WAIMEA — Haruko Sakai, 91, could not believe what was taking place Sunday at the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital. “They’re having a party for you,” said Carla Dusenberry of the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple. “We come to eat dinner with
WAIMEA — Haruko Sakai, 91, could not believe what was taking place Sunday at the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
“They’re having a party for you,” said Carla Dusenberry of the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple. “We come to eat dinner with you every Sunday, but tonight, everybody’s here. It’s a party!”
Sakai, at 91 years young, the eldest member of the Hanapepe Soto Zen Temple, was recently recognized for her contributions to the temple at the church’s 110th anniversary service. The moment was revisited when Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. came over to visit with the resident of Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
“She’s still very active,” Dusenberry said. “When we make mochi for New Year’s, she’ll be there, dusting the mochiko on the completed mochi.”
Santa, parking his special Santa Jeep just ahead of the hospital’s entrance, mingled with guests at what KVMH organizers said they hope will become an annual event.
Hawaii Health Systems Corp., West Kauai Medical Center, hosted its Caring Hearts of Christmas holiday lighting ceremony Sunday, just ahead of the Waimea Town lighting ceremony at Hofgaard Park.
“We are relatively isolated from the rest of Waimea,” said Scott McFarland, HHSC CEO for Kauai. “We are doing this to connect the community to the hospital. We want people in the community to come up here and enjoy the courtyard and grounds which are decorated with lights.”
Charles Iona said Waimea is a rural area, and the hospital does much for the community, relaying his experience when he suffered a heart attack and was flown out to Oahu through the Pacific Missile Range Facility within two hours of his attack.
“I grew up in Kalihi where we were surrounded by lights,” Iona said. “Tonight’s lighting is for our loved ones who have passed on, and for the children. I want children to remember what it is like to have the holidays and lights.”
The lights will remain on through the 19th annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 21.
