Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 1, 1 January 2000 — Project Ola Nā Iwi: Phase II [ARTICLE]

Project Ola Nā Iwi: Phase II

By Edward Halealoha Ayau, Esq,, i Hul Maiama I Nō KOpuna O Hawal'l Nei i

PHASE II of Hui Mālama I Nā Kūpuna O Hawai'i Nei's Project, "Ola Nā Iwi," involves the reburial of approximately 800 sets of iwi kupuna, ancestral remains, and moe pū, burial Iobjects, previously removed from various locations on O'ahu. These iwi kupuna were repatriated from the Bishop Museum in 1998 pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. They are the subject of this i grass roots effort to 1) identify j appropriate reburial sites, 2) obtain authorization from the landowners Ifor use of such sites, 3) prepare and acquire all necessary reburial materials, and 4) ceremonially rebury nā iwi kupuna. Another important goal of Project Ola Nā Iwi is to help restore knowledge and skills involved in caring for iwi kupuna. A series of workshops will be held in the districts of Ko'olaupoko and Kona to teach kapa making, the weaving of lauhala containers, hlna'i lauhala, and cultural protocol relating to ceremonial preparation and reburial. Hui Mālama believes that caring for those ancestors that have aiready been disturbed must go hand in hand with the restoration of knowledge. This way, Hawaiian families

and communities will know how to care for and protect nā iwi kupuna that may be disturbed in the future. The Phase I portion of Project Ola Nā Iwi resulted in the cultural training of more than 250 Native Hawaiians in the necessary skills and the reburial of more than 300 iwi kupuna. Phase II is intended to address the rest of the kūpuna that need to be reburied, while providing additional opportunities for families and the community to continue to learn. The one-day workshops will begin in January 2000 and last until February 2001. There is no charge to attend the workshops or for any of the materials. Luneh and drinks are provided. The goaI is to learn these important cultural traditions. to restore Hawaiians to our proper role in the kuleana. to provide care and protection to the ancestors. and to offer a setting where Hawaiians eome together to promote cultural values, traditions and pride. Interested Hawaiian individuals. families and organizations wishing to participate to help mālama i nā iwi kupuna. may eall 599-7721 or email haleaIoha@hawaii.rr.com. Supporters are also encouraged to participate. ■ —