Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 1987 — Estimated 2,500 Turn Out for Hoʻopili of Queen's, Molokai General and Commmunity [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Estimated 2,500 Turn Out for Hoʻopili of Queen's, Molokai General and Commmunity

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA The Rev. David Kaupu, native son of Moloka'i whois the kahu at- the Kamehameha Schools on Kapalama Heights, perhaps summed it up best in his opening remarks as master of ceremonies when he said: . "We are here to ho'opili this ohana of Queen's Medieal Center, Molokai General Hospital and you the people of Moloka'i." Kaupu of course was referring to the Mar. 8 blessing and dedication ceremony marking MGH's association with the Queen's Health Systems. Crowds estimated at between 2,000 and 2,500 jammed the mammoth circuslike tent that covered the entire front parking lot to overflowing capacity, spilling out into whatever space they could find. "You will notice that our program says 'Weleome to our Ho'okupu.' The word ho'okupu means a lot of things like offering, tribute or gift. It also means a eommitment. In this case, it is a commitment on the part of Queen's in providing medical and health care for you the people of Moloka'i," Kaupu explained. Legislators, Maui County Councilman Patrick Kawano of Moloka'i, Queen's Health Systems officials, Congressman Daniel K. Akaka and State Department of Health Director Dr. John Lewin headed a complement of 11 speakers who delivered very brief congratulatory messages. "This is a blessed day; one of fulfillment, especially in this The Year of the Hawaiian," declared U.S. Rep. Akaka. "Our services are available to serve you at your request," Dr. Lewin. "This is a symbolic start between Queen's and Moiokai General. Our state treasury cannot provide all that care but through a non-profit organization like Queen's you ean get good or better care," Sen. Bertrand Kobayashi, chairman, Senate Committee on Health. "This symbolizes the beginning of the kind of health care you deserve. You may be interested to know there will again be $750,000 available for health care," Sen. Rick Reed, Fifth Senatorial District. "In this Year of the Hawaiian, Queen's Stretches her arms out and welcomes us. I ean see super things happening this year. Just this past Friday, Mar. 6, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands dedicated a $1.79 million project whieh will include a seven-mile water pipeline through Ho'olehua," Kawano. Kawano then presented a Maui County Council proclamation to Maleolm MacNaughton, chairman of the board of the Queen's Health Systems. Others who spoke very briefly about the coming together of the two hospitals were Rep. James Shon, chairman of the House Committee on Health; Rep. Bill Pfeil, l enth Representative District; Fred Pritchard, president of the Queen's Health Systems; Herbert Yim, president and administrator of MGH: and Jerry Walker, director of the State-Counties Hospital Systems.

The religious community was also well represented on f he program making it an eeumenieal affair. The lineup included the Rev. Alfred Rebuldela of Sacred Hearts CathoIic Church, Ho'olehua, invocation; Rev. Akihiko Ogikubo, Molokai Soto Mission, prayer of appreciation; Rev. Albert Kamau, Assembly of God, Kaunakakai, scripture; Rev. Lynette Schaefer, Grace Episcopal Church, dedication prayer; Rev. Elmer Wilson, Ierusalema Hou O Halawa, maile ceremony; Rev. Robb Kojima, Waialua Congregational Church, grace; and Pastor Gary Yafuso, Molokai International Baptist Church, benediction.

The large crowd was also treated to some fine entertainment with KSSK Radio 59's Kimo Kahoano as master of ceremonies. Performing were the Hawaiian Air Serenaders, Makapu'u Sand Band, Ronald McDonald of McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii, Frank DeLima, Jay Larrin and Na Kane Pono. The food lines were long but moved steadily and the menu was mind-boggling. Take sushi, Popeye's fried ehieken, Pizza Hut pizza, meonopua, lumpia, McDonald's hamburgers, kim ehee, eake, poke nenue, kalua pig, squid luau, opihi, Pepsi Cola, Budweiser and Schaefer. Everyone agreed it was one good party and no one went away hungry. The one special person relishing the satisfaction seen on the faces of the people and the hundreds of children was Ruth Ono, vice president of Queen's.

She had organized and coordinated the big event, visiting MGH and the community on several occasions. She thanked the crowd "for accepting me into your ohana and for the tremendous support you have given me." Ono was emotionally shaken by the thunderous applause she received and on several occasions had to dry off the tears from her eyes. It is this kind of warmth that Moloka'i has built its reputation as the "Friendly Isle." Also on hand for the program was Moloka'i Trustee Louis Hao who is also vice chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. Hao said his main eoneem at meetings with Queen's officials was that Moloka'i residents get good, quality health care. He expressed confidence in Queen's providing that kind of care.

Maleolm MacNauahton

Rev. Elmer Wilson of lerusalema Hou O Halawa, left, and Rev. David Kaupu of the Kamehameha Schools untie maile lei opening the doors for tours of Molokai General Hospital. Looking on at Wilson's right is MGH Administrator Herbert Yim. Maleolm MacNaughton and Fred Pritchard are pictured to Kaupu's left.

This is what part of the crowd looked like Mar. 8 at the blessing and dedication ceremonies of Moloka'i General Hospital's association with the Queen's Health Systems. Note large number of people outside tent to the left.

Ruth Ono

Herbert Yim