HANAPEPE — More than 150 invited only guests gathered on Monday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Hanapepe Massacre at a site near the ambush, hosted by the county’s Planning Department.
“The Hanapepe Massacre of 1924 is a story that many of us are not familiar with, but truthfully, is a story that should never be forgotten,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami from the site located at Moi and Hanapepe roads. “As we bring to light what happened here 100 years ago, and recognize its significance, our hope is to remember a pivotal part of Hawaii’s labor history while reflecting on what our people and culture have overcome. We thank all involved in today’s ceremony for helping us to remember the sacrifices made that day, and beyond.”
Among the guests, Toshie Taniguchi will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Nov. 1. Her son, Chad Taniguchi, former Director of the Center for Oral History at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Ethnic Studies, said her mother missed the event because she was born nearly two months following the Sept. 9 event.
“The 1924 strike by mostly Visayan Filipino workers was a ‘just cause’ for better pay and better working conditions,” Chad said. “Too often, we take for granted an 8-hour day and minimum wage laws. Our close-knit island community is grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of all the people who have come to call Hawaii home. We must not forget our shared history. All those who died in 1924 were human beings with precious lives that were lost.”
Kealoha Takahashi and Trinette Kaui were asked to recite the names of the 16 deceased strikers, and the four Special Police that lost their lives in the incident that took place near the now intersection of Moi and Hanapepe roads.
Previously, these names were unknown and became known as a result of research being done by families of those who died, and community leaders.
“That was my great grandfather,” Takahashi said, her voice quivering as she recited the four names of the police. “They still don’t know where everyone is buried. They think it’s near the Japanese Language School.”
Officials with the Planning Department said they, including the county’s Public Access, Open Spaces, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission, have efforts underway to acquire two parcels associated with the Hanapepe Massacre for its historical and cultural significance.
The Open Space Commission unanimously voted on May 16, 2024 to acquire both Hanapepe parcels. On July 31, 2024, the Kauai County Council approved two bills to expend up to $1,444,000 from the Public Access, Open Space, Natural Resources Preservation Fund for the acquisition.
Both the Commission and the Planning Department are in negotiations with the landowner.
