In 2023, eight sets of iwi kūpuna were reported within a burial cave in Waikahekahe Iki, Puna, on Hawaiʻi Island. As a recognized cultural descendant connected to these burials, I became deeply involved in protecting this sacred place. What I witnessed there made it even clearer to me how difficult it can be to protect Native Hawaiian burials from development, disturbance, and years of delay. 
 
 
 Protecting iwi kūpuna is not simply advocacy work to me. It is a personal kuleana that I carry. For more than two decades, I have dedicated much of my life to documenting, educating, and speaking out about the protection of Native Hawaiian burials. Seeing sacred burial places threatened, disturbed, or left without permanent protection is heartbreaking, especially knowing these iwi kūpuna are someone's family and ancestors. The years of meetings, research, documentation, travel, and advocacy have required tremendous time, energy, and personal resources, but walking away has never felt like an option. 
 
 
 This fundraiser will support the ongoing work needed to protect and preserve Native Hawaiian burial sites and iwi kūpuna over time. Donations will help cover cultural and archaeological documentation, legal and professional assistance, burial-site protection and stewardship, educational materials, community outreach, travel to threatened burial sites, and other necessary expenses connected to respectful preservation efforts. Support will also help document burial concerns and work with descendants, cultural practitioners, communities, and appropriate agencies when sacred burial places are threatened. 
 
 
 Just as importantly, these funds will help me continue educating Hawaiʻi and the world about why iwi kūpuna are not artifacts, but our ancestors and family. Through community presentations, educational programs, films, books, and cultural outreach, I want to help future generations have the knowledge and tools to protect these sacred places long after I am gone. 
 
 
 Because this need continues over time, recurring donations would provide steady support for the documentation, travel, outreach, and advocacy this work requires. One-time donations are also deeply appreciated and make a real difference. I cannot do this alone, and I am asking for your help. Every donation or share helps carry this kuleana with me and helps protect our ancestors, preserve our culture, and keep these sacred places respected for generations to come.

Protecting Native Hawaiian Burial Sites

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