Kalaupapa photo exhibit on Kaua`i – April 10 through May 7 at Kaua`i CC

A photo exhibit sponsored by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa opened Thursday, April 10, at the One-Stop Center at Kaua`i Community College in Līhu`e with a blessing and welcome was held that day at Noon. The exhibit is available for viewing by the public weekdays through May 7 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  There is no charge.

The exhibit titled, “A Reflection of Kalaupapa: Past, Present and Future” features 100 historical and contemporary photos of the residents of Kalaupapa and their family members along with scenes from Kalaupapa. The contemporary photos were taken by acclaimed Hawai`i photographer, Wayne Levin, who began his work at Kalaupapa in 1984. The historical photographs are from various sources.

“Remembering Kalaupapa,” a discussion led by Taka Harada, born in Lumahai Valley and whose brother was sent to Kalaupapa, was held Saturday, April 26, in the One-Stop Center.

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and remembering the estimated 8,000 individuals who were sent to Kalaupapa because of government policies regarding leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease). The ‘Ohana has been reaching out to family members/descendants of those sent to Kalaupapa so more stories of those sent to Kalaupapa can be preserved.

The exhibit is being made possible by grants from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, The Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Fund and Young Brothers, Ltd.  Isaiah Kaauwai, counselor for Hawaiian students at Kaua`i CC, was instrumental in coordinating the exhibit.

Visit the `Ohana O Kaluapappa website: www.kalaupapaohana.org