Focus Hawaii Ku'ulei Bell

Focus Hawaii Ku'ulei Bell

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Description

This in‑depth conversation with Kuʻulei Bell of Kalaupapa captures her vivid memories of life in the Hansen’s disease settlement—from her arrival as a teenager to the community traditions, friendships, and cultural vibrancy that shaped her adulthood. She recalls the loving guidance of elders, schooling at Hale Mohalu, lively social life filled with dances, parties, music, hula, and theatrical productions, and the deep interfaith cooperation among Catholic, Protestant, and Latter‑day Saint residents. Kuʻulei describes her work life, including service in the police department and local leadership roles such as serving on the Patient Advisory Council, where patients helped guide decisions affecting the settlement. She shares heartfelt stories of marriage, community relationships, beloved pets, and the powerful influence of faith during hardship. Reflecting on stigma, changing terminology surrounding Hansen’s disease, and the legacy of figures like Father Damien, she offers an intimate, often humorous, and deeply spiritual portrait of a community that built joy, dignity, and resilience despite isolation.

Length of Video

01:06:00

File Size

3.6GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

10-2000

Keywords

Kuʻulei Bell, Kalaupapa, Hansen’s disease settlement, Hawaiian history, community life, Hale Mohalu, Kalawao, dances and social activities, Kalaupapa music traditions, Sister Wilma, Patient Advisory Council, Father Damien, church life in Kalaupapa, Catholic Church, Mormon Church, Protestant Church, police work in Kalaupapa, settlement leadership, pets in Kalaupapa, leprosy stigma, Hansen’s disease advocacy, National Park Service, Kalaupapa memories, oral history Hawaiʻi

Disciplines

Hawaiian Studies

Focus Hawaii Ku'ulei Bell

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