KAPA‘A — No lu‘au is complete without a hukilau, and the staff and residents of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital did not disappoint on Friday.
The hospital hosted its annual lu‘au in the facility’s courtyard, with a combo consisting of Skip Caycayon, Rhoda Libre, Wes Kaui and Charlie Iona providing the mele to which the impromptu halau, described by emcee Placido Valenciano as Na Halau o Mahelona, thrilled audience with its antics.
“This is in preparation for next year’s 95th anniversary of the hospital,” said Jose Pablo, head of the Mahelona Hospital Recreational Therapy department. “Seriously though, we’ve done this lu‘au every year so the community and residents have an opportunity to meet and visit with each other.”
She said because the lu‘au always takes place in August, the hospital always takes advantage of the event to celebrate Hawai‘i becoming the 50th state.
The weather cooperated, pushing Pablo’s fears of predicted rains aside as the sun shone and the mele of both the Skip Caycayon combo and Leilani Bond’s hula halau floated on the breezes that kept everyone comfortable.
“Skip has been here for a long time,” Pablo said. “He always comes and sings for the patients during Christmas and the residents get excited to see him.”
Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry brought his administrative team over to enjoy the day with the Mahelona ‘ohana.
Kaua‘i Police Department is now a neighbor, following the completion of the Kaua‘i Police Activities League facility on land leased from the hospital.
“This is such a great event because the community comes together to make this lu‘au happen for the benefit of the residents,” Pablo said, noting the numerous contributions from community members like Caycayon.
Les Gushiken contributed the lu‘au leaves for the event, leaving the Kilauea Social Club to do its annual Christmas caroling.
“My brother Jack has my ticket, but they gave me a complimentary ticket,” Les said. “Does this mean I can eat twice?”
Among the guests, Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Chief Executive Officer Bob Anderson was escorted by Jerry Walker, the Kaua‘i director, and Myra Ornellas, the Mahelona Hospital administrator who had earlier offered Sen. Ron Kouchi a tour of the Mahelona Emergency Room.
“I have to admit, I did not know about the Emergency Room until I visited today,” Kouchi said, acknowledging the work and cooperation of the Mahelona Hospital staff in maintaining the facility and creating the programs for its clients.
Other dignitaries included Rep. Derek Kawakami, Beth Tokioka of the Mayor’s Office and various County Council members, notably Kipukai Kuali‘i and JoAnn Yukimura.
Pablo said the staff and employees of the hospital are its backbone, the lu‘au being spearheaded by Sharla Hasegawa, Colleen McCracken, Greg Planas and Elaine Morita.
“I’ve been here for 25 years,” Pablo said, “and each time we create an event or program for our residents, the staff is always there.
The families of our residents are very supportive and the efforts and support of the Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary headed by Betty Matsumura are key to the success of our programs.”
Pablo invited people back Thursday, when Mahelona Hospital celebrates its bon dance starting at 6 p.m. in the courtyard.
