LIHU‘E — Since 1988, the trustees of the Kaua‘i Museum have acknowledged special people as “Living Treasures” for their contributions to culture, education and the welfare of the people and communities of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Samson Mahuiki is a kama‘aina
LIHU‘E — Since 1988, the trustees of the Kaua‘i Museum have acknowledged special people as “Living Treasures” for their contributions to culture, education and the welfare of the people and communities of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.
Samson Mahuiki is a kama‘aina of Ha‘ena, descended from full-blooded Hawaiians. His early years were spent living and learning the traditional subsistence lifestyle of the area included fishing, growing kalo, hunting, managing cattle and horses, and exploring the mountains and the oceans.
After graduating from Kamehameha Schools, then college and seminary at Yankton College in South Dakota, Samson returned to Ha‘ena, married and raised a family. He joined the Kaua‘i Fire Depart-ment at the Hanalei Station during the 1960s and ‘70s.
Prior to helicopters, boats, and sophisticated equipment, Samson executed the department’s rescues along the Na Pali trails by horse, day or night, rain or shine. An expert horseman, Samson also trained them. He worked for the Princeville Ranch and Meadowgold Dairy, participating the rodeo circuit for years in Hawai‘i.
Uncle Sam was one of the founders of the Waipa Project. This group’s efforts in the early 1980’s saved the 1,600 acre ahupua‘a of Waipa from high-end residential development, instead advocating for use of the valley as a Hawaiian cultural center and ahupua‘a learning center. His dedication continues today as president of the non-profit Waipa Foundation which welcoming over 2,000 students per year to participate in programs. Sam and his family also farm kalo at Waipa.
Uncle Sam is very active in his church, as a member of Wai‘oli Huia‘ia for years, and now an elder in the North Shore Christian Church in Kilauea where he serves as choir director.
To people that know him, perhaps one of Uncle Sam’s most marked characteristics is the way he truly lives the Hawaiian lifestyle. He has always, and continues to move not according to hands of the clock, but to the weather, time of day, seasons, and work that needs to be done. Mo‘olelo, or stories, are also a marked characteristic of Uncle Sam. He generously shares stories of the old days, of his experiences, and life’s lessons.
Join the celebration Saturday at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom. Tickets are available at the Kaua‘i Museum Gift Shop, 246-2470.
