Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 7, 1 July 1987 — Former Islander is Only Hawaiian Operating Michigan Foster Homes [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Former Islander is Only Hawaiian Operating Michigan Foster Homes

Esther U'u Cachola Clements has the distinction of being the only native Hawaiian owner and operator of a string of foster care homes in Flint, Mieh., and for the entire state for that matter. At 73, she is the eldest of Dora Koleka Kepani's four surviving children. She was home in May to participate in the 100th birthday of her mother whieh was celebrated Mother's Day, May 10, at Waikiki Lau Yee Chai. Esther has six children through her first marriage to Frederico Cachola Sr. of Kohala and none from her second marriage. She pulled up stakes in 1946 and settled in Flint where she has been the past 41 years. In Flint, she worked for the State of Michigan with the Department of Social Services and Housing and also with the Mental Health Division. She left state employment several years ago to go into the foster care home business. She says her business keeps her busy and that she now has six of these homes in various locations in and around the Flint area. Asked by Ka Wai Ola O OHA about retirement, Esther replied that she's been thinking about it and will be ready to make the move in four years. Her two sisters — Dora Paet of Maui and Christine Kon of Honolulu — think that big sister will be returning to Hawaii permanently a lot sooner than four years. Esther said her plans are to sell the business and eome home to live in retirement, quite possibly on Maui where the family has its roots. Meanwhile, she has been returning home regularly every year for the past several years. Her six Cachola children, four of whom graduated from the Kamehameha Schools, are: Fred Cachola Jr. — Director of the Kamehameha Schools Extension Education Division. Henrietta Kaleikau — Director of nursing in an

Orange County, Calif., nursing home. Gladys Espinueva — Librarian at Oahu Community Correctional Center. Faith Rocha — Registered nurse at Hilo High School. Marie (Midge) Elena Kawai — Accountant at J.C. Penney Company. Roy L. Cachola — Flight attendant with United Airlines. Esther's six offspring have blessed her with 18 grandchildren who in turn have given her 11 great grandchildren. Fred, Henrietta, Faith and Roy are the Kamehameha graduates. Gladys graduated from Kohala High School and Midge from St. Anthony's on Maui. — Kenny Haina.

Esther U'u Cachola Clements