Today is
9-7-2025 OHANA VISITS AUNTY'S GRAVE SITE
On September 6, several generations of ohana gathered at the grave site of Aunty Mabel and husband John Ishii, Sr. and "had breakfast" on Aunty's 22nd Anniversary in Kamuela. Among those who gathered were Shirley (Aunty's daughter) and husband Jimmy Tomei, Aunty's son John, Jr., grandnephews and grandneices and their family members.
5-15-2025 PROPERTY OF MEMORIAL CHANGES HANDS
New owners have purchased the property on which the Memorial is locaed and they have assured Aunty's ohana and community they will honor its placement. They have greatly improved the area of the pohaku tribute and we all are grateful for their kokua and aloha in preserving the memory of Aunty's relationship, service, and aloha within the Waikoloa Community. Mahalo a nui loa.
OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:
10/4/2018 - THE WAIKOLOA BREEZE ARTICLE ON FIRST LADY OF WAIKOLOA
The October issue of the Waikoloa Breeze newsletter has an article on the dedication of Aunty Mabel.
AUGUST 19, 2018 DEDICAATION OF NEW MEMORIAL AT THE ENTRANCE TO MEIPALA PLACE IN WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
8/19/2018 - Family, friends, and residents of Waikoloa Village came together to honor Aunty Mabel Ishii on August 19. She was a legendary figure in the early days of the Waikoloa Village Association's development and evolution.
Special guest speaker, Valerie T. Poindexter, Council Member Chairwoman and Presiding Officer of the 2016-2018 Hawai'i County Council, shared poignant comments and touching recollections of Aunty Mabel's character and legacy, as some held back tears. Poindexter went on to say how--up to Aunty's death--she instilled the values of aloha and service to the community to all of her children and grand children.
Hawai'i County Council Member Tim Richards issued a Hawai`i County Letter of Recognition that stated "Aunty Mabel was the center of the community... She was the epitome of Aloha!"
On behalf of the Hawai`i's Twenty-Ninth Legislature, Hawaii State Senator Lorraine Inouye pointed to Aunty Mabel's "strong commitment to community" and "whose work has improved our quality of life." The Senator referred to Aunty's spirit of aloha as "legendary."
Kate "Kealani" Winter gave the pule. 
"O ke aloha ke kuleana o ahi malihini. (Aloha is the host in strange lands.)
Sometimes places choose people, but Aunty Mabel, or Meipala, chose this place because she wanted to see the other side of our island.
Once here, she embodied what was good and best in the place and its people.
With her heart, hands and hugs, Aunty Mabel created a nest of belonging for every malihini she encountered.
The closest any of us can come to forever is neither bone nor stone: it is Aloha that is everlasting.
Aunty Mabel lived this truth.
Her spirit animates the wide-embracing clouds of this wahi pana, her spirit uses the breath of wind and spreads the mana among all who dwell here, makani carries her message of acceptance, inclusion and welcome.
Now let us offer thanksgiving...
For Likeke and Roger, brothers who share Meipala's loving ways, to her children and all her extended ohana, and Roger Hansen who recognized her spirit.
We give our aloha.
For the gifts of Kim and Scott who offered this place as wahi pana,
We give our aloha.
We commit ourselves to mindful use of creation and community,
We give our aloha.
We bless this memorial place, this wahi pana.
We give our aloha.
May all who pass it know her mana and be inspired to recognize kindredspirits in those we newly meet,
We offer our aloha.
O ke aloha ke kuleana o ahi malihini. (Aloha is the host in strange lands.)
Special thanks to all who attended, helped organize, and participated in honoring the First Lady of Waikoloa, Aunty Mabel Ishii. More information and stories about Aunty Mabel may be found here.
YOU CAN CONTACT US for more information, by using the on-line form below as well as contacting us by e-mail. Or by calling 808.327.9792 Likeke "Ric" Bumanglag.
