HONOLULU — The Molokai settlement where St. Damien cared for Hansen’s disease patients would eventually be managed by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands under a bill before the Legislature.

Sen. Kalani English’s proposal would transfer management of Kalaupapa Settlement once there is no longer a resident patient population.
English says when no more patients are receiving care at Kalaupapa, it will make more sense for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to oversee the island instead of the Department of Health.
English says the state should prepare for more visitors interested in the historical, cultural and religious significance of the island.