Ka'iwakiloumoku - Hawaiian Cultural Center

The literal meaning of ‘O Ka Ho‘ā Kēia is "this is the lighting." It is the name we have given to our presentation of issues that impact Hawaiians today - issues of burning importance that require illumination, study, and understanding. We will not presume to think for you, nor will we advocate any particular position. Our purpose here is to present, in a single well-lighted place, a variety of Hawaiian points of view with regard to several carefully selected issues. We intend to collect and illuminate; we hope that you, in turn, will examine, unravel, and arrive at an informed opinion. Pēnei kākou e ho‘ā pū ai i ka lama kū o ka no‘eau; thus will we light together the standing torch of wisdom.

Photo: Ka‘iwakīloumoku Staff
Participants express their sentiments at a rally on August 6th, 2005.

FEDERAL RECOGNITION?

Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians is an extremely controversial topic; there is no one voice within the Hawaiian community today that speaks for all of us or can alone successfully resolve the many issues we as a nation face. But before choosing a path we must become educated as to our history, our struggles, and our rightful entitlements - our nation is at stake. Education is perhaps the best starting point in beginning to formulate your own opinion. These links are by no means the only - or perhaps even the best - information out there, but they are a starting point.

Latest Newspaper Articles

1/19/07	Akaka bill's chances improve in Congress >>
1/18/07	Akaka says revised bill can pass this term >>
1/18/07	Akaka bill foes ready for new fight >>
1/17/07	Akaka to reintroduce Native Hawaiian bill >>
1/14/07	Revival of Akaka bill planned >>
12/6/06	Akaka: Ruling bodes well for recognition >>
6/17/06	Ruling might be break for sovereignty backers >>
6/14/06	9th Circuit is told to reconsider OHA ruling >>
6/9/06	Akaka Bill failure: It's time for Plan B >>
6/9/06	Residents react to Akaka Bill defeat >>
6/9/06	How recognition might occur if measure is revived >>
6/9/06	Hawai‘i takes consolation, satisfaction from vote >>
6/9/06	After bill fails, Akaka vows to try again >>
6/9/06	Akaka Bill's defeat imperils programs >>
6/9/06	Lingle resolute after Akaka Bill dies >>
6/8/06	Close vote expected today for Akaka Bill >>
6/8/06	Akaka Bill fails to move to Senate floor debate >>
6/8/06	Senators volley over Akaka Bill >>
6/8/06	Senate's vote on Akaka Bill draws reaction >>
6/8/06	Akaka Bill opponents occupy ‘Iolani Palace >>
6/7/06	Akaka Bill takes step forward >>
6/7/06	Emotions run high during Akaka Bill debate >>
6/7/06	Group opposed to Akaka Bill leaves ‘Iolani Palace >>
6/7/06	Justice Department urges Senate to reject Akaka Bill >>
6/7/06	Akaka Bill faces crucial vote >>
6/6/06	Island leaders lobby for Akaka Bill >>
6/6/06	Move forces Senate discussion on Akaka Bill >>
6/4/06	Hawaiian recognition will involve everyone >>
6/4/06	Foes hope bill reaches Senate floor >>
6/4/06	Akaka Bill close to floor debate >>
3/9/06	House, Senate move bills for ceded lands deal >>
2/25/06	Court decision gives Akaka Bill more time >>
2/18/06	Congress should end delays in Akaka Bill >>
2/16/06	House committee OKs revenue share from ceded lands >>
2/14/06	Lawyer group calls for federal recognition >>
2/14/06	Ceded lands deal advances in Senate >>
2/14/06	ABA throws its support behind Akaka Bill >>
2/3/06	OHA trustees give go-ahead to proposed revenue deal >>
2/3/06	OHA OKs $15.1 million settlement >>
2/2/06	Hawaiians weigh in on revenue deal >>
1/28/06	High court's intent to revisit decision revives OHA's hope >>
1/27/06	State's offer to OHA: $15 million a year >>
1/27/06	OHA to get $15 yearly in land deal >>
1/26/06	Akaka Bill needs push in House and Senate >>
1/25/06	Akaka Bill could falter, senator warns >>
1/21/06	Hawaiian rights bill gets mixed reviews >>
1/20/06	Akaka Bill put to test on civil rights >>
1/12/06	Conference helps soften opposition to Akaka Bill >>
1/4/06	Civil rights panel sets briefing on Akaka Bill >>

