If we look around our communities, we are very likely to recognize or recall our community's heroes: friends, neighbors, family members, and others who may have helped others overcome life's emergencies or everyday predicaments. They are often ordinary people who make extraordinary differences by helping others.

Aunty Mabel was one of them. Her Aloha was her north star. Her kokua to the community was consistant and her loving nature often fulfilled the needs of many who sought her advice, knowledge, wisdom, or a comforting hug of aloha that conveyed a feeling that "everything would be alright." She was an original.

September is a special month.

Ohana, friends, and the community placing lei at the pohaku memorial during the month of September to recognize Aunty's unwavering dedication to the Waikoloa Community. Will you be one of them this year? The memorial is located at 68-1674 Meipala Pl, Waikoloa, HI 96738.

In Kamuela Aunty's ohana celebrated by visiting her grave site at St. James Church and wearing her hopi coat.

PRIOR MEMORIAL PHOTOS

August 2019 Memorial Photos

DEDICATION OF STREET MEMORIAL: August 18, 2019

The Memorial is located at the entrance of Meipala Place located on the corner of Kilakila Street and Meipala Place in Waikoloa Village.

ORIGINAL INSTALLATION OF MEIPALA PLACE SIGN

"For several years, several people had contemplated some type of memorial for Aunty Mabel, but not much seemed appropriate and it was ‘back burnered’. After a period of time, while I was walking in the fringes of Sunset Ridge, I happened to walk down an empty cul-de-sac; no houses; no sold lots; nothing. Just beautiful views of the Pacific and Haleakala. I thought what a wonderful memorial for Aunty Mabel this street would make. I called Chris Lau, the developer of Sunset Ridge, and told him of my idea. He agreed and I petitioned the County for the name of ‘Meipala Place’; the petition was granted and I contacted a trophy shop in Kona to make the plaque that still appears at the entrance to that street..."

The Inscription on the plaque: "This street is dedicated to the memory of Waikoloa's First Lady, Aunty Mabel "Meipala" Ishii. (January 2, 1937 - September 6, 2003) Loved and missed. A hui hou. Aloha `e."

Photos of the April 23, 2008 Street Sign Installation and Blessing

All rights reserved.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 4411, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745-4411 - Tel. 808.327.9792
Webmaster | Web Art and Design by SMARTDOTCOM.COM of Hawai`i an affiliate of CaptainPicard.com and iAKAMAI.COM