Kapahei Kauai

Kapahei J. Kauai also known as the “Arch-leper” (a play on archbishop), “Judge Kauai” or simply “Judge” was born in the mid-1820s and educated at Punahou School. Kauai became a tax assessor in 1856 in Waimea, Kauai and later a judge. He kept his title and known as Judge Kauai. Kauai won a seat in the Legislative Assembly representing Kauai as an Emmaite. He became known as one of the “Last of the Emmaite” when the Queen Emma party disbanded. Kauai retired from politics and became a priest. In the late 1880s he found he had contracted leprosy and fled to Kalalau Valley leading a number of other lepers him with. Following the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom the Provisional Government used forced relocation of lepers. In 1893 deputy sheriff Louis H. Stolza attempted to capture the lepers but was shot and killed by Kaluai Koolau, Kauai organized the colony members for the repercussions. On July 1, the Waialeale landed troops, at the age of 68 and crippled by the disease Kauai attempted to hide from the soldiers by crawling under his bed but was the first one found and pulled out by his feet and deported to Kalaupapa.