View of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, where lepers once lived in forced isolation.
A really special birthday was recently celebrated in Hawaii: earlier this month, on April 12, the oldest “patient” living on the historic Kalaupapa Peninsula, John Arruda, was born. celebrated its a hundredth birthday.
Turning 100 is a monumental event, no matter where you reside and what your story is; However, this centenary celebration had a little bit more weight given the circumstances of his life and stay.
A historic birthday in a historic location
Located on the north coast of Molokai, the Kalaupapa Peninsula is probably the most unique places on all the islands.
In the mid-Nineteenth century, a leprosy epidemic broke out in Hawaii. Concerned that the disease would spread too quickly through the population, the Hawaiian monarchy sent everyone infected with the disease into forced isolation on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which is separated from the remainder of the island by high sea cliffs and the ocean.
From the mid-18th to mid-Twentieth centuries, roughly 8,000 people were sent to Kalaupapa to live and die in quarantine alongside other infected patients.
It was only after the Second World War that modern treatment methods for leprosy became available and made it possible to finish the forced isolation. However, many patients – former patients, actually – selected to remain in Kalaupapa since it had change into their home.
Today, eight former patients, including Arruda, remain registered in Kalaupapa, a few of whom still continue to exist the peninsula.
“John’s refusal to let adversity define him and his determination to embrace life with boundless energy and joy are an invaluable testament to the power of hope and the human spirit,” Gov. Josh Green wrote in a public tribute. “His tireless commitment to preserving Kalaupapa’s heritage is a robust reminder of the importance of honoring our shared history and appreciating our communities, and his infectious laughter and joy for all times are a relentless source of inspiration for those around him around.”
In 1980, Kalaupapa was declared a National Historic Park and at last opened to the general public. The tours welcomed 100 people a day and showed what life was like on the peninsula in the course of the peak of the epidemic.
Close but still closed
But now the birthday celebration is occurring as Kalaupapa enters its fifth yr of closure following the COVID-19 pandemic. All health restrictions have been lifted, but a mix of things have resulted within the park remaining closed, including trail safety, a restructuring of flights out and in of the peninsula, and a singular agreement with tour operators, amongst others.
Pressure to reopen the National Historic Park to visitors has increased recently, with park officials recently saying it’s “close” to reopening. For now, nonetheless, travelers heading to Hawaii this yr needs to be aware that this particular national park stays closed and inaccessible.
You can read the total story of Kalaupapa and the hurdles to its reopening this yr a recent article on CNN for National Park Week.
