Our History
On May 16, 1934, the congress of the
United States designated the areas of Auwaiolimu, Kewalo
and Kalawahine as
Hawaiian Home Lands under the Hawaiian Homes Commission
Act of 1920. Kalawahine
was later repealed and in 1990, a portion was returned.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).
A 45-minute walk to the waterfront sand
wt-land taro was obtained from Pauoa Valley. Fresh water
fish and shrimp were available in Pauoa Stream and the
forest wad 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
Hawaiian 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, 1920.
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. Kupuna Maria Suganuma and her family
conducted child health conferences from their family
home.
The first community center and
playground was built in 1932. Kupuna 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, kupuna helped to
organize the first Association of Lei Sellers. Kupuna
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 Kalawahine 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.
