Father Alapaki Kim with well-wishers at his appreciation luau May 5 at St. Rita Church in Nanakuli. (Photo courtesy of Sebastian Lopez)
By Sebastian Lopez
Special to the Herald
Parishioners, friends and family of Father Alapaki Kim got together, planned and coordinated a luau-style party May 5 to show their love and gratitude for his 25 years of service as pastor of St. Rita Parish in Nanakuli.
Much of the planning was kept a secret. He was blown away by the size and magnitude of the event, which was held in the church parking lot. At Mass the Sunday following, he expressed his surprise with much emotion, and thanked everyone who helped put the celebration together.
St. Rita will surely miss Father Alapaki, who is retiring. We will miss his great homilies, his speaking the Hawaiian language at Mass, and the warm welcome he gives to the many tourists who regularly attend Mass here.
Nearly 500 people came to the party. Entertainment was provided by Ho‘onanea, Allan Poki and Friends, Kiawekupono O Ka Ua, and The Nanakuli Blues.
Bishop Larry Silva and Msgr. Gary Secor were there along with priests and deacons from other parishes.
It was a great celebration with Hawaiian food, song and dance, and great fellowship. A huge mahalo to everyone who helped plan and put this together.
Have a safe and happy retirement, Father Alapaki. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope you will return and visit us every now and then. May the love of the Father, the guidance of the Son and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you always.