Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 9, 1 September 2003 — Kalaupapa: Time for change [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kalaupapa: Time for change

In 1884, 25 years after arriving in Kalaupapa, Father Damien De Veuster accepted the approaching end of his life's devotion. After years of dedication to thousands who suffered from leprosy, he contracted the disease. Over the next four years his body gradually deteriorated as the symptoms of leprosy overcame him. He died in 1889, leaving a legacy of love, compassion and, regrettably, an uncertainty for the welfare of the patients left behind. Less than a century later, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park was created. Congress enacted Puhlie Law 96-565. Section 102 (3) provided: "a well-maintained eommunity in whieh the Kalaupapa leprosy patients are guaranteed that they may remain at Kalaupapa as long as they wish; to protect the current lifestyle of these patients and their individual privacy; to research, preserve, and maintain the present character of the community; to research, preserve, and maintain important historic structures, traditional Hawaiian sites, cultural

values, and natural features; and to provide for limited visitation by the general puhlie." Father Damien struggled with the uncertainty of the welfare of his people and his home, Kalaupapa. Today, the remaining patients face the same insecurity. As the last of the residents struggle to maintain the quality of their lives, adversity from health and medical needs like dialysis treatments keep them outside of Kalaupapa. Feelings of uneasiness collect in the hearts of those touched by Kalaupapa's history as they wonder, "What will happen to Kalaupapa when all the patients are gone?" Section 109 states, "At such time when there is no longer a resident patient community at Kalaupapa, the Secretary (of the Interior) shall re-evaluate the policies governing the management, administration, and puhlie use of the park in order to identify any changes deemed to be appropriate." On July 13, Rep. Ed Case held a community meeting at Kalaupapa to address issues surrounding patient

needs for dialysis, transportation, and the relationship with the National Park Service. State Rep. Sol Kaho'ohalahala and I joined in the discussions along with representatives from the State Department of Health. Community members voiced concerns about the longterm transition of Kalaupapa. There is a resounding need for more community input especially as it relates to the interpretation of the history of the residents. Another opportunity for community input eame in August when Senator Inouye made a journey to Kalaupapa for community meeting. A collaboration of residents, family members and friends called 'Ohana o Kalaupapa has served as the primary resource and security. Although the community has tried to provide stability through changes in political appointments, there is a provision in PL 96-565 that would facilitate the needs of the community with those who will eventually effectuate the long-term transition. Section 108 of PL 96-565 establishes a Commission (Kalaupapa

National Historical Park Advisory Commission), to be comprised of 11 members. (Seven members must present or former patients elected by the community; and four appointments by the governor of Hawai'i). This commission is charged with providing recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior in the areas of development and operation of the park, including puhlie visitation numbers. Time is running out as the commission draws nearer to its sunset in 2005. Kalaupapa and its 41 residents are the last reminders of a legacy of courageous people who lived under extraordinary circumstances, in exile and often under the harshest of conditions. Father Damien and every patient who has passed on left Kalaupapa uncertain of its future. If you've ever set foot on Kalaupapa and experienced the harsh reality of isolation, you'll find that the 'eha, or hurt of the people and the land lingers. The responsibility lies with us now; to physically, spiritually, and culturally preserve the history of Kalaupapa and its people. ■

Colette Machado Trustee, Moloka'i and Lāna'i