Divine Expression

Kalele Bookstore opens its doors
By Catherine Cluett

“Here, I know the words to that song,” he said, gently taking the instrument. His voice rose to meet the ukulele’s melody, singing a song about Molokai he himself had written. Uncle Andy took my hand and we danced slow circles around the store, swaying to the rhythm.

Even hushed conversations ceased, and I looked around to see a glow spread from one face to another – a glow that doesn’t come from money or make-up, but bubbles up from someplace deep within, someplace we often forget exists in the hurry of daily life. And in a little store in the middle of Kaunakakai, with Uncle Roy’s deep lilting voice above our heads, we were reminded of that place. With the joy of sharing still filling the room to overflowing, the song came to a close and Teri hugged me, her eyes glistening.

“That’s what this place is about,” she said.

“If I could wrap the store up in a tea leaf, I would – as my ho`okupu to my grandfather, to the Molokai community, and to the next generations. I hope they come in and know this is for them.”

And if you don’t believe Molokai can bring dreams to birth, you’ll have to stop by Kalele Bookstore & Divine Expressions. I’ll bet you’ll leave convinced.