Kalawao, Hawaii

Father Damien's church

Kalawao, Hawaii is a small unincorporated community and county located on the northern shore of the island of Molokai in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is notable for its history as a settlement for individuals with Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, which led to its designation as a site for the Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement and National Historical Park. Despite its significant place in Hawaiian and medical history, Kalawao is one of the least populous counties in the United States.

History

The history of Kalawao is deeply intertwined with the history of Hansen's disease in Hawaii. In the late 19th century, the Kingdom of Hawaii was facing a public health crisis due to the spread of Hansen's disease. In an effort to control the disease, the government enacted laws to quarantine affected individuals. In 1866, Kalawao was chosen as the site for a leprosy settlement due to its remote location, which was accessible only by sea or steep cliffs.

Father Damien, a Roman Catholic priest from Belgium, arrived in Kalawao in 1873 to care for the patients. His work, along with that of other caregivers like Mother Marianne Cope and the members of the Sisters of St. Francis, brought attention to the conditions at the settlement and led to improvements in care and support for the residents.

Geography

Kalawao County encompasses the Kalaupapa Peninsula, a small area on the northern coast of Molokai. The region is characterized by its steep cliffs, which isolate the peninsula from the rest of Molokai, making access difficult. This geographic isolation was a key factor in its selection as a leprosy settlement.

Demographics

Due to its history as a leprosy settlement, the population of Kalawao County has always been small. The population has further declined since the introduction of effective treatments for Hansen's disease, and the area is now primarily inhabited by a few remaining patients and healthcare workers. As of the last census, Kalawao County had the smallest population of any county in the United States.

Government

As an unincorporated area, Kalawao does not have its own local government and is instead governed directly by the state of Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Health oversees the care and maintenance of the Kalaupapa Settlement.

Culture and Community

The community in Kalawao is tightly knit, formed around the shared history of the settlement and the experiences of its residents. The Kalaupapa National Historical Park preserves this history, offering educational resources and guided tours to visitors. The park aims to honor the memory of those who lived at the settlement and to educate the public about the history of Hansen's disease.

See Also

• Hansen's disease
• Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement and National Historical Park
• Father Damien
• Mother Marianne Cope