Kalaupapa -- A Source of Light, Constant and Never-Fading

September 30, 2013 - December 20, 2013
Mānoa Campus, Hamilton Elevator Gallery

An historical exhibit developed by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is on display in UH Manoa’s Hamilton Library where it will remain through the fall semester. The exhibit, “A Source of Light, Constant and Never-Fading,” emphasizes the strong relationship between the people of Kalaupapa and the Royal Family of Hawaii, a chapter of the history of Kalaupapa not often told.

“The ‘Ohana is so excited to bring this exhibit to the University of Hawaii, “ said Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa, a resident of Kalaupapa for more than 50 years and President of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. “This is a great opportunity for the faculty and students to learn more about the history of Kalaupapa as told by the people themselves. We also hope members of the community will visit the exhibit.”

Between 1866 and 1969, an estimated 8,000 people were taken from their families and places of their birth and sent to Kalaupapa because of Hawaii’s leprosy isolation policies. About 5,200 of these individuals were sent to Kalaupapa prior to the annexation of Hawai‘i by the United States, approximately 97% of whom were Native Hawaiian.

Members of the Royal Family were deeply moved by the situation facing so many of their “beloved people” who were sick. They visited Kalaupapa, read petitions, wrote letters, mourned friends who had been taken from their midst and did what they could to make life better for those afflicted with the disease. Leprosy was not an abstract problem, but a very real presence in their lives.

The exhibit will be open during regular hours of the Library: http://library.manoa.hawaii.edu/about/hours.html

Bus Information:

Take Bus #4 to Metcalf at University Ave.

Take Bus #6 Woodlawn to St. Johns Hall on Maile Way

Take Bus #13 to St. Johns Hall on Maile Way

Take Bus A to the Bachman Hall Turn-Around on University Ave.


Ticket Information
Free & open to public during building hours

Event Sponsor
Library Services & Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Teri Skillman, 956-8688, skillman@hawaii.edu, http://www.library.manoa.hawaii.edu

Share by email