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 for construction and 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
Four years later, Ka 'Ohana is still working to get those funds released. Meanwhile, we continue to raise additional funds to cover increased costs because of inflation and increased bureaucracy regarding approvals and permits.
And we continue to look for other ways to get more people involved in raising the Kalaupapa Memorial. The families and friends of Kalaupapa have already contributed $150,000 toward construction of the Memorial. These funds are being held in our account.
One of those fundraising efforts was initiated by Kalaupapa Memorial advocate Pi‘olani Motta who also felt it was essential that the families of Kalaupapa be given the opportunity to donate and help bring the Memorial to life. Pi`o proposed creating “The Kalaupapa Memorial Family Challenge” where families would collectively pool their money in various ways to raise $1,300 -- or whatever amount they can. 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 coordinate our efforts on moving the Memorial forward, developing longstanding and successful outreach and educational programs, helping families with research of their Kalaupapa ancestors and handling day-to-day business.
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.