KAMEHAMEHA BIRTH SITE PURCHASE

October 16, 2005

Contributed by Shawn Nakamoto

Recently, sales of subdivided agricultural land in this area have been increasing and development has started to infringe on these once remote sites. Kamehameha Schools, as well as the Hawaiian community in the surrounding Kohala area, have expressed fears about residential developments creating an inappropriate ambiance around these sacred and unique monuments.

"These purchases are of ancestral significance to Kamehameha Schools," said Neil Hannahs, director of the Land Assets Division for Kamehameha Schools. "The Mo'okini Heiau and the Kamehameha birth site are cornerstones of our institutional identity and the history of Hawaiian people. By purchasing these parcels, we essentially protect these areas from encroachment by commercial and residential developers and create a staging area to launch educational and cultural programs."

According to genealogical chants, the Mo'okini Luakini Heiau on the slopes of Kohala was built around the year 480 A.D. and measures roughly 250 feet by 125 feet, or nearly the size of a football field. The heiau is one of Hawaii's oldest and largest historical sites and has been cared for by the Mo'okini family under the direction of Kahuna Nui Leimomi Mo'okini Lum.

"This purchase allows Kamehameha Schools to protect these sacred sites as an educational resource for the children of Hawai'i and the world," said Lum. "Mahalo nui loa to Kamehameha Schools for accepting this kuleana."

According to Kirk Belsby, vice president of Endowment, "Kamehameha Schools' Land Assets Division (LAD) strives to manage its lands and resources to derive an overall balance of economic, educational, cultural, environmental, and community returns. The purchase of the Kamehameha birth site fits in well with our overall strategy and is a significant investment in our Hawaiian culture and heritage."

Division staff has already met with members of the Kohala community to ascertain their interest in collaborating with Kamehameha Schools, as well as the Mo'okini Foundation in the stewardship of these resources and the development of community-based educational programs.

As such, LAD is committed to developing an asset plan that addresses these issues as well as those of the Kohala community. Potential plans for this purchase include stewardship opportunities that involve the planting of native coastal plants and trees and the development of 'Aina Ulu programs (place-based education) in partnership with the Mo'okini Foundation.

"The purchase of the land surrounding these historic sites is a long-term strategy to honor our ancestors, serve our people and perpetuate our culture," said Hannahs. "In addition, the acquired land will also link two adjacent, but non-contiguous ahupua'a that KS already owns."

Kamehameha Schools is a private charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and is the sole beneficiary of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system and currently more than 6,500 students of Hawaiian ancestry are enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at 32 preschool sites statewide. More than 57,000 additional Hawaiian learners are also being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, distance learning programming, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.