The Paniolo Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the induction of 11 new members for 2019.
The new hall of fame members will be honored during a banquet and ceremony as part of the Hawai‘i Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort &Spa. The event is slated for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.
The 2019 inductees are:
• Harriet “Haku” Baldwin, 1913-2003, Haleakala Ranch, Maui.
• James Kaleima‘ema‘e “Palaika” Brighter, 1871-1947, Moloka‘i Ranch and Parker Ranch, Molokai and Hawaii Island.
• Alex B. Franco, Maui Cattle Co., Maui.
• James A. Gomes, Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui.
• Adam Scott Hai Sr., 1917-83, Kaupo Ranch and Kahua Ranch, Maui and Oahu.
• Ephraim Palaima Hai, 1914-99, Kahua Ranch, Oahu.
• Merton G. Kekiwi, Kaonoulu Ranch and Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui.
• John Kalaniopu‘u “John Samoa” Lekelesa, 1908-87, Parker Ranch, Hawaii Island.
• Michael N. Purdy Sr., Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui.
• Clarence Stanley Rapoza, Palani Ranch Co. and Lanihau Ranch, Hawaii Island.
• Richard M. Schultz II, Honomalino Ranch and Daleico Ranch, Hawaii Island.
The members of the Paniolo Hall of Fame are among the generations of Hawaii cowboys who stood out in their contributions to cattle ranching throughout all the islands. While the cattle industry is still very much alive and well in Hawaii today, the paniolo have become a legendary and celebrated part of Hawaii’s present-day culture.
The Paniolo Hall of Fame was initiated by the Oahu Cattlemen’s Association in 1999 to recognize yesterday’s and today’s paniolo statewide, and with every island represented, who have contributed to keeping Hawaii’s paniolo heritage alive and honor those who made the paniolo culture legendary.
With the induction of the 2019 inductees in its 20th year, the hall of fame now includes 157 members statewide, living and deceased.
The Paniolo Hall of Fame consists of photo portraits, short biographies and oral history interviews.
The portrait exhibit has been on display during numerous events and at many venues on all the islands. It continues to circulate to various locations statewide and can be requested for display. The Paniolo Hall of Fame is on permanent display at the Paniolo Preservation Society’s museum at Pukalani Stables in Waimea.
For more information about the hall of fame or to view inductee photos and biographies, visit www.hicattle.org/paniolo-hall-of-fame.
