IN MEMORY OF Peter Kama, Sr. 1919 – 1985 Kahua Ranch, Oahu

IN MEMORY OFPeter Kama, Sr.1919 – 1985Kahua Ranch, OahuPeter Kama, Sr. was born on Mauion New Year’s Eve, 1919. He married hissweetheart, Virginia Kaiponohea Mosson May 7, 1949 at Kawaiahao Church inHonolulu.They had four children,Deborah, Kathleen, Peter, Jr., and Gary.Pete was one of those lucky people whose profession was also his lifelongpassion. He left high school early, eager to pursue his dreams of an exciting andrewarding life working with horses, livestock, and good men.His first job was ascattle tender on a barge sailing between the Big Island and Honolulu. He moved on tobecome a ranch hand at Dillingham and Mokulē‘ia ranches and others. He beganworking with Kahua Ranch in 1953, where he happily spent the rest of his career. Hewas a frequent competitor in rodeos through the years, and kept cows and horses inthe pasture behind his Waimea North Shore home. As founding members, he and his bestfriend Alex Napier were pioneers of the 4H program in Hawai`i.Pete was also anextremely skilled leather craftsman who enjoyed whiling away spare hours creatingbeautiful belts and custom saddles.A gentle soul, Pete dearly loved his family and friends and he loved a good time,too. Working together at Kahua Ranch, Pete and Alex Napier and their families becameinseparable. Bobby Napier even calls Pete his “second father.” Friends for life, Peteand Alex loved sharing a few drinks and pupu with the boys after a hard day’s work, andas a result were no doubt responsible for a few gray hairs on the heads of theirbeloved Kaipo and Clara.The holidays were Pete’s favorite time of the year. His birthday and New Year’sEve celebration were always very special events, eagerly anticipated by family, friends,and North Shore neighbors. He loved fireworks, and made sure that he had more thananyone else on the North Shore! In true Hawaiian style, during the holidays he was

famous for organizing the whole family in making a huge batch of laulau so thateveryone who stopped by to visit had some to take home with them. He loved helping hisfriends with their own parties, too, often bringing a round or quarter to “huli” forthem.A great family man with a giant heart, Pete led by example and with a quietauthority that brought respect from all who knew him. None of his children can recallhim ever raising his voice. He didn’t need to. Peter Kama, Sr. passed away on April 24,1985.Kathleen brown accepting the award on behalfOf Peter Kama.