News Release:

HALE MOHALU

30th Anniversary Celebration

September 21, 2013

On September 21, 1983, enforcement officers staged a pre-dawn “government operation” at Pearl City’s Hale Mohalu—longtime home for Hansen’s Disease patients. Two residents, Clarence Naia and Bernard Punikai’a—and 16 supporters—were carried from the facility and placed under arrest. Following the eviction, bulldozers leveled the buildings.

Four months later, in a trial at Ewa District Court, all but one of the 18 defendants were acquitted of the charge of obstructing government operations. The one exception was charged with trespass and given a fine and community service hours.

The eviction and arrests came after five years of resistance by Hale Mohalu residents who refused a 1978 DOH order to vacate the premises. All state services were terminated at that time. Water and electricity were later cut off, but were restored through the intervention of Mayor Frank Fasi. During the long interval, many were forced by poor health to relocate to Leahi Hospital and elsewhere in the community. Some chose to be homeless rather than be institutionalized. Others passed away.

After years of contention over the devastated site, the nonprofit Coalition for Specialized Housing developed 210 units of senior affordable housing in 1996—naming buildings for residents who died during the struggle: Mary Duarte, George Liwai, and Sanford Smith. A fourth building honors Father Damien. On August 23, 2013, buildings honoring Bernard Punikai’a and Clarence Naia added 163 more units to the complex.

To observe the events of September 21, 2003, a 30 celebration will be held on the grounds of Hale Mohalu, 800 Third Street, Pearl City, on Saturday, September 21, 2013, from 1 to 4 PM. The recently published book, Hale Mohalu: Land of Joy, Land of Pain, will be launched as part of the festivities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Wally Inglis at 734-2313 or wallyinglis@yahoo.com