Kalaupapa

Kalaupapa’s Complexities and Future

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Although it may be the smallest county in the U.S., there is no lack of activity in Kalaupapa and Kalawao County. While only four patient residents still call Kalaupapa their full-time home, a team of permanent staff along with multiple state and federal agencies direct care, stewardship and more for the community.

The directors of several major organizations including the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), and the Dept. of Health (DOH) met up on Molokai on Oct. 5 to discuss their current responsibilities in Kalaupapa. While the purpose of the joint meeting was just to explain current roles for these various agencies in Kalaupapa, the impending question of what the future of the community without patients will look like was on the minds of many Molokai residents.…

Kalaupapa Tree Preservation Project

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Over the summer, arborists from Windward Community College made the trip to Kalaupapa in the hopes of preserving elements of the unique community on Molokai’s northern coast. Funded by a grant from the National Park Service, The Arboriculture Workforce Training and Development Program is a five-year program looking to ensure that the trees and cultural landscape of the peninsula continue to thrive. It’s focused on training park workers in tree care techniques, natural mulching, proper staking and planting methods, grafting, air layering and more. If you need help maintaining your landscaping trees, you may consider seeking Lynchburg tree services.

“The goal is to provide the workers with the skills and knowledge they need to maintain the park,” explained Maria-Elena Diaz, director of career and community education at Windward Community College.…

Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

By Jack Kiyonaga | Editor 

Each year, Christmas comes early for the residents of Kalaupapa. In unique tradition, members of the smallest county in the U.S. patiently await the annual arrival of new kitchen appliances, recliner chairs, gasoline, gravel for road repairs, trucks, non-perishable foods, and everything in-between via the Young Brothers barge. 

“It’s a big day,” explained National Park Service Community Engagement Specialist Mikiala Pescaia. 

Taking place on Saturday, Aug. 31, this year’s barge was loaded with “anything that doesn’t fit on a Kamaka airplane,” explained Pescaia. The barge also allows for Kalauapapa residents to ship out larger items, including remnants from former patients’ estates, as well as pump out their septic tanks. …

Once in a Century

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Community Contributed
By Fr Pat Killilea, St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa

The chatter of excited voices was momentarily hushed, then broke into loud cheers and applause as he entered McVeigh Hall, weighed down by numerous leis and topped by a colorful hat. The setting compared with the aftermath of the super bowl when Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs was showered with accolades. It was like those die-hard fans greeting the second coming of King Elvis. It was reminiscent of the president entering the Hall of Congress prepared to give the State of the Union Address. He took his seat at the head table.…

Happy Birthday, St. Marianne

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

Community Contributed
By Fr. Pat Killilea ss.cc., St. Francis Church, Kalaupapa
Glory be to God, Mokulele Flight 999 touched down and taxied to a stop at Kalaupapa Airport only a few minutes behind schedule. We had neglected to lay down the red carpet, but who needs that when there is a warm welcome awaiting. Down the steps came Msgr. Robert Sarno, his golden dome glowing in the morning light. He was accompanied by Dr. Maria DeVera, Sisters Joan Souza, Davilyn Chick and Margaret Burnett, James Jackson, and Fathers Andrew Baranski and Paul Houlis. They received a standing ovation on arrival at Terminal 1.…

Dutton on the Path to Sainthood

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024

Molokai is one step closer to having its third Catholic saint. Joseph Dutton, who served in Kalaupapa for 44 years, will be submitted to the Vatican for canonization consideration on Jan. 21. If approved, Dutton would join St. Damien and St. Marianne Cope as Catholic saints serving Hansen’s disease patients exiled in Kalaupapa.

A formal cause of canonization for Dutton was opened by the Diocese of Honolulu in May of 2022. Now, the nearly 2,000 pages of evidence gathered since then will be reviewed by the Church. Dutton needs proof of one miracle after his death to be named as “Blessed,” which is one step before sainthood.…

Kalaupapa Month

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

January is Kalaupapa Month.

Two years ago, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa proposed designating January as Kalaupapa Month to the Hawaii State Legislature which gave the bill unanimous approval. Governor David Ige signed the legislation into law.

Ka ‘Ohana President Charmaine Woodward, whose great-grandparents are buried at Kalaupapa, sees Kalaupapa Month as a “time of remembrance and celebration — it is the time we celebrate their lives, their legacy, and their love. By overcoming adversity, the people of Kalaupapa guide us on how to traverse difficult situations by portraying characteristics of unconditional love, true faith, and family.”…