(A research project of the Hanepepe Economic Alliance)
In 2001, The Hanapepe Economic Alliance (HEA) submitted a grant request to the Hawaii the Hawaii Council for the Humanities to research. The HEA wanted to bring the history of town's historic buildings alive, to tell the stories of people who lived and worked in them, to honor the past while heading into the future. Click here for the full report or just read the oral histories below.
This funding allowed several oral histories to be documented, which are presented below.
Below is a summary list (in alphabetical order) of the interviewee’s relationship to the property:
Constance Ortiz Aquino - Owned and operated the pool hall as a business and lived on the property. (1940 to ’46 and again 1966 to ‘73)
Hon Chong Chang, M.D. – He was a child when he and his brother first visited the bakery. His father, Chang Wai, was early immigrant to Kauai and knew the owners and assisted with bookkeeping.
Lorraine Chang – Lived in Hanapepe and remembers the bakery and how the building was changed. Left Hanapepe in the early1940’s with her husband, Dr. Chang. Lorraine knew original owners of bakery & Oriental Restaurant.
Gwen Hamabata – Grew up in Hanapepe. Purchased the property from Mrs. Edith Chang in 1988. Assisted with efforts to put buildings on historic registry.
Eduardo E. Malapit – Son of Leonila and Eusebio Malapit who leased the property from 1946 to 1966. His parents operated the pool hall with assistance from Eduardo and others, and the family lived on the property. He saw many changes in the town, and eventually became Mayor of Kaua`i.
Steven Kurokawa – Grew up in Hanapepe and had good memories of the pool hall
Robert (Lefty) Ozaki – Recalls the first use of the property, early buildings and owners. Knew the Changs and others who worked there from 1920’s to today.
Charles Bunji Shimomura – Grew up in Hanapepe and had good memories of the old pool hall and Hanapepe town.
Mickey Sussman – Took over property management from the Aquino’s in 1973. Had a stringed instrument repair shop and lived on property for about 3 years.
Note: Complete Text Transcripts available at
Hanapepe Library
Kauai Historical Society, Lihue
Hawaii Council for the Humanities, Honolulu
Banana Patch Studio, 3865 Hanapepe Road, Hanapepe HI 96716
Two years later, HEA took this research and created an accurate, historical map to allow visitors and locals an opportunity to have this history come to life. These maps are available at most Hanapepe stores and galleries. Visit the website: http://kauai.net/hanapepe/
Hanapepe, self-described as Kauai's biggest little town, is a town rich in history and unique in that its roots are based more in mercantile than plantation history. It has many historic buildings that deserve to be recognized and whose four walls— if they could talk – would have compelling stories to tell. Stories that will attract visitors and remind us all of the heritage and unique lifestyle of this area.
The Historic Hanapepe Walking Tour map is found at most retail stores and galleries in Hanapepe and is the best way start exploring the town. Enjoy the history, and share what you learn with others.
Sincerely,
Arius F. Hopman, president
Post Office Box 934
Hanapepe, HI 96716
808.335.0227