![[text]](http://ilind.net/gallery_old/makua1976/image/29_makua4_02-24.jpg)
I was sorry to read this morning of Frenchy DeSoto’s passing.
She was always a force to be reckoned with.
I did a quick search and turned up my photo of Frenchy at a 1976 protest against the army’s use of Makua Valley. She’s standing with Randy Kalahiki, another key participant in the Hawaiian movement who died back in 1994.
Then I noticed a comment left on Maoliworld:
Aloha Aunty Frenchy Desoto please say, “Hello to my Uncle Randy Kalahiki”
I’m sure she will.
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I first came to know Frenchy DeSoto when I worked for the City & County and the system of Satellite City Halls was one of my responsibilities. My boss, Frank Fasi, had named Frenchy to ran the satellite office in Waianae, and she sure did — effectively, efficiently and very firmly. Years later, when I saw her at a fund-raiser, she was in a wheelchair. I went up to her, gave her a hug, and asked her how she was doing. Frenchy looked up and muttered in her gravelly voice, “They’re kickin’ my ass, honey.” Then she grinned and winked at me … and went on to be a force in the community for another dozen years. Hawaii will miss that crusty, smart, tough and quite remarkable lady.
Giants pass. . . .Barney Hajiro too…
What’s that brace that she seems to be wearing? (Sounds
like she was a positive force there!)
Rep. Heftel organized a trip with the Navy to Kaho`olawe around 4/77 after George Helm and Kimo Mitchell disappeared. Invited guests to help with the healing process included Dr. Emmett Aluli and Frenchy, and she struck quite a figure with a flight “helmut” pulled down over her ears. Heftel and Frenchy didn’t seem like an intuitive pairing, but they got along fine. Sidelight: It was our helicopter that a Maui News reporter attempted to board without permission and was restrained by the Navy’s “first black admiral,” Sam Gravely, Jr. A photo ran on page 1 of the Star-Bulletin the next day showing Gravely’s glasses flying in the fray.
Thank you for posting this old picture of my grandmother. I remember the days of Aloha Aina and my summers camping on Makua Beach. I can’t tell you how much your tribute means to me at this painful time. I am flying back to Hawaii from the mainland for the funeral and to spend time with my family.
There will never be another Frenchy DeSota! Our prayers are with your family.