Leadership from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands in West Kauaʻi joined lineal descendants of Na ʻOhana Papa O Mānā, to observe Summer Solstice on June 20 during a reverent and unifying ceremony at Lua Kupapa’u ‘O Nohili (Nohili crypt) on base.
The ceremony focused on honoring the history of the land, paying respects to those who came before us and reinforcing the vital partnership between the U.S. Navy, Na ʻOhana Papa O Mānā and host cultural protocol.
“The solstice ceremony is a testament to the longstanding bonds between [Pacific Missile Range Facility] and the lineal descendants of this land,” said Pacific Missile Range Facility Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Prince in a release. “I am deeply grateful to the ʻohana for sharing their knowledge and aloha with us.”
Prince added maintaining the crypt and facilitating the sacred ceremony is not just a duty, it’s an honor, ensuring the facility executes its national defense mission and does so with profound respect for the cultural heritage and community that supports it.
Lua Kupapa’u ‘O Nohili is a sacred resting place protected by Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act for lineal descendants of Na ‘Ohana Papa O Mana.
It was developed from decades of collaboration between U.S. Navy, Pacific Missile Range Facility personnel, cultural practitioners and Na ʻOhana Papa O Mānā, who sought a respectful and permanent resting place for iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) affected by coastal erosion through the years.
“This kuleana extends far beyond construction and ceremony; it reflects an enduring partnership rooted in respect for history and culture within the Mānā landscape,” said Pacific Missile Range Facility Archeologist and Cultural Resource Manager Tara del Fierro in the release. “The crypt serves as a reflection of community collaboration with lineal descendants, where they can visit, reflect and maintain ancestral ties to a dedicated space where iwi kūpuna can be honored and safeguarded for generations to come.”
Halau Ka Pa Hula ‘O Hinano led by Kumu Hula Troy Hinano Lazaro performs the opening oli June 20, 2026, during the annual Summer Solstice Ceremony at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands in