Rainbow in Kalaupapa, Molokai | Photo © Heidi Chang

A view from my mobile office: I recently returned from a moving experience in Kalaupapa, Molokai, where I recorded the oral histories of two of the last remaining residents in the settlement. So inspiring to hear their stories!  And it’s always a blessing to be able to go there.

From 1866 to 1969, about 8,000 people were exiled to the remote Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of Molokai because they had Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. Hundreds of people once lived in the community.

Kalawao, Molokai | Photo © Heidi Chang

Today, there are only ten remaining residents in Kalaupapa who were once diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, and 17 statewide. Even though they’ve all been cured of the disease, many choose to remain in Kalaupapa and are referred to as “patients.”

Good news: Thanks to the Hawaii Council For The Humanities, I’m honored to have received my first research grant to help preserve the stories and legacy of some of the patients for a special project called the “Voices of Kalaupapa.” And I’ll be sharing them with you in the future, right here online.

I wanted to figure out a way to help share some of the untold stories of Kalaupapa after interviewing some of the patients for a story about Father Damien of Molokai: Hawaii’s First Saint.

Listen to the Story and audio slide show here:  (Originally broadcast nationally on AARP Radio)

As the patient population in Kalaupapa continues to decline, the community is undergoing a transition.

In the 1970s, the community feared that outside interests could develop Kalaupapa and force the people to be relocated again. A number of patients led by Richard Marks fought to preserve and protect this special place and its history by turning it into a national park. And their efforts paid off.  Kalaupapa National Historic Park was established in 1980.

Kalaupapa, Molokai | Photo © Heidi Chang