The passing of Hawaiian Kupuna Uncle Sam Kaleleiki, Jr.

Uncle Sam Kaleleiki, Jr. Uncle Sam Kaleleiki, Jr

Uncle Sam Kaleleiki, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at Queens Hospital in Honolulu.

Uncle Sam had been president of Ohana Ho’opakele for several years and a member of the organization for more than 15 years. I worked closely with him as secretary of the organization and knew him for more than 20 years.  The painting of Uncle Sam above by Donna Grabow  from a film where Uncle Sam is saying “You gotta focus…” captures the deep commitment of his life for justice.  Uncle Sam was a great inspiration to me and many others.  He sure had plenty of aloha and will be deeply missed.  Let us carry on his vision, determination and commitment.

Jim Albertini