FORMER JAILER AND KAMAAINA DIES, AGED 77

J. P. Hale Succumbs to Long Illness, Funeral Held Here Today

J. P. Hale, 77, a well-known kamaaina of Hilo who served as jailer at the Hilo county jail during Sheriff Sam Pua’s administration died at his home at 224 Lanikaula St. at 2:30 a. m. today. Death came as a result of a long illness which caused the deceased to be confined in his bed for  many months.

Funeral services are being held at his home today at 4 p. m. under the direction of the Kamehameha Lodge. The body will be buried later in the afternoon at that Haili Kulamanu cemetery. The Elmore mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mr. Hale was born in Kula, Maui and arrived at Hilo over 40 years ago. He served two terms in the house of representatives, after which he became a jailer. He is survived by the widow, three sons, nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

His sons include Harry K. Hale and Charles B. Makanui of Hilo and John Palama of Honolulu.

The deceased was known throughout the territory as a politician and he accompanied Prince Kuhio on his campaign tour of the islands. He also served in the house of representatives in 1911 and 1913. he was police lieutenant under Sheriff Andrews, and later was in charge of the county stables. He was deputy jailer under Sam Pua for 11 years, and jailer for five years. He retired in 1928.

Mr. Hale was an alii of the Kamehameha lodge having been one of the original charter members of the society. He also belonged to the Native Sons of Hawaii.

[J. P. Hale provided Helen Roberts with many mele. For one of his mele, “Aia i Waiehu Pua Loke Lani,” see the latest post on Bishop Museum’s Mele Monday blog!]

(Hilo Tribune Herald, 10/2/1935, p. 2)

Hilo Tribune Herald, Volume XIII, Number 245, Page 3. October 2, 1935.