Kalaupapa - A Story to Tell

2000. Kalaupapa, Hawaii is one of those rare places where the history that began in the 1860's is still alive today. Located on the rugged shore of Molokai, Kalaupapa was chosen as the inescapable place to isolate Hawaiians who had contracted Hansen's Disease, better known as leprosy. Some 50 people who had contracted the disease have chosen to live out their lives here. They provide a link between the past and the present and can best tell the story of Kalaupapa. A central part of that story has been Paschoal Hall. Built in 1916, Paschoal Hall is the largest structure in the community. Until the early 1960's it was the center of social gatherings. Because of its special meaning to residents, Paschoal Hall was chosen for a major historic preservation project. Leading the project was Bernie Weisgerber, a Forest Service Historic Preservation Specialist. This program highlights the efforts to restore Paschoal Hall and presents the historic preservation challenges that remain. Now and in the future, these structures will play a vital part in telling the story of Kalaupapa.