Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

Ka `Ohana O Kalaupapa has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The funding will go towards expand its programs aimed at helping families obtain information about their Kalaupapa ancestors and assisting the public in learning more about the history of Kalaupapa.

“The `Ohana is excited and humbled to have the support of OHA,” said Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa, president of the `Ohana, who has lived at Kalaupapa for more than 50 years. “We believe it is important for Hawaiians to know about their Kalaupapa roots and involve them in the preservation of Kalaupapa.”

The `Ohana, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2003 at the request of Kalaupapa residents, family members and friends to advocate for the community, educate the public and help preserve the history. To assist descendants seeking information about their Kalaupapa ancestors, the `Ohana has been compiling a database of information and photographs found in various registers and archives available to the public. The OHA grant will support additional research.

From 1866 to 1949, an estimated 8,000 people were taken from their families and sent to Kalaupapa because of government policies regarding leprosy, now called Hansen’s disease. Approximately 90 percent of those individuals were Native Hawaiians.

The grant will also provide for the production of educational materials, workshops to reach out to families and a photo exhibit that will travel to all the islands.

The OHA grant was made possible by matching funds from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Wilcox Foundation and the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation in addition to donations from Liberty Dialysis and `Ohana supporters.

For more information, visit www.kalaupapaohana.org, email info@kalaupapaohana.org or write Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, PO Box 1111, Kalaupapa 96742.