Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 2, 1 February 1987 — Molokaʻi Honors its Kupuna [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Molokaʻi Honors its Kupuna

The odlest living native Hawaiian kupuna kane and kupuna wahine of Moloka'i — John Koomoa Flores and Gussie Maikani Iaea Joao — were among kupuna honored during the sixth annual Ka Moloka'i Makahiki competition Jan. 17 at the Kaunakakai ball park. Three other kupuna, considered activists in their ranks, were also singled out for honors. They were Clara Ku, Lani Kapuni and Mary Lee who was represented by her granddaughter, Kathleen Lee. Kupuna Lee is deceased. Eaeh received miniature replicas of a poi pounding stone. Other recogniition went to Jack Kaluna Kakaio and his wife, Emily Kanoe Burrows Kakaio, who will be eelebrating their 61st wedding anniversary on Feb. 27. A Na Opi'o award was presented to Aunty Mary (Melanie) Helm in memory of her son, George Helm.

Kupuna Joao, who was unable to attend the ceremonies, will be observing her 95th birthday Mar. 15. Her calabash award was accepted by granddaughter Dawn Apana Nakayama. Her husband was Raymond and they raised eight children. There are 34 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 19 great, great grandchildren. Kupuna Joao is originally from Waialua, Oahu. Flores, who was born in Sprecklesville, Maui, 93 years ago, married Louisa Punanaokamanuehaile and they had 20 children, three of whom were adopted and 16 surviving. He has 36 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren and 16 great, great grandchildren. Flores was on hand to personally accept his award. The wedding anniversary eouple raised eight children who gave them 24 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

John Koomoa Flores, 93, reported to be the oldest living kupuna kane on Molokai, accepts calabash award from Walter Ritte, chairman of the annual Ka Moloka'i Makahiki. Looking on is his escort, Henry Arce.

Aunty Mary (Melanie) Helm is hugged by Walter Ritte following presentation of poi pounder trophy in memory of her son, George Helm, who was lost at sea during the Kaho'olawe struggle.

Two of three surviving" "activists" kupuna were among the honored at Ka Moloka'i Makahiki. From left, Kathleen Lee accepts award for deceased grandmother, Mary Lee. Clara Ku appears in center and Lani Kapuni is at right.