Aunty Kapeka truly lived the essence of aloha, according to neighbor and friend Carol Ann Washburn of Hanalei. “In every circle she welcomed everyone,” Washburn said. “She respected their ways. She was always looking for ways to bridge differences. And
Aunty Kapeka truly lived the essence of aloha, according to neighbor and friend Carol Ann Washburn of Hanalei.
“In every circle she welcomed everyone,” Washburn said. “She respected their ways. She was always looking for ways to bridge differences. And that way was love.”
Elizabeth “Kapeka” Mahuiki Chandler died Nov. 14, at the age of 76. She is survived by 14 children, 36 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Francis Elias Chandler Sr. and son William Hughes Chandler.
In Chandler’s own words: “Most say aloha is caring and sharing. I think they left out the most important word … love. Without love there is not caring … or sharing,” she said, according to a document provided by Washburn.
Washburn explains that she worked with Chandler in founding Hale Halawai ‘Ohana ‘O Hanalei (Hanalei Community Family Center).
“She demonstrated an unconditional love that extended beyond race, politics and age,” Washburn said. “She saw the love in everyone. She was so elegant, yet so subtle. She made you feel at ease with yourself.”
Washburn calls Chandler a singer, musician and entertainer, singing for luau’s at churches, weddings and anything to serve her family and community. She would feed her family and anyone who happened upon her home by “working the land and gathering from the sea.”
Washburn recalls working with Chandler after Hurricane ‘Iniki in 1992. Chandler volunteered as an outreach worker, going around to affected homes to see how people were doing. Washburn explains how Chandler’s presence alone was enough to make people feel better.
“Through her actions showed love,” Washburn said. “She’s truly one of those people that is so kind and good.”
Chandler was also a woman deeply connected in her faith.
“We must have faith,” she said, according to Washburn. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to survive. Hawaiians always pray, especially at Thanksgiving. As children we were taught to learn by observing our elders. It’s very important to observe and respect our elders. What I want is for our elders to get involved with our children. How else can they know? We need more of that in the world today.”
According to Washburn, Chandler’s faith came from her mother. At church, she learned to sing hymns in Hawaiian.
“She had an incredible faith in God,” Washburn said. “She was God’s teachings in action.”
Chandler was co-founder and member of the Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Club and matriarch of the Hanalei Canoe Club.
She was also an alumna of Kamehameha Schools and a member of St. William’s Catholic Church at Hanalei. She was Aloha Week Queen in 1970. In 1997, she was named a Living Treasure by the Kaua‘i Museum.
“She was honored as a living treasure,” Washburn said. “And was she ever.”
Aunty Kapeka’s son, Jeff Chandler, declined to comment for this story. Calls placed to the family had not been returned by press time.
• Rachel Gehrlein, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or rgehrlein@kauaipubco.com.
