Our department has a special connection to Kalaupapa as Drs. Martina Kamaka and Kalani Brady have provided longstanding care to its residents and ʻImi Hoʻōla has held its annual service-learning trip to the settlement for 45 plus years (sadly missing this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
If you are available to tune in, Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is presenting a virtual concert, “The Music of Kalaupapa,” this coming Saturday, October 17 at 1 pm (HST) on the ‘Ohana Facebook page and YouTube. The concert is a fundraiser for the Kalaupapa Memorial which will list the names of the nearly 8,000 individuals who were separated from their families when diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and ultimately created an extended ʻohana and community in Kalaupapa.
The concert will feature some of Hawaiʻi’s finest musicians celebrating the often-forgotten musicians of Kalaupapa by singing their songs. The healing power of music from Kalaupapa is something we could probably use right now. You can watch the concert live with an option to donate if you feel inclined.