2005 Newspaper Articles >>

Honokahua, Maui. Developers were hoping to build a resort on the land where the iwi were buried. As was the custom prior to the council’s existence, the remains of over 1,100 men, women and children were disinterred.

NÄ IWI KŪPUNA

In the late 1980's, at Honokahua on the island of Maui, construction crews preparing ground for the Ritz Carlton at Kapalua encountered, in a rather large unmarked cemetery, Native Hawaiian skeletal remains that spanned the generations. As was the practice at the time, the project's developers hired an archaeologist who began to systematically disinter the remains.

Somewhere close to 1,100 sets of remains had already been disinterred when Hawaiian groups heard of this desecration and organized a series of fiercely determined protests. This prompted our legislators to create Act 306 which effectively created the Burial Sites Program to deal with the care, management, and protection of unmarked burial sites in the State of Hawaiʻi. The issue is still hotly debated. The following links will help further your understanding of Nā Iwi Kūpuna.

Latest Newspaper Articles

2/2/07	Stealer of artifacts gets prison >>
2/2/07	1-year prison term for man who stole from burial cave >>
1/23/07	Handling of burial remains criticized >>
1/6/07	All artifacts accounted for, in good condition >>
1/5/07	Repatriation hearings resume over cultural artifacts >>
12/9/06	Hui Mālama - Bishop Museum pact has them sharing cost >>
12/8/06	Retrieval of cave artifacts settled >>
9/14/06	Board votes to move iwi at Ward site >>
9/14/06	Kaka‘ako project gets OK on bones >>
9/9/06	Hawaiians react to artifacts reports >>
9/8/06	Reburied cave items finally back at museum >>
6/17/06	Hui Mālama accused of breach of contract >>
3/2/06	Group wants newfound lava tube artifacts shared >>
3/1/06	Hawaiian remains returned to the ‘āina >>
2/15/06	Three new groups seek inclusion on burial lawsuit >>
2/14/06	Judge rejects Hui Mālama's motion to dismiss lawsuit >>
2/14/06	Court refuses to dismiss Hawaiian artifacts case >>
1/24/06	Artifacts case tests isle tradition >>
1/18/06	Judge sets Ayau free to participate in talks >>
1/18/06	Ayau out of prison as groups agree to start mediation >>
1/17/06	Hui Mālama leader released from jail >>
1/14/06	Silence ordered in artifacts mediation >>
1/13/06	Dispute delivers praise and scorn to Hui Mālama >>
1/12/06	Hui leader calls mediation promising >>
1/10/06	Parties in artifacts suit agree to mediation >>
1/6/06	Judge says Hawaiians must settle artifact fight >>
1/5/06	Alternative resolution offered in artifacts case >>
1/5/06	Ayau to appear in court over artifacts >>
1/1/06	Why Eddie Halealoha Ayau must be released >>
1/1/06	Defiant hui leader is no hero >>

2005 Newspaper Articles >>

Photo: Melehina Groves
Students of Hālau Lōkahi, with kumu Hina Wong, show their support of Princess Pauahi and Kamehameha Schools at a rally on August 6th, 2005.

DOE vs. KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS

On December 6, 2006, the Kamehameha Schools' ‘ohana celebrated a favorable 8 - 7 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which upheld our admissions policy of giving preference to those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This came after the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2005 overturned a 2003 decision made by a Honolulu court, ruling that the admissions policy was legally justified. The injustice of that 2005 ruling echoed throughout Hawai‘i’s diverse community and was covered extensively in the media. Below is a history of the case as it was covered in local newspapers through 2005 - 2006.

