LIHUE — Ali‘i Kaneholani was on the first flight out of Maui Wednesday morning.
“We were waiting for this,” Kaneholani said. “I had just gone to bed when I got the phone call. I was on the first flight out of Maui.”
Kaneholani is the father of Ha‘aheo who has the distinction of being the first baby born on Kauai in 2020, arriving to welcoming mother Xanniele Dasalia at 4:26 a.m. at the Wilcox Health Center.
“Her name — this is just the first part, yet — means ‘pride,’ or ‘proud,’” Kaneholani said. “And we are proud to welcome her to the family. I just didn’t think she would be the New Year’s Baby.”
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital also recorded a New Year’s baby that was born at 8:43 a.m. The KVMH birth meant Wilcox Hospital earned bragging rights to having the first baby of the year.
Ha‘aheo, who is beneficiary to a special birth package provided by Wilcox for being the New Year’s baby, is the second child to Kaneholani and Dasalia’s household.
“I had no idea I was giving birth,” Dasalia said. “I went to bed, early. Around 2 a.m., I was wakened by a stomach ache. Two hours later, I gave birth.”
Ha‘aheo weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 20.5 inches.
“A New Year’s baby?” Dasalia said. “I have heard about New Year’s babies, but never knew anyone who had a New Year’s baby. I have the first baby of 2020, and I didn’t even know about it. We checked in at the hospital at 3 a.m., and less than two hours later, here she is.”
Kim and Paulmert Dasalia, Ha‘aheo’s grandparents, were among the first visitors to greet the New Year’s baby, triggering a line of family that started filling the hospital’s parking lot.
“We’re so proud,” Kim said, seeking out a container to place the floral greetings they brought to the hospital’s room. “She could’ve waited a few more days when it’s my birthday, but it’s alright. We’re just so proud.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
