KALAUPAPA DIARY
It was about 10 a.m., Kalaupapa time, on June 10, as we gathered in the shade of the giant banyan tree on Staff Row. Some of us sat on metal chairs, others sprawled on the grass, while others stood on in the outer rim of the shaded area. We observed the proper social distancing guideline while our masks somewhat muted our conversations. Then he appeared. Ken, our kindly administrator, stood on a slight rise facing us, his hair blowing in the wind. He was reminiscent of the great Moses on his return from Mount Sinai. He was about to give us the “Commandments.”
This was the setting for our monthly meeting where we are updated on current events and policies. Ken talked about the merger of Makani Kai Air and Mokulele Air and their combined services to us going forward. We do hope that this works out well for us, especially for our patients, some of whom are wheelchair-bound. The lovely Erika, our National Park Superintendent, then spoke to us about the annual laying of leis on the graves, scheduled for June 30, as well as the upcoming clearing of the trail to Topside Molokai. She also shared that the annual barge day will likely be in August.
Having resuscitated his voice, Ken again took over the mound and addressed the grocery store situation and assured us that we will have ample food while the store floor is being replaced. Thank the Lord for that. Then it was on to the effects of COVID-19 and how we are to step up, so to speak, mindful that we are a support team to our care home staff who care for our patients. Even though the quarantine is to be lifted by the governor on June 16, we should consider ourselves in quarantine mode when we return from travel outside of the Kalaupapa peninsula. Visitors will not be permitted into the settlement until August at the earliest. Cooperation in the program is essential and vital.
At meeting’s end, I shared that I had been a barber for six years in my seminary days and would be happy to give a haircut to anyone who needs one. There are many long-haired individuals here at this time. So far, Francis is the only one who has risked time in my barber chair but I can assure you that, in the aftermath of his courageous moments in that chair, no visible damage resulted. However, his hair will no longer be blowing in the wind. Aloha.
Sacred Hearts Father Pat Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa.
