Disagreement, not Kawaiaha‘o, Is Causing Anguish

Honolulu Civil Beat chose an unfortunate title for its May 13 article, “Kawaiahao Breeds Anguish at Oahu’s Burial Council.” No doubt issues related to the unintentional discovery of burials during utility trenching between and street and the Church’s new facility have generated passionate discussions. However, Kawaiaha‘o Church has gone to extraordinary lengths to avoid causing any anguish related to the discovery of burials.

First, the Church created a Na Iwi Committee to care for any burials that might be unintentionally discovered. After iwi were discovered, Kawaiaha‘o respectfully cared for them and has born the expense of stopping the project voluntarily on multiple occasions to reach out to those in the community who have concerns. Since the project was announced, we have held nine Kāhea, or outreach meetings, to listen and confer with community members.