Page 63 of Tiki Beach
“Which would have made them millions,” Keone said.
“Exactly,” Lei nodded. “The plan, as we understand it now, was to wait until Pearl passed away—either from natural causes or with some ‘assistance’—and then move forward with the Cultural Corridor project once Kawika was in control of Pearl’s estate. The mayor and Akana had already lined up investors and started preliminary planning, all while publicly claiming to support the Heritage Garden.”
“And Kawika?” I asked. His betrayal still felt fresh despite the time that had passed. “What’s happening to him?”
Lei’s lips firmed. “Kawika Pali has provided a full confession. He admitted to poisoning Pearl’s tea at the ceremony under direction from David Santos, and to planning to finish the job at the hospital. His testimony of the master plan they concocted to gain control of Pearl’s estate has been invaluable in building the case against both David and the former mayor. He’s in jail but his sentence will be mitigated by his cooperation.”
A weighty silence fell over the room. Pearl took a small sip of water, which Lani had given back to her, her eyes momentarily distant before she refocused on the group. “I’ve requested to go visit him,” she said quietly, causing several surprised glances. “Not immediately, but eventually. There are questions that only he can answer about how this unfolded over time.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Ilima asked gently. “He’s my nephew, but I’m not going anywhere near him. The betrayal was profound, and seeing him might?—”
“Might what?” Pearl interrupted, a flash of her old fire evident. “Upset me? I’m already upset. Might reopen wounds? The wounds haven’t closed. I have forgiven the boy, but I need to understand how someone I trusted with my life, someone whose life has been connected to mine for so many years, could make this kind of choice.” Lani adjusted Pearl’s shawl again, the simple action seeming to ground the older woman. “It’s part of my recovery,” she said at last. “Coming to terms with Kawika and what he did.”
“Speaking of recovery,” I said, wanting to steer the conversation toward more positive developments, “how do you feel about the Heritage Garden project moving forward? Lei mentioned there have been significant developments.”
Pearl’s expression brightened, the tension in her shoulders easing. “The project has received official approval from the county planning commission,” she announced, her voice stronger than it had been moments before. “With Mayor Santos removed from office, the commission evaluated the proposal purely on its merits and historical significance.”
“One of my first official actions as mayor will be to formally designate the Heritage Garden as a protected historical site,” Ilima’s voice carried the authority that was a natural part of her. “The paperwork is already prepared for signing on my first day in office.”
“Wonderful news,” Aunt Fae said. “When will construction begin?”
“Preliminary site preparation starts next month,” Pearl replied, nodding toward Ilima. “I’ll be present for the groundbreaking ceremony, even if it means attending in this rolling contraption.” She patted the arm of her wheelchair.
“The garden design has evolved in some meaningful ways,” Edith Pepperwhite contributed, reaching into a capacious bag to withdraw a rolled set of plans. She spread them on the central table as we gathered around.
The design was beautiful in its elegant simplicity—a series of garden rooms flowing into one another, each representing a different aspect of the Japanese-American experience in Hawaii. The central feature remained the reconstruction of Pearl’s grandfather’s original garden, including a crane statue under the huge plumeria tree, positioned exactly where the original had stood before the internment.
“The most significant addition,” Pearl explained, gesturing toward a circular structure near the garden’s entrance, “is this memorial and education center. It will house permanent exhibits documenting both the historical internment period and the subsequent land disputes. I believe it’s essential that the full story be told—not as sensationalism, but as acknowledgment of how difficult and complicated the path to justice can be.”
“Including recent events?” Josie asked, glancing at Pearl.
“Especially recent events,” Pearl said. “The attempted silencing of the narrative is part of history—a continuation of the same forces that have tried to bury this embarrassment for decades. Excluding it would be incomplete.”
“The garden will also include a community gathering space,” Edith continued, indicating a terraced area designed for outdoor events. “Pearl wants the project to serve not just as a memorial, but as an active, living space where the community can come together.”
“A place for both remembrance and renewal,” Opal nodded approvingly.
As the conversation continued and sunlight faded to the golden hour, I noticed Pearl beginning to tire, though she was clearly making an effort to conceal it. Lani noticed too, subtly checking her watch and making eye contact with me. Understanding the unspoken message, I began to think about how to wind down the gathering without making Pearl feel she was the cause.
As the conversation shifted to logistics for the garden’s groundbreaking in a few months, I noticed Lani checking her watch more pointedly. She caught Keone’s eye, and he nodded slightly, understanding the message.
“I think we should probably start wrapping up,” Keone said diplomatically. “It’s been a full afternoon.”
“Indeed,” Pearl said, not bothering to hide her fatigue any longer. “As much as I’ve enjoyed this gathering, my body is reminding me rather insistently that I’m still recovering.”
This announcement prompted a flurry of goodbyes and well-wishes as the guests began to gather their things. Pearl accepted each farewell with grace, though I could see the strain of maintaining her composure as tiredness overtook her.
After Pearl and Lani departed, with promises to reconnect as the event for the Garden was planned, the gathering quickly disbanded. Lei left, citing early court appearances the next day, but promising updates as they occurred.
Eventually, only our core group remained: Keone and I, Aunt Fae, Ilima, and Artie and Opal, who seemed in no hurry to conclude the evening.
We moved inside as the air cooled, settling in the comfortable living room where Tiki and Misty had already claimed prime sleeping spots on the couch and had to be dislodged.
“Pearl seemed stronger than I expected,” Artie observed, accepting a cup of punch from Aunt Fae. “Given how serious her condition was just a few weeks ago.”
“She’s determined to recover in time for the garden groundbreaking,” Ilima explained. “The doctors are amazed by her progress, though they warn she may never regain her previous stamina.”
As the evening drew to a natural close, Keone and I prepared to leave. Tiki, sensing our imminent departure, stretched languidly before leaping from her spot to twine around my ankles.
