THE KALAUPAPA MEMORIAL
How You Can Help Raise
The Kalaupapa Memorial
When Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa began our fundraising campaign for the Kalaupapa Memorial a few years ago, we estimated we would need a total of $10 million: $5 million for construction of the Memorial and $5 million for an endowment to cover future maintenance. This meant we needed about $1,300 for each of the nearly 8,000 names that would be engraved.
We felt that $1,300 for each person who gave up their family and their freedoms was not a lot to ask for.
We had always hoped that the first large appropriation would come from the State of Hawai‘i: the people themselves honoring the people who had been sent to Kalaupapa between 1866 and 1969 — and saluting their families and descendants. We felt there was great meaning to this.
The Hawai‘i State Legislature felt the same way. The Legislature helped Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa achieve a major milestone in 2022 when lawmakers approved $5 million for construction of The Kalaupapa Memorial. Governor David Ige signed the bill into law. Lawmakers and the Governor alike thanked Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa for our persistence and dedication.
Kalaupapa leader Bernard Punikai‘a, who envisioned Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, made the first donation to The Kalaupapa Memorial with a check for $500.
Photo: Valerie Monson
However, even with that huge step forward, we are only halfway to our goal.
And that’s where you can still be part of bringing life to the Kalaupapa Memorial.
Ka ‘Ohana plans to raise an additional $5 million for an endowment that we feel is just as essential as funding to build the Memorial. We must raise a sufficient endowment to make sure the Memorial — and all the names that will be engraved on it — will be sufficiently care for into perpetuity. Too many times, we have seen projects built, only to slowly crumble because of no maintenance funds.
Kalaupapa Memorial advocate Pi‘olani Motta felt it was important that the families of Kalaupapa be given the opportunity to donate and show how much the Memorial means to them. Pi‘olani proposed creating “The Kalaupapa Memorial Family Challenge” where families would collectively pool their money in various ways to raise $1,300. Kalaupapa descendants Lopaka Ho‘opi‘i and Charmaine Woodward joined Pi‘o in her effort. For more information, send an email to this website: info.kalaupapa@gmail.com
Ka ‘Ohana also relies on your donations to fund our annual operations to support our longstanding and successful outreach and educational programs. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation has presented Ka ‘Ohana with seven Preservation Awards in the past 10 years.
To make a donation, click on the “Contribute” button at the top of our Home Page. Many mahalos to you in advance.
Together, we are making sure that the people of Kalaupapa are never forgotten and that their lives live on through their descendants and those they have inspired.