Aloha ʻOhana,
I am posting this notice to all of the ʻohana who loved and knew my sister, Haunani-Kay, who died on July 3, 2021. Her passing was a great loss to everyone and to our family as well. She was greatly loved and respected by many who had been her students and friends throughout her lifetime.
The outpourings of sentiment, sadness and love that we received were truly overwhelming and a testament to the ALOHA of those whose lives she touched, shaped and influenced. Notes, letters, and cards came from all over the world and from every island. Mahalo a nui loa.
When Haunani-Kay died, the family knew her last wishes. She wanted to have her iwi placed at Kilauea so that she could sleep in the bosom of Tutu Pele. She rests there now.
We retained some of her iwi for Hoʻolewa Celebrations on Oʻahu, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and in Hāna, Maui. For several weeks we considered how and where these events could be held. Many ideas were discussed, and many people came forward to offer support and manaʻo.
We were very thankful for this support and, after much consideration, decided that we would work with the team from Kamehameha Schools (KS) who graciously offered to co-host Haunani-Kay’s Hoʻolewa at the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus on Oʻahu where she attended school for grades 7-12, graduating in 1967.
We have had many discussions with Randy Fong from KS who is not only facilitating the planning but has also helped us to identify a good site for the event with parking and restroom facilities and an area where we can embrace, listen to Hawaiian music, kūkā and reflect. We continue to go forward and are pleased to announce that a date has been set for her Celebration of Life on Oʻahu. This event will be jointly sponsored by the Trask/Cooper ʻOhana and the folks from Kamehameha.
We will be gathering on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center (Ululani Hale) from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to honor the passing of Haunani-Kay. The venue can accommodate 500 people. The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel will also be opened during this time, but the event, honoring and music will be at Kaʻiwakīloumoku in the courtyard and abutting classroom area.
KS staff and security will kōkua with the event and many graduates will come to sing, play music and kākoʻo. Mahalo to our cousin, Kawika Trask, and to all of the entertainers and musicians who are coming, as well as to Haunani-Kay’s special friends who have agreed to honor her with words and remembrances.
We send a special ALOHA to the class of 1967 who graduated with Haunani-Kay, we hope to see you there.
We are asking that everyone take care to ensure the safety and health of all. Please bring and wear a mask. We do not want our sister’s Celebration of Life to become a COVID-19 spreading event.