Latest Newspaper Articles

12/10/06	Legal threat to school remains despite favorable ruling >>
12/7/06	A day of prayers for Kamehameha Schools faithful >>
12/6/06	A brief history of the case >>
12/6/06	A sense that battle isn't over >>
12/6/06	Decision a turning point in legal woes >>
12/6/06	Kamehameha allowed to stay "Hawaiians first" >>
12/6/06	Kamehameha rejoices over ruling >>
6/22/06	Kamehameha Schools should consider future options >>
6/21/06	Judges troubled by Hawaiian school case >>
6/19/06	School's admission policy back in court >>
2/23/06	Court will rehear Kamehameha admissions case >>
2/23/06	Kamehameha merits another day in court >>
2/23/06	Court gives hope to Kamehameha Schools >>
2/22/06	Court to rehear Kamehameha admissions case >>
10/29/05	9th Circuit breakup, if any, will take time >>
10/23/05	Kamehameha supporters rally in California >>
10/23/05	Kamehameha Schools decision protested in Calif. >>
10/21/05	Alumna funds rally to protest court ruling >>
10/17/05	Prayers unite past, future >>
10/15/05	Kamehameha grads plan prayer event >>
9/16/05	Admission delay could prompt boy to seek money >>
9/15/05	Student's lawyers urge court to deny KS request >>
9/15/05	Court is urged not to reconsider Kamehameha case >>
9/3/05	Kamehameha request to be challenged >>
9/2/05	9th Circuit Court withdraws order >>
9/1/05	City joins Kamehameha rehearing bid >>
8/27/05	Lawyers to challenge Kamehameha appeal >>
8/21/05	Support for school echoes in San Fransisco >>
8/24/05	Kamehameha Schools petitions appeals court >>
8/15/05	Kamehameha ruling misused to support Akaka Bill >>
8/15/05	Pauahi's trust is for Hawaiians >>
8/7/05	More than 10,000 rally against court decision >>
8/4/05	Rallies show school support >>
8/3/05	Kamehameha will fight ruling >>

He oho laua‘e.

Photos: Ka‘iwakīloumoku Staff
He liko lehua.

PRESERVING OUR NATIVE ENVIRONMENT

Conservation biology in Hawai‘i is all about threat - managing alien species in a native ecosystem. The reason alien species are so threatening is because Hawai‘i's environment is very unique. The ‘āina is our older sibling and we have the responsibility to mālama it. If we are good stewards, the land will in turn honor its kua‘ana relationship and care for us. We also know that everything on the land has its partner in or near the sea, and this same care and concern for our ‘āina must be extened to our oceans. As Hawaiians, we cannot ignore this ancient connection.

