Protect Hawaiian Cultural Sites of Waiakahiʻula, Puna, Hawaiʻi
Protect Hawaiian Cultural Sites of Waiakahiʻula, Puna, Hawaiʻi
The Issue
Aloha mai kākou,
We urgently seek your support to preserve the historically and culturally significant lands of Waiakahi‘ula, located in the Puna district on Hawai‘i Island. These lands hold deep ancestral connections and are home to irreplaceable wahi pana (sacred places), including legally protected burial sites of a high-ranking individual.
Our current goal is to ensure the County of Hawai‘i acquires two critical properties just mauka of Waiakahi‘ula Beach Park through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program. These properties are vital to safeguarding the integrity of the Waiakahi‘ula village complex and preventing the ongoing threats posed by private development.
Why This Matters
Cultural and Historical Significance: Waiakahi‘ula is not just land; it is a cornerstone of Hawaiian identity and history. The area includes burial sites and remnants of ancient structures that tell the story of our Hawaiʻi ancestors.
Immediate Threats: One of the properties, owned by "Giant Properties" (TMK 3-1-5-063:043), is under investigation by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for violating the Burial Treatment Plan. The owner has already destroyed part of an ancient wall and plans to build a vacation rental, putting the sacred burial platform at further risk.
Stewardship for Future Generations: PONC acquisition would ensure these lands are protected and stewarded appropriately, preserving them for future generations to learn from and connect with.
Call to Action
We ask the PONC Commission to prioritize the acquisition of TMK 3-1-5-063:042 and 043 to:
Preserve the sacred burial sites and cultural landmarks.
Prevent further destruction and privatization of this sacred wahi.
Honor the legacy of Waiakahi‘ula as a place of learning, healing, and cultural connection.
How You Can Help
By signing this petition, you will amplify the call to action to the 2025 PONC Commission. Every signature brings us closer to ensuring these lands remain protected and nurtured as part of our collective Hawaiian heritage.
We must act now to halt imminent threats and secure these lands for all who follow in our footsteps. Please share this petition widely with your ‘ohana and community.
Mahalo piha for your support.
No‘eau Woo-O‘Brien
Leah Gouker
469
The Issue
Aloha mai kākou,
We urgently seek your support to preserve the historically and culturally significant lands of Waiakahi‘ula, located in the Puna district on Hawai‘i Island. These lands hold deep ancestral connections and are home to irreplaceable wahi pana (sacred places), including legally protected burial sites of a high-ranking individual.
Our current goal is to ensure the County of Hawai‘i acquires two critical properties just mauka of Waiakahi‘ula Beach Park through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program. These properties are vital to safeguarding the integrity of the Waiakahi‘ula village complex and preventing the ongoing threats posed by private development.
Why This Matters
Cultural and Historical Significance: Waiakahi‘ula is not just land; it is a cornerstone of Hawaiian identity and history. The area includes burial sites and remnants of ancient structures that tell the story of our Hawaiʻi ancestors.
Immediate Threats: One of the properties, owned by "Giant Properties" (TMK 3-1-5-063:043), is under investigation by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for violating the Burial Treatment Plan. The owner has already destroyed part of an ancient wall and plans to build a vacation rental, putting the sacred burial platform at further risk.
Stewardship for Future Generations: PONC acquisition would ensure these lands are protected and stewarded appropriately, preserving them for future generations to learn from and connect with.
Call to Action
We ask the PONC Commission to prioritize the acquisition of TMK 3-1-5-063:042 and 043 to:
Preserve the sacred burial sites and cultural landmarks.
Prevent further destruction and privatization of this sacred wahi.
Honor the legacy of Waiakahi‘ula as a place of learning, healing, and cultural connection.
How You Can Help
By signing this petition, you will amplify the call to action to the 2025 PONC Commission. Every signature brings us closer to ensuring these lands remain protected and nurtured as part of our collective Hawaiian heritage.
We must act now to halt imminent threats and secure these lands for all who follow in our footsteps. Please share this petition widely with your ‘ohana and community.
Mahalo piha for your support.
No‘eau Woo-O‘Brien
Leah Gouker
469
Supporter Voices
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Petition created on January 23, 2025