Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 3, 1 March 2003 — Leo 'Elele [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Leo 'Elele

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Henry Nalaielua of Kalaupapa a f earless Hawaiian warrior

Colette Machado Trustee, Moloka'i and Lāna'i

^ "W- "W"ānau 'ia i ka pō Lā'au, 1—1 lā'au nā iwi, he koa." .A. -L. (said of a fearless peison), "Tonight we honor Unele Henry, he's the one with quite aflair — Paintings, drawings, watercolors, and a lady, almost bare. His one-man show successfully openeā, with his friends and family near, For capturing the beauty of Kalaupapa, Unele Henry we hold you dear." — Song for Henry Nalaielua's art opening - Feb. 13, 2003. Henry Nalaielua is a treasure: artist, musician, community activist and Ambassador of Kalaupapa. When asked about what be would say about himself, Henry said at the showing of his artwork recently at Aupuni Artwall - Native Books Kapalama that he has had a very good life. He added that he played a little music semi-professionally in Honolulu - and that he loved music

and playing with the boys. Music is very important to him and his love of the ukulele and guitar allowed him to meet many people. He also said that he loved to travel and had been to Europe five times and visited twenty-four states in the union. He appreciated the differences in landscape and color of the many parts of Ameiiea, and commented that Yosemite National Park was especially memorable. However, "Hawaii is so special to me, and I ean travel - 1 have freedom now and I belong". A simple, forthright statement, but one that aeknowledges his early experience of isolation in Kalaupapa and the "separation sickness" that limited his ahility to travel, and isolated him from the rest of Hawai'i and the world. "Henry's contribution to Na Pu'uwai ine. as a Board member since 1991 has been invaluable and greatly appreciated", said Billy Akutagawa, Executive Director. Henry continues as the 'eonneehon' and link from 'Topside' to

Kalaupapa. For the past thirteen years he continues to maintain his position on the Board of Na Pu'uwai and is also a member of the State of Hawai'i, Moloka'i Island Burial Council. He was a leader in the Patient Advisory Council at Kalaupapa and President of the Kalaupapa Historical Society. He recognizes patients' needs and addresses them. I believe that his contribution as an Ambassador of Kalaupapa to the world is how I see him the most. He has been a warrior for Kalaupapa - I like Henry - we need him back." (Henry currently resides on O'ahu for medical reasons). Billy first met Henry in 1990 when there were infrastructure improvements made at the Kalaupapa Airport. "Henry had good stories to share about the early days as a young man living in Kalaupapa and his experiences of hunting and climbing up the Pali in the dead of night. Imagine him fearlessly climbing up the mountain

to attend a social event in Kaunakakai, listening from outside to the music, and then returning to Kalaupapa- without the Brothers noticing that he was gone! He didn't let the disease limit him, he is an extrovert, and a broad thinker - no nonsense kind of guy. He believes in letting you know what he thinks, and he is not afraid to voice his opinion." Back at the art opening, Henry wheels himself around the book stacks - his neek and ehin disappear under layers of leis and people mingle with him admiring his art work. Many of the pieces depict the landscape of Kalawao - while there are several that depict Hawaiian warriors. Henry has captured the simple beauty of the Kalaupapa lighthouse, and has shared it with us. Henry is very happy. "Tonight is something that I never dreamed of - to be the center of attention." ■