For over 20 years, The Ka‘ū Calendar has faithfully reported on events important to the community of Ka‘ū. Julia Neal started the Pāhala-based newspaper in 2002, followed by the online Ka‘ū News Briefs in 2010.
Julia stayed up late each night preparing daily news briefs without missing a single day. She had one goal: provide professional and unbiased reporting to a community she loved with every fiber of her being. Although this publication didn’t make much, its service to the people of Ka‘ū was invaluable in ways that money cannot express.
On January 24, 2025, Julia Neal passed away in her Pāhala cottage. Everyone knew Julia for her compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Julia was the heart and soul of The Ka‘ū Calendar. Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. The Ka‘ū Calendar will soon cease operations. But before shutting down, The Ka‘ū Calendar will publish a final issue dedicated to the memory of its founding mother, Julia.
The Ka‘ū Calendar invites everyone to submit letters of farewell to Julia.
Through her friendships, journalism, businesses, and volunteer work, Julia touched the lives of countless people in Ka‘ū and beyond. If you are one of these people, or if you simply wish to give your condolences, please write a letter to us. Prayers, poems, and art are also welcome. We will publish these letters online in The Ka‘ū Calendar’s final issue so Julia’s life and legacy will never be forgotten.
As Julia wrote to us all these years, it is now our turn to write to her.
Please send your letters, prayers, poems and art to tibarra2000@gmail.com by February 14, to contribute to our final issue of The Ka‘ū Calendar.
Mahalo,
Mahalo,
The Ka‘ū Calendar
