Father Kim remembered for aloha spirit, advocacy

By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald

Tears and laughter echoed through the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu June 27 as people celebrated the life of Father Alapaki Kim, who was loved by many across Hawaii and was a strong advocate for the recognition and inclusion of Native Hawaiian traditions and culture in the church.

Father Kim, who was pastor of St. Rita Church in Nanakuli before retiring last year, died May 8 in Keaau, on Hawaii island, at age 71.

During his wake, members of Father Kim’s ohana, including his parishioners, took turns sharing loving memories they had with the energetic priest.

Some credited his surfer looks, bare feet and aloha spirit for bringing them back to the Catholic Church. Others remembered his gourmet skills in the kitchen, while many others recalled his deep love and devotion to the Hawaiian culture.

Father Kim’s favorite Hawaiian hymns were sung during the wake, and people performed hula as they honored his memory.

Members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, of which Father Kim was a member, took turns guarding his urn, which was completely covered in colorful lei. The scent of the flowers filled the church — another sign of his vibrant personality.

Bishop Larry Silva presided at the wake, and Father Konelio Faletoi, who had worked with Father Kim for many years, gave the homily.

“We are saddened by his death, but more importantly we are grateful that we were touched by his life. We are joyful that the promise of our baptism is fulfilled formally and finally for Alapaki,” said Father Faletoi. “St. Paul tells us we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we to might live the newness of life with him.”

Father Kim’s funeral at the co-cathedral and inurnment at Hawaiian Memorial Park took place June 28.