A gathering to commemorate Waikoloa Village’s First Lady of Aloha, “Aunty Mabel” Ishii, will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday at Meipala Place and Kilakila Street in Waikoloa Village.
Aunty Mabel’s calling card was a gracious warm smile and a welcoming greeting of “aloha!” It was often followed by an unforgettable, Aunty Mabel-kine hug, that was kilipue — enthusiastic, passionate and full of aloha.
Aunty Mabel (“Meipala”) Ishii was the administration manager for Waikoloa Village for 17 years, from 1986 until her death in 2003. It was a period when Waikoloa Village continued to emerge as an independent and vibrant community.
To people who settled in the village, Aunty Mabel was the first true face of Aloha. To those who felt isolated or alone in a new land and culture, she helped them to assimilate, to ‘fit in,’ and navigate the system. She taught them local customs, explained Hawaiian words, and how things worked. Besides being an office manager and on the editorial staff of the Waikoloa Breeze newsletter, she was also known for ‘getting things done,’ like arranging for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive in Waikoloa by helicopter for the “Santa Claus Comes to Waikoloa” keiki event in 1997.
Aunty was a local girl, but that never stopped her from making worldly friends. She graduated from Hilo High School, served in the Army Air Corps (WAC), and under the GI Bill majored in management. She later worked at the Hawaiian Holiday Macadamia Nut Company for 22 years in Haina, near Honokaa.
She babysat for celebrities like Carol Burnett, a very special person with whom she remained friends. At her celebration of life memorial service, Jim Nabors provided a special floral wreath.
Mabel was proud of Waikoloa Village. Even in hard times, her love of the community never wavered. Her mission was clear. She made residents, visitors — and even strangers — feel welcome and comfortable, as if they were her ohana. Regardless of circumstances, she was always there, helping others.
All are welcome to join Aunty Mabel’s ohana, friends and residents of the village as they honor the memory of “Aunty Mabel” Ishii, Waikoloa Village’s First Lady of Aloha.
