Joyce Ah Moe Kainoa, whose back-to-the-land lifestyle was featured in a story in National Geographic magazine and in a Hawaii television documentary in the 1980s, died Nov. 1 at the Queen’s Medical Center. She was 69.
Kainoa, born in rural Hana, was a founding member of the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, the group that successfully fought to halt the Navy bombing of Kahoolawe and return it to civilian use.
Ohana leader Dr. Emmett Aluli recalled Kainoa was arrested by the federal government for trespassing on Kahoolawe in 1977, after she and other supporters landed on the island in protest of the military bombing.
Her boat, used in the landing, was confiscated by the Navy, and she spent six months in jail, he said.
“She did not hesitate to speak out,” Aluli said. “She lived aloha aina (loving and caring for the land).”
Kainoa, a fisherwoman, moved her family to remote Pelekunu Valley on the back side of Molokai, where her family hunted and fished for a living.
Aluli said Kainoa also participated in other protests to preserve shoreline access on Molokai and fought in court against the diversion of East Maui stream waters.
She also volunteered at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
A celebration of her life is scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Kalaiakamanu Hou Congregational Church, followed by a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m.
She is survived by sons Lane and Samuel Namakaeha, daughters Shiriko Wingerter and Alice Namakaeha-Fifita, brothers David and Paul, 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Contributions to assist in family expenses are being accepted by Leigh-Wai Doo on Oahu at 721-0006 or by mail at 2800 Waiomao Homestead Road, Honolulu 96816.
