After two years of peaceful protest, we were informed that the DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) is planning to clear the Kiaʻi (Protectors) from the Mauna Kea Access Road Camp.

This is a state sanctioned threat, it is unnecessary and irresponsible during the COVID-19 crisis.

We are calling on all Kiaʻi to oppose any move against Nā Kia`i Pa`a.

Nā Kia`i Pa`a are Kia`i who are continuing the prayers and rituals for the protection of Mauna Kea. They are fulfilling their kuleana (responsibility) and that is to watch the road for any threats of destruction and or desecration, be those threats from TMT, the State, or any other source.

The Kiaʻi have maintained a continuous presence at the camp for over two years now.

At this time, there are many overwhelming threats to our Lāhui (collective) and Mauna Kea. The forcible removal of Kiaʻi from Mauna Kea and other Kanaka Maoli (People) from the land is not an act of Aloha.

We cannot allow this.

We are calling on all Kiaʻi and Supporters, to take a strong position against any state attempts to remove Kiaʻi from Mauna Kea, period.

Further the Kiaʻi as Kanaka Maoli and Native Hawaiians with genealogical ties to the ʻāina (land) and as beneficiaries of all of the land of Hawai`i, we carry the cultural and religious protection of the State and federal Constitutions as well as under International law regarding our religious rights, consent and our right to petition the government for redress.

As long as the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) and the State continue to see Mauna Kea as an economic initiative and as long as the TMT is still on the table, the Kiaʻi must continue to stand in prayer and continue our collective stand for the protection of Mauna Kea by holding space and watching the road for the whole lāhui.

Mahalo to everyone for their continued efforts in protecting our sacred lands by protecting our Kia`i.

Uncle Kū Ching, Aunty Maxine Kahaulilio, Kealoha Pisciotta & Titus Matthews

The following is a link from Hawaii Senator Kurt Fevella, Senator Laura Acasio and Representative Jeanne Kapela in support of protecting Mauna Kea and Kia`i: 

https://www.facebook.com/nakiaipaahawaii/posts/151800897107483

TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN WILLIAM AILA, COMMISSIONERS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS OF THE STATE OF HAWAI’I

We the undersigned Protectors of Mauna Kea call upon William Ailā and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to cease forcible removal of Kānaka Maoli from Hawaiian Homelands, including those Kiaʻi currently standing in protection of Mauna Kea, and to refocus the energies of DHHL on the important work of placing Kānaka Maoli on the land, rather than taking them off.

Signed, 

Aunty Maxine Kahaualio

Uncle Ku Kauakahi Ching

Aunty Gwen Kim

Uncle Sparky Rodrigues

Aunty Lynette Cruz

Aunty Puanani Rogers

Billy Frietas

Cindy Frietas

Ke’eaumoku Kapu

Deborah Ward

Keomailani Von Gogh

Aunty Momi Greene

Starr Kealaheleokalani Kalahiki

Healani Sonoda-Pale

Laulani Teale

Noelani Ahia

Kalama O Ka Aina Niheu

Mahea Ahia

Kahala Johnson

Titus Mathews

Lena Pahia Marcus

Jazzmin Cabanilla

StormyLee Swain

Kealoha Pisciotta

Hank Fergerstrom