Sharon Black, the founder of homeless outreach program Kau Kau Wagon, died on April 5. She lost a long battle with lung cancer that spread to her bones, liver and brain. She died while in hospice care, surrounded by her family and her three dogs.
Black was the founder of Kau Kau Wagon, a program that feeds and assists the homeless and hungry in downtown Honolulu for close to three decades. She started the program after moving to Hawai’i in 1986.
Over the years, RHS student groups, such as AVID, Newswriting, NHS, Leo Club and leadership, have been active with Kau Kau Wagon. Students spent their Saturdays preparing hundreds of sandwiches in a commercial kitchen before driving to Gateway Park to distribute food.
She was recognized for her selfless nature, and was awarded the gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2009.
Black also worked as a police outreach worker for the Honolulu Police Department.
Black will be remembered for her caring and kindness. In her interview with KGMB, she stated, “I really care about people and I always wanted to help others. That never changed in my heart. And it never will.”
Funeral services are scheduled for April 17 at 11 a.m. at Honolulu Japanese Seventh Day Adventist Church at 2655 Manoa Road in Manoa.