Latest Newspaper Articles

2/9/07	Isle forests are most imperiled in nation >>
2/9/07	Future bleak for colorful species >>
2/6/07	Emotions still run high over Stryker >>
2/5/07	Pacific neighbors hold key in preserving NW isles >>
2/4/07	Big Isle residents upset over Army's Stryker plans >>
1/30/07	Stryker foes bash presentation >>
1/30/07	Three groups want Stryker ruling clarified >>
1/29/07	Three groups will weigh clarification on Stryker >>
1/27/07	Critics not interested in telescope's abilities >>
1/26/07	Maui fire threatens four plant species >>
1/26/07	Protest "No plan, no scopes" >>
1/25/07	Army will hold Stryker meetings >>
1/25/07	Voice your opinion on Stryker plan for Hawai‘i base >>
1/21/07	Rats likely decimated ‘Ewa forest >>
1/15/07	Nēnē nesting season off to a flying start at Volcanoes park >>
1/15/07	Comment period extended for Lā‘au Point project >>
1/14/07	Hawaiian homesteaders concerned development will strain water resources >>
1/14/07	Moloka‘i: Battle for survival >>
1/14/07	Army to resume Stryker training >>
1/5/07	Mākua alternatives to be in Army's report >>
12/19/06	Judge warms to Stryker preparations >>
12/18/06	Learning to care for Hawai‘i's preserves >>
12/16/06	Groups OK some Stryker training >>
12/11/06	Grasshopper's appetite plague on Nīhoa's plants >>
10/12/06	Strykers keep rolling along, despite ruling >>
10/8/06	Why not answer "Why Hawai‘i?" for Stryker brigade >>
10/8/06	Wasp threatens native trees >>
10/8/06	African wasp destroying wiliwili trees on Haleakalā >>
10/6/06	Stryker base here is found illegal >>
10/6/06	Ruling holds up Stryker brigade >>
10/5/06	Appeals court rules against Army Strykers in Hawai‘i >>
10/4/06	Army needs to justify further use of Mākua >>
10/3/06	State wants opinion on sand bar rules >>
10/2/06	Wild chickens latest hope in controlling coqui frogs >>
10/2/06	Looking toward Mākua's future >>
10/1/06	Chickens believed to silence noisy Big Isle coquis' cries >>
9/29/06	Wildlife plan details plan for Isle forest birds >>
9/28/06	Recovery plan for 21 Hawai‘i forest birds released >>
9/27/06	OHA presses Army on Schofield >>
9/19/06	Plan moves rare Kaua‘i snail >>
9/15/06	Three species dropped from at-risk list >>
9/14/06	Stryker opponents cite risks to heiau >>
9/13/06	103 more isle species threatened >>
9/8/06	Conference addresses isle species >>
6/21/06	Activists tear up three UH patents for taro >>
6/20/06	Army delays Mākua burnings >>
6/5/06	Silverswords being coaxed back from near oblivion >>
6/5/06	Hawaiian monk seals in crisis >>
6/3/06	UH to give three patents for taro to Hawaiians >>
6/3/06	UH agrees to give up three patents on taro >>
3/9/06	Army postpones fire at Mākua range >>
3/9/06	Mākua controlled burn called off >>
3/8/06	Army to set fire in Mākua >>
3/6/06	Parasitic bug could save wiliwili trees >>
2/28/06	Poi supply to thin out by summer >>
2/26/06	Coqui frog eradication to close state park >>
2/25/06	Coqui frog eradication to close Big Island park >>
2/12/06	Over $950,000 pooled to restore Kawai Nui Marsh >>
2/11/06	Army study on Mākua lagging behind schedule >>
2/10/06	Army returns to Mākua: It's not quite live, but it'll do >>
2/10/06	Army plans more burns at Mākua >>
2/9/06	Soldiers returning to Mākua but now they're firing blanks >>
2/6/06	Live-fire training not an urgent need >>
2/5/06	Bill would license use of biodiversity >>
2/5/06	Nurturing Mākua >>
2/3/06	Live-fire training at Mākua not allowed >>
2/3/06	Judge bans live-fire training at Mākua >>
2/2/06	Army's bid to fire train at Mākua Valley denied >>
2/1/06	Dumping alleged near marsh >>
1/30/06	Hee seeks more limits on sale of shellfish >>
1/30/06	Support for ban on ‘opihi sales >>
1/30/06	The fight for Kaho‘olawe >>
1/29/06	Coqui crusaders present arsenal of new proposals >>
1/28/06	Big Island legislators take on coqui fight >>
1/26/06	Kualoa contamination warning becoming permanent >>
1/25/06	Piggyback baby spiders photographed in cave >>
1/25/06	Delayed environmental review at heart of Mākua conflict >>
1/24/06	Army may face uphill battle over Mākua >>
1/24/06	Mākua case returns to U.S. court >>
1/23/06	Focusing efforts on wildlife >>
1/19/06	Nēnē on Maui to be released >>
1/13/06	Refuge area could double >>

2005 Newspaper Articles >>