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Protectors of Wailupe burial site ask OHA to hold title and expedite purchase application
Summary
A community group asked OHA to accept title or otherwise participate in an acquisition to protect an ancient burial site in Wailupe (Waikīkī East); group said it has submitted applications for Clean Water and Natural Lands funding and seeks OHA help to complete the preservation transaction before the landowner sells.
Protectors of an ancient Hawaiian burial site in Wailupe (the east end of Waikīkī, Oʻahu) urged the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board to support acquisition and long‑term stewardship of the 2.9‑acre property that contains at least four registered gravesites.
At the Feb. 20 meeting, Heilani Sonora Palle (representing the Wailupe protectors) described lengthy efforts to secure preservation through the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund and said the landowner supports preservation but may sell if the process is not completed soon. The group said it paid for an archaeological inventory study and has sought a title holder able to apply for public‑funding support; the City and County suggested OHA could be a potential title holder.
Why it matters: The parcel is registered with the State Historic Preservation Division and advocates said the property contains kupuna remains and cultural resources. The group asked OHA to partner on or hold title to enable a timely application and to ensure long-term stewardship that would honor lineal descendants and community use.
Administration response and next steps
Trustee Souza and OHA staff met with the city land division and the protectors; administration said it would follow up with county staff to confirm zoning or other title‑related questions (the county had suggested conservation designation and other mechanisms to reduce tax/transfer barriers). The group asked that OHA proceed quickly because the current landowner’s willingness to preserve may be time-limited.
Ending note
Trustees expressed general support and administration said it would continue discussions with the city and the Wailupe protectors to determine whether OHA can feasibly accept title or otherwise support the acquisition and stewardship of the parcel.
