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Two tragedies occurred on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north shore of
the island of Moloka`i; the first was the removal of indigenous people in
1865 and 1895, the second was the forced isolation of sick people to this
remote place from 1866 until 1969. The removal of Hawaiians from where they
had lived for 900 years cut the cultural ties and associations of generations
of people with the `aina (land). The establishment of an isolation settlement,
first at Kalawao and then at Kalaupapa, tore apart Hawaiian society as the
kingdom, and subsequently, the territory of Hawai`i tried to control a feared
disease. The impact of broken connections with the `aina and of family members
"lost" to Kalaupapa are still felt in Hawai`i today.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park, established in 1980, contains the physical
setting for these stories. Within its boundaries are the historic Hansen's
disease settlements of Kalaupapa and Kalawao. The community of Kalaupapa,
on the leeward side of Kalaupapa Peninsula, is still home for many surviving
Hansen's disease patients, whose memories and experiences are cherished
values. In Kalawao on the windward side of the peninsula are the churches
of Siloama, established in 1866, and Saint Philomena, associated with the
work of Father Damien (Joseph De Veuster).
Located on Kalauapapa Peninsula at the base of the 1600-foot high sea cliffs,
this national park was once the site of total isolation for victims of Hansen's
Disease (leprosy). The national park service maintains 8,725 acres of land
and 2,000 acres of water extending ¼ mile offshore. The settlements
of Kalaupapa and Kalawo, a volcanic crater, rain forest, lava tubes and
caves, and the Molokai Lighthouse all lie within the park borders.
The park was established in 1980 and is dedicated to preserving the memories
of the past so that we might all learn a valuable lesson about ignorance,
fear and the humanity of one man, Father Damien. A small community of residents
still live in the settlements there.
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