In Memoriam:
Clarence "Boogie" Kahilihiwa
Boogie and Ivy Kahilihiwa were named King and Queen of the Night of Aloha held in Kalaupapa in 2012. Photo: Rafael Torres
Boogie Kahilihiwa offers opening remarks at the 2018 annual meeting of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. Photo: Henry G. Law
Aloha Boogie
Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa
April 9, 1941 – March 5, 2021
To all of our friends with Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa:
This brings very sad news. Our dear friend, mentor and longtime President of Ka ‘Ohana died March 5 following an illness. Our thoughts are especially with his wife of more than 43 years, Ivy.
Boogie was forced to leave his family on Hawai‘i Island in 1950 when he was just 9 years old because he was diagnosed with leprosy. After nine years at Hale Mohalu in Pearl City, he went to Kalaupapa where that became home. Like so many others who were sent to Kalaupapa, Boogie made a new life for himself and went on to find happiness and success. He was a retired painter with the State Department of Health and, since 2004, managed The Kalaupapa Bookstore under Pacific Historic Parks where he met countless tourists. He was a faithful member of St. Francis Church and attended the canonizations of both Saint Damien and Saint Marianne. In 2003, he became a founding member of Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa and was elected to the first Board of Directors. He was elected as President in 2011 following the death of Kuulei Bell. He was also an active member and former President of the Kalaupapa Lions Club and a talented musician. He had friends from all over the world.
Aloha, Boogie. Mahalo for all that you have done for so many over theyears. You are in our thoughts and prayers and you will
forever live on in our hearts.
Some of the many tributes to Boogie:
https://www.hawaiicatholicherald.com/2021/03/17/clarence-boogie-kahilihiwa-1941-2021/
https://themolokaidispatch.com/boogie-kahilihiwa-leader-mentor-advocate/