Lua Kupapaʻu O Nohili expansion rededicated to accept and guard West Kauai iwi kupuna

Barefoot and cross legged on mats woven from lauhala leaves, Western Kauai lineal descendants gathered under the setting sun to rededicate the Lua Kupapaʻu O Nohili crypt expansion to accept iwi kupuna (ancestral remains).

The Aha ʻAwa ceremony brought Western Kauai lineal descendants and Pacific Missile Range Facility personnel together to bless the foundation of the crypt and its additions while honoring the ancestors of the land on Thursday, Oct. 10 in Kauai.

“Throughout my years at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, I realized that we needed a proper protocol for a reverent and appropriate handling of iwi kupuna,” said Vida Mossman, a former public affairs officer and Mana Plain lineal descendant. “The process for addressing this idea spanned decades.

Under the commanding officer at the time, Capt. Nicholas Mongillo, and with support from many partners, the Pacific Missile Range Facility established a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Comprehensive Agreement between the U.S. Navy and members of the Na ʻOhana Papa O Mana on June 17, 2011.

“This began the process of the first phase of building the crypt, which was first recognized during the 2019 summer solstice ceremony,” Mossman said.

Lua Kupapau O Nohili was constructed as a way to preserve and offer a final resting place for iwi kupuna that are uncovered from natural erosion of the Nohili Dunes.

The original construction was a singular 6×6 container surrounded by lava rock and ti plants. The expansion includes many smaller containers so that the iwi placed there may be sealed forever – undisturbed the next time the crypt is used. 

The construction of the new additions took four and a half days, but only after two decades of planning, coordination and dedication from service members and civilians who passed the torch as they arrived and left the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

“What an amazing journey we’ve been on to get to this place,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Brett Stevenson during the blessing. “This day is for you; I want to acknowledge that and thank you all for making the Pacific Missile Range Facility part of your ʻohana today.” 

Kumu pohaku Peleke Flores led kanu iʻa (burying fish) to set the foundation and intentions for the area during the traditional blessing.

During the kanu iʻa, family members with ancestral ties to the land worked with cultural practitioners to bless the crypt and asked for a period of noa (freedom from restrictions), so that construction may begin. 

With gentle but deliberate motions, they wrapped four fish in ti leaves to be planted in the cardinal points of the crypt’s foundation. The planting of each fish symbolized a different ʻike (knowledge) : aholehole for new beginnings; kala to unburden and forgive; kumu to establish or teach; aweoweo for enlightenment. 

“It is important to have the ’ohana there from the start so they can connect with the space and to their kupuna ’ike (ancestral knowledge),” Flores said. “Working with stones is something we used to do all the time. At first it feels unfamiliar to the family, but once their hands start moving it all begins to click – it’s in our blood and part of our heritage.” 

The care and consideration did not stop after the blessing. Each stone that was laid was done so according to ancient traditions that have been passed through generations. The stone masons know that each piece of rock has a place that it is meant to be and using traditional dry stacking methods they put each piece in its rightful place in the structure. 

The structure also included careful markings for culturally significant celestial waypoints such as the exact angle of sunset during summer and winter solstices, and the fall and spring equinox.

The crypt serves as a place for lineal descendants to pay respects to their ancestors, and for Pacific Missile Range Facility to honor the living ʻohana as partners in stewardship of cultural resources. 

“When I think of my kuleana, I think of this place where we have a protected sanctuary for your family amidst what the U.S. Navy does every day to protect our country,” Stevenson said. “At the end of the day if we don’t care for places like this and preserve them for all of you to come here and share this area, then we are not fulfilling our kuleana.”