N4L 009: "Reflections of Kalaupapa" by Fred E. Woods

Fred E. Woods researched the story of leprosy in Hawaii, where the Board of Health exiled people with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) to Kalaupapa, an isolated spot on the island of Molokai. Neither fatal nor highly infectious, leprosy became treatable in the 1940s when Dr. Hansen discovered an antibiotic cure for the pathogen. Though not contagious, it still managed to rip apart families, sometimes indefinitely. Fortunately, more than 400 “kokua” (help) came to the rescue as volunteers. Many stayed in Kalaupapa and made their life among the sick. Two of the most famous kokua included Jonathan Hawaii Napela and Father Damien. Both bore ecclesiastical duties. The former refused to be separated from his sick wife, and the other came to fulfill his priestly duty. Both contracted leprosy and died in the colony. After collecting 58 first-person accounts, Dr. Woods says he found a "story of community—community unlike anywhere else in the world—not a space divided by borders and barriers or fences and enclosures, but a place which beckons every race and religion, every color and creed...The cost was suffering—suffering together.” Today, all but 10 residents of the community have passed away. But for decades the people of Kalaupapa worshiped, worked, and recreated side by side.  Woods says, "Kalaupapa is relevant in any age and serves as a reminder of the importance of erecting bridges instead of barriers, finding common ground instead of a battleground, and in valuing one another regardless of ethnicity and religiosity. It provides a vivid illustration of the need for all people to not only join hands, but to look outside the circle of their faith’s community to embrace the universal message to love one another, regardless of our differences.” He continues, “Such an ecumenical philosophy of inclusiveness seems to be desperately needed in a world that suffers from societal diseases such as selfishness, pride, bigotry, and prejudice. It is hoped that the message of the Kalaupapa community will serve as a reminder of the acute need for each of us to generate light instead of heat...." In 2008, Hawaiian officials issued a formal apology to the people of Kalaupapa. In the same spirit, a long-time resident Auntie Catherine says in her interview, “Let it go. Forget about it. Turn a new leaf. Start all over. That’s what God wants us to do. Don’t hold grudges.” BUY Reflections of Kalaupapa BUY Kalaupapa: The Mormon Experience in an Exiled Community WATCH: Documentary: "The Soul Kalaupapa: Voices in Exile" Music Credit Sound Editing Credit