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Friends remember
Keale’s service to
community

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

Moses Kapalekilahao Keale Sr. pioneered many of the programs at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and will be deeply missed, said his colleagues on the board.

"He was a humble and gentle man whose achievements touched the hearts of many Hawaiians during his nearly two decades of unbroken and distinguished service as a trustee," said trustee Rowena Akana.

Keale, 62, died Wednesday night at Wilcox Hospital after he made a decision to stop his kidney dialysis treatment. He had suffered from diabetes and other medical complications over the past few years.

Friends say the Niihau native -- the only person ever elected to public office from that island -- was at peace with himself when he died.

"He made a decision that was coherent. He knew what he was doing," said OHA chairman Clayton Hee.

"Other than the fact that he had stopped his treatment, he was fine, smiling that certain smile that only he has," Hee said.

Keale was elected to OHA in 1980 to represent Niihau and Kauai and helped start many programs in place today, including the Native Hawaiian Preservation Council and the Native Hawaiian Education Foundation.

He also help create OHA's revolving loan fund that has helped many Hawaiians build homes or start businesses.

During his tenure, Keale watched as the OHA investment portfolio grew from $100,000 in 1980 to more than $350 million today. Hee said the money has provided Hawaiians with more opportunities than Keale ever imagined 20 years ago.

Keale was named minority business advocate of the year by the Small Business Administration and a living treasure of Hawaii by the Hawaii Hongwanji Association.

Although re-elected to another four-year term in 1996, Keale retired Oct. 30. Outside of OHA, he was a chaplain for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and an ordained minister at Ke Akua Mana Church in Kapaa.

"Trustee Keale's public service is appreciated by the Hawaiian community and we thank his family for allowing him to serve," said trustee Haunani Apoliona.

Keale is survived by his wife, Diane L.; daughters Donna Wichimai, Marla Silva and Sally Ann Diana; sons Anthony, Nolan, Moses and Leland; brothers Arthur and Moses Keale Jr. and Joseph K. Kahale; sisters Rose "Loke" Kaliloa, Adeline Rivera and Josephine Keale, 23 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Services: 7 p.m. Monday at Lihue Convention Hall. Call after 3 p.m. Cremation the next day. Inurnment: 10 a.m. Thursday at Hanapepe Hawaiian Cemetery. Casual attire.