📣 A Call to Lineal and Cultural Descendants
The discovery of iwi kūpuna at the RR3 site confirms what many in the community have long known: this is sacred ʻāina of deep significance that deserves respect and protection.
We don't believe that iwi kūpuna should be disturbed from their resting place and that any development in the vicinity of iwi kūpuna is desecration.
Kūpa'a Kuilima continues to advocate for a pause in development as it is harming both sensitive environments and cultural resources.
Kuleana to ʻĀina. Kuleana to Kūpuna.
⚠️ Are You a Descendant of These Ahupuʻa:
Kawela, Punalau, Ulupehupehu, ʻŌʻio, Hanakaʻoe, or Kahuku?
Development is ongoing where ancestral burials have been identified or inadvertently discovered.
You may have a legal right to be consulted.
🦴 What Are Iwi Kūpuna?
Iwi kūpuna are the skeletal remains of Native Hawaiian ancestors.
They are not artifacts—they are ʻohana.
Under Hawaiʻi law, they are to be protected, honored, and treated with dignity and freedom from unnecessary disturbance.
⚖️ What the Law Says (HAR §13-300 & HRS Chapter 6E)
🔹 All work must stop in the area if iwi kūpuna are found
🔹 The State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and Oʻahu Island Burial Council (OIBC) must be notified immediately
🔹 SHPD, in consultation with OIBC, determines whether iwi should be preserved in place or relocated. SHPD has the sole authority over treatment decisions for inadvertent discoveries.
🔹 Lineal and cultural descendants must be identified and consulted in the process
🪦 Island Burial Councils (IBCs)?
Under Hawaiʻi law, IBCs were created so Kānaka Maoli have a voice in how iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) are treated.
🔍 Previously Identified Burials
When iwi are known in advance, IBCs decide if they should be preserved in place or relocated. They consult with descendants and protect cultural practices.
🚧 Inadvertent Discoveries
If Iwi are found during construction, SHPD—not IBCs—has final say. Decisions must be made in just 2–3 days, limiting consultation.
👥 IBC Kuleana Still Matters
IBCs are still consulted, help oversee treatment, and recognize lineal/cultural descendants for future protections.
👤 Who Are Lineal and Cultural Descendants?
Lineal Descendants: Those who can trace direct genealogical ties to specific iwi kūpuna
Cultural Descendants: Those with historical, familial, or generational ties to the area where iwi are found
➡️ Both have legal standing and must be consulted during the burial treatment process
❗ Why This Matters
🏗️ Arete Collective and Host Hotels are developing, or planning to develop, in areas where iwi kūpuna have been found.
📍 These areas span traditional ahupuaʻa where over 70 kuleana land claims were once granted, including Punalau, Ulupehupehu, ʻŌʻio, Hanakaʻoe, Kahuku, and Kawela
📜 Do You Have Ties to These ʻOhana Names?
If your ʻohana is connected to one of the names below, you may be a cultural or lineal descendant:
Aamo, Ahamau, Hooala, Hoolae, Heea, Kainalu, Kakala, Kaili, Kalimaloa, Kaleikini (heir of Holoaia), Kamakai, Kameloko, Kamooiki, Kaohele, Kapaiaala, Kauaihikai, Kauihawale, Kaukaha, Kaumualii, Kauwahi, Kawelaluna, Kawi, Keea, Kelemana, Kekua, Kookoo, Kuheleloa, Kupau, Lauhine, Lanihau, Lokea (also listed as Waanui), Lono, Luiki (Luihi?), Makaino, Makilo, Makole, Malailua, Manukeokeo, Moo, Mookahi, Napoe, Naukuhao (or Naukuhae), Pahanui, Pailalau, Pakanaka, Paku, Palu, Paukoa, Puaakea, Puu, Umeume, Uwalakui, Waanui
📑 Sources: Burial Site Component (2018), Supplemental AIS (2014)
🗺️ Understanding the ʻĀina and Its Names
Historical documents use various names for the same geographic areas. Today’s maps list these ahupuaʻa: Kahuku, Kawela, Punalau, Ulupehupehu, ʻŌʻio, Hanakaʻoe, ʻŌpana
But records show:
Kawela may encompass ʻŌpana, ʻŌʻio, Ulupehupehu, Hanakaʻoe, and Punalau
Some are ʻili (smaller land divisions) within larger ahupuaʻa
🌱 That means if your kūpuna are connected to any of these names and/or ahupuaʻa, you may qualify as a descendant under the law.
📜 Source: Turtle Bay Resort Final SEIS Appendices F–G, 2013
💠 What You Can Do
If you have ancestral ties to these names or lands:
✔️ You may qualify as a lineal or cultural descendant
✔️ You have the right to be consulted
✔️ You can help shape the treatment and protection of iwi kūpuna
📩 Contact us to learn more and protect your ʻohana’s legacy.
Honor the Past. Protect the Future.
This is your kuleana.
Let us uplift the voices of our kūpuna and their descendants.
Stand in defense of iwi kūpuna.
#IwiKupuna #KuleanaToKūpuna #NoMoreDesecration #HawaiianBurialProtection #TurtleBay #ProtectIwiKupuna #AlohaʻĀina
🙏MAHALO NUI LOA TO HAWAIʻI PEOPLE'S FUND FOR SUPPORTING KŪPAʻA KUILIMA'S EFFORTS!🙏
Kūpaʻa Kuilima is grateful and proud to be included in the Hawaiʻi People’s Fund 2025 Hōʻala Grantee Cohort!
🙌"Hawai’i People’s Fund has helped to support, build capacity, and amplify the impact of grassroots social change movements in Hawai’i since 1972.
✊🏼As the only intermediary organization in Hawai’i working with this constituency from a social justice perspective, we strive to be a model for progressive social change and a viable resource for a strong and enduring movement in the islands.
🤝Hawai’i People’s Fund supports passionate, grassroots community groups working for social justice in Hawai’i. These groups are often considered too small, too new, or too controversial by traditional funding organizations. We are dedicated to the most creative, passionate, and radical visions of community, bravely navigating the intersections of indigeneity, environment, race, class, labor, gender, ability, art, technology, mental health, incarceration, food, and other crucial issues we face."
✊🏼SHOW YOUR ALOHA AND SUPPORT HAWAIʻI PEOPLE'S FUND TODAY! 🙏hawaiipeoplesfund.org🙏
Stay Connected & Take Action!
Follow us @kupaakuilima on social media to stay updated on urgent advocacy efforts and ways to protect Kahuku Lewa. The fight isn’t over—stay tuned for actions you can take!
We’re urging the Honolulu City Council, DPP, and developers to pause Turtle Bay’s expansion and give the community a real voice. Outdated agreements and waived reviews ignore critical issues like rising sea levels, endangered species, traffic, and cultural preservation. We’re calling for an updated SEIS, requiring a new SMA permit application and a renegotiated unilateral agreement with fair community benefits and full compliance with Native Hawaiian protections to safeguard our ʻāina and prevent further strain on overburdened local and natural resources.
Use our easy letter-writing toolkit and learn more @linktr.ee/kupaakuilima
Sign and share our petition @ change.org/protectturtlebay
Put your road signs up to let them know how the community feels!
Kūpaʻa Kuilima: Community-led, ʻāina-focused, rooted in tradition. Advocating for pono change from Waialeʻe to Keana.