was submitted to Kalaupapa National Historical Park to help guide the future of Kalaupapa. OHA also hosted an exhibit produced by Ka ‘Ohana.
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa thanks OHA for this meaningful resolution. To read the full resolution, go to our website: www.kalaupapaohana.org
Remembering Colette Machado
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa would not be where we are today without the strong voice of longtime OHA Trustee Colette Machado who died May 23, 2022. Colette worked with Kalaupapa residents, family members and friends to get Ka ‘Ohana off the ground in 2003. She was a member of the first ‘Ohana Board of Directors and stood with us throughout the years. Mahalo, Colette. You will always be part of us.
8
Office of Hawaiian Affairs has worked with Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa over the years. In 2015, OHA hosted the historical exhibit produced by Ka ‘Ohana, “A Source of Light, Constant and Never-Fading,” that emphasizes the strong relationship between the ali`i and the people of Kalaupapa.
Photo: Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
Aloha ‘Oe, Robert Ho‘opi‘i
ROBERT HO‘OPI‘I
was born at Kalaupapa on February 3, 1929, but he never really felt the spirit of his parents or the land of his birth until 85 years later.
“This was the best trip,” said Robert in November, 2014, after his life-changing visit to the settlement with his family and Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. “I am fulfilled.”
Robert John Ho‘opi‘i among the last generation of children born at Kalaupapa died August 6, 2022. He was 93 and still spreading the joy he was known for.
Robert was one of seven children born to Alexander and Mary Kawai Ho‘opi‘i at Kalaupapa. A painful policy at that time required that all babies be taken from their parents at birth and placed in a nursery. Most of those children were later sent to Honolulu where they would be cared for at an orphanage or by relatives.
Young Robert was admitted to the Kalihi Boys Home near what is now Pier 39 on Nimitz Highway. Already blessed with a sunny disposition, he adjusted to his new life and wound up with mostly happy memories during his days at the orphanage side-by-side his older brother, Eddie.
Robert grew up to become a hard worker, champion boxer, fisherman, farmer, falsetto singer and most importantly a family man. He and
his wife, Elizabeth, had six children, all of whom would know their grandfather Alex and their Kalaupapa roots.
Robert’s mother died when he was an infant. As an adult, he would eventually travel to Kalaupapa to visit his father and a brother, Alex Jr. However, it was not until 2014 nearly 50 years after they had died that Robert would find healing and feel truly at home.
After attending a presentation by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, Robert made plans to visit with his sons, Lopaka and Kauhi, and Lopaka’s wife, Jenn. He was expecting to find sadness, cemeteries and unanswered questions. Instead, he was surrounded by the love of Kalaupapa residents who were excited to welcome him back into the ‘ohana and share their memories.
“This is the first trip I ever did to see what’s it’s really like to know about Dad and Mom and all my brothers,” he said. “It’s like returning home after 85 years.”
Aloha ‘oe, Robert.
9
Alexander Ho‘opi‘i with his children during one of his visits to Honolulu. Young Robert is at the lower right.
Photo: Courtesy of Lopaka Ho‘opi‘i
Robert Ho‘opi‘i (second from left) with sons Lopaka and Kauhi and grandson Lokahi (far right) on the porch of the home of Robert’s father, Alexander Ho‘opi‘i. Photo: Wayne Levin
Kalaupapa Residents Voice Their Support
In Spirit We
YOU HAVE TO KNOW THEIR NAMES
Since 1985, the people of Kalaupapa have wanted a Memorial to remember and honor each and every one of them. Kalaupapa leader Paul Harada had that original idea for a Memorial that was embraced by his fellow residents. In 2006, a petition signed by nearly every Kalaupapa resident was presented to the US Congress in support of the Memorial that would display all the names.
The residents shown here are some of those who so eloquently and powerfully expressed their desire for a Memorial. Although each of them has passed away, the dream they presented to Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa remains alive.
“Yes, the State of Hawai‘i should put up a monument for the patients of Kalaupapa. The State of Hawai‘i should thank all of those people who were sent to Kalaupapa for giving up all that they had they gave up everything. . . “
Paul Harada, master fisherman, diver and gardener who was admitted to Kalaupapa in 1945.
Photo: Valerie Monson
“I want to see a monument honoring the people of Kalaupapa before I die.
I want to see all the names. These people are my friends even though many of them died before I came here and I didn’t know them personally, in spirit we are all together. I know their hearts and souls.”
— Olivia Breitha, author, sent to Kalaupapa in 1937. Mrs. Breitha died in 2006 on the day that these very words were read into the Congressional record in Washington D.C.
Photo: Valerie Monson
“When you see all the names on the Memorial, it will be like everyone from Kalawao and Kalaupapa is standing right in front of you. It will bring tears to my eyes.”
Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa, President of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, taken from his family in 1950 when he was 9, the fourth child his parents were forced to give up.
Photo: Henry G. Law
“You have to hear the voices to feel the people. You have to know their names. If you don’t say the names, it’s like something has been lost.”
Bernard K. Punikai‘a, songwriter, musician and human rights activist, sent to Kalaupapa in 1942.
Photo: Valerie Monson
10
Support for the Kalaupapa Memorial
are All Together
“Everybody’s name…I want to see their names on the Memorial. . ... I want my children and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to know that we were here.”
Kuulei Bell postmistress, first President of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, sent to Kalaupapa in 1956.
Photo: DeGray Vanderbilt
“It is good for people to remember who were here before us. It is just like those who went to war and died, there are monuments with their names on it. My mother was also sent to Kalaupapa.”
— Peter Keola Jr., musician, tour driver, amateur boxer, ambulance driver, sent to Kalaupapa in 1940
Photo: Valerie Monson
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could have a Memorial at Kalaupapa like the Vietnam Memorial that would list the names of all the people who were sent here?”
Ed Kato, artist and calligrapher, who was sent to Kalaupapa in 1938.
Photo: Valerie Monson
“I think we deserve to be remembered. We are part of this world. We didn’t want to be sent here. It was for the safety of other people that we were put away. Greater love hath no man than to give up his life for a friend. That’s what we did.”
— Cathrine Puahala, sent to Kalaupapa in 1942, a few years after being taken away from her family at age 9.
Photo: Valerie Monson
11
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
“E Ho‘ohanohano a E Ho‘omau. . .
.
. . To Honor and To Perpetuate”
P.O. Box 1111
Kalaupapa HI 96742
Email: info.kalaupapa@gmail.com www.kalaupapaohana.org
Inside: State approves $5 million for the Kalaupapa Memorial
Merry Christmas from Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
Support Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa
Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and relies on donations from supporters like you to enable our programs to grow.
Your tax-deductible contributions will help us reconnect more descendants to their Kalaupapa ancestors, continue and expand our educational programs, establish the Kalaupapa Memorial and more. Please consider a donation to the ‘Ohana. Mahalo in advance.
Send your donations to: Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa PO Box 1111 Kalaupapa, Hawai‘i 96742
Or donate by visiting our ‘Ohana website
12
An annual visitor from the North Pole left his hat on a bench outside Visitors Quarters at Kalaupapa a few years ago.
Photo by Valerie Monson
