The Molokai Times
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
By J. Kalani English
Despite the best efforts of lawmakers, government officials and community leaders, our laws sometimes reflect unavoidable human weaknesses, and fall well short of infallibility. Whatever our party labels or political philosophies, we all strive to represent our constituents and communities in a way that furthers what we believe to be our mutual best interests. Still, occasions arise where even our efforts present challenges.
Such is the case of Kalaupapa. Sitting at the base of one of the world's greatest sea cliffs, this world-famous community of isolation for Hansen's Disease patients has grown into a symbol of personal sacrifice and government error.
Between 1866 and 1969, Hawai'i law required that those diagnosed with Hansen's Disease relocate to Kalaupapa, and later Hale Mohalu on O'ahu. In repeated acts of tremendous sacrifice, most patients went willingly, separating themselves from their families and communities because it was believed to be the only way to stop the spread of the affliction.
From where we stand today, the patients' submission to quarantine is an unimaginable act of humility and heroism. Under what circumstances would we allow ourselves to be taken from our homes and families to live in a small, isolated area tucked between a sheer cliff and the impassive sea? Could we selflessly put the good of the community ahead of our own comfort and the company of those we love? For over eighty years, the residents of Kalaupapa did just that.
But the story of Kalaupapa shifts to one of tragedy in 1948, when an effective treatment for Hansen's Disease was developed. Although isolation was no longer medically necessary, it remained a matter of law for over two decades; mandatory relocation remained on the books until 1969. Whether through ignorance, passive inaction or a callous lack of concern, officials allowed the quarantine to continue. And yet I remember surprisingly few instances where Kalaupapa was mentioned in anger.
For their selfless actions while quarantine was the only available option, the patients of Kalaupapa deserve our thanks. For the government's failure to end the quarantine once it was no longer necessary, they deserve more. Sacrifice, separation, and official inattention combine in a history that demands action. The best and least of human behavior call for an acknowledgement and an apology.
The Hawai'i State Legislature has passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 208, which offers both an acknowledgement of the sacrifice of Kalaupapa's residents, and an apology for the government's action. I encourage you take a moment to reflect upon the history of Moloka'i's hidden shore, in hopes that you will keep in mind that while we strive to be perfect, there is greater value still in recognizing or mistakes, acknowledging our fallibility, and rectifying or errors.
Apologies in the law are unusual. Native Hawaiians who saw their government overthrown, and Japanese-Americans interned during World War Two have benefited from acknowledgements of past wrongs. I hope that the passage of SCR 208 will have a similar effect on our community, celebrating the heroism of Kalaupapa, and our government's willingness to help the healing process.
Original article URL: http://www.molokaitimes.com/articles/861411282.asp