Our History
On May 16, 1934, the Congress of the United States
of America
designated the areas of Auwaiolimu, Kewalo and Kalāwahine as
Hawaiian Home Lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act
of 1921. Kalāwahine was later repealed and in 1990, a portion
was returned. 
Information shows that the first settlers (maka`ai`nana)
moved to this area during the 1890s. The land was suitable for
raising dry land taro (kalo) and sweet potato (`uala).
Fresh water fish and shrimp
were available in Pauoa Stream and the forest was a source for
additional food. The houses were one-story frame structures
built with second hand lumber and tin roofs. The entrance to Papakōlea was once a narrow footpath used before the days of
the automobile and the horse and buggy. Footpaths or narrow
trails also led to the scattered homes in the community. As
the years passed, friends and families gradually came to join
the first group as they learned about the settlement, which
offered all that was sufficient for a simple Hawaiian life.
Each came as tenants at will; a few bought leasehold.
In 1919, the Commissioner of Pubic Lands for a monthly fee of
$1.00 issued the revocable license. Only 10 days notice was
required for termination of the license. It restricted building
permanent houses and removed the possibility to purchase the
lots under the right of the Organic Act. 
In 1923, the lifestyle of the settlers was again
threatened by a notice of sale of these lands by public auction
at 10 cent a square foot. The settlers were well aware of their
inability to buy what had been their home and way of life for
many years. In a fashion that has never changed to this day,
they organized and went to the legislature for aid, which resulted
in the Commission Public Lands immediately canceling the notice.
It was the beginning of an initiative by Hawaiians to secure
their land.
Thus in 1934, Congress climaxed the unrelenting
efforts of a group of Hawaiians from the three areas who organized
under the leadership on non-resident Thomas Maunupau Sr. and
the assistance of Princess Kawananakoa and other influential
individuals to lawfully include these lands under the Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act, 1921.
Over the years the community of Papakōlea has
achieved many things. In 1926, free “Well Baby Clinics”
run by Palama Settlement were started in the neighborhood. Kūpuna
Maria Suganuma and her family conducted child health conferences
from their family home.
The first community center and playground was
built in 1932. Kūpuna John Kaululaau Wright and
`ohana were
instrumental in clearing the land and building the center, a
cottage-structure from lumber donated by Queen’s Hospital.
The well baby clinics were then moved to the new center, referred
to as a health clinic. The clinic was managed and operated by
community residents. In February 1934, the Papakōlea preschool
and kindergarten opened and was operated by community volunteers.
By 1951, a new community center building housed the preschool/kindergarten
and a variety of community activities.
Community leaders stressed the importance of good
health and worked closely with the Department of Health’s
- Public Health Division. The public health nurses served as
key partners in the early days. Nurse Mary Boren, known as Mother
Boren is well remembered for her dedication to the children
and families of Papakōlea.
At the same time, kūpuna helped to organize the
first Association of Lei Sellers. Kūpuna Mary Wright and the
`ohana of Rufina Molaka-Lee were at the forefront leading this
effort.
The preschool was closed in 1963 due to the community’s
lack of liability insurance and needed resources. The
community center was then leased to the City and County of Honolulu
-- Department of Parks and Recreation by the Department of Hawaiian
Home Lands.
In 1984, the present community center was built
with funding obtained by community association leaders. Key
in this effort was Mr. and Mrs. Bob Freitas and Mrs. Rufina
Molaka-Lee.
The story of the Papakōlea, Kewalo and Kalāwahine community
is one of strength in the face of overwhelming adversity, of
courage and determination, and of aloha and family. It is a
success story proving what can happen when a community comes
together to heal, rebuild, and continue to be a source of positive
change.
| PROTOCOLS |
| COLOR |
Yellow & Green |
| FLOWER |
Pua Melia |
| PLANT |
Ki Plant (ti-leaf) |
| LEI |
Pua Melia & Ki |
| SONG |
Papakōlea |
| LOGO |
 |
|
Where we live ---
Papakōlea is located in the Punchbowl-Tantalus
area of Honolulu at the base of the Ko`olau Range and adjacent
to the National Cemetery of the Pacific.
Who we are today –
Papakōlea is a close-knit community of generations
of families. In May 2000, Papakōlea welcomed 87 new families
to Kalāwahine Streamside, the Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s
newest residential development on O`ahu. Our strengths are based
on the richness our families, culture, community history and
civic vitality. Our kūpuna are regarded as our “pillars
of strength and pools of wisdom”. Community leaders recognize
the importance of our kūpuna and continually seek guidance and
advice from them.
|
According to the 2000 census, 1,575 persons lived
in 342 households in the Auwaiolimu/Kalāwahine/Kewalo/Papakōlea
Homestead Community (AKKPHC). Papakōlea has the 3rd highest
percentage of residents identifying themselves solely as native
Hawaiians; 876 residents or 55.6% of the total number of residents.
Papakolea/Kewalo 2000 Census Data
