Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 3, 1 March 2008 — Kalaupapa memorial [ARTICLE]

Kalaupapa memorial

Amonument to memorialize those exiled to Kalaupapa would be authorized under a bill approved by the U.S. House Feb. 12 and pending approval by the U.S. Senate, where Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced a eompanion bill. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, who introduced the bill, thanked Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa, an organization of patients and supporters, for its leadership and advocacy in calling for a monument. "I am especially happy for the families of those whose loved ones were exiled to Kalaupapa," she said in a news release. "I am very proud to be associated with this effort." In Hawai'i, meanwhile, the Senate Heahh Committee advanced a bill Feb. 15 to fund the monument at Kalaupapa National Historic Park. The bill, introduced by Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, was sent to Ways and Means for approval. And Gov. Linda Lingle announced in February that the state released $510,000 for the design and construction of improvements to a 14-bed nursing facility in building 141 at Kalaupapa, whieh will install a larger-capacity emergency generator, repair and relocate automatic fire doors and improve shower-room drainage. Construction is slated to begin in February 2009. ^^9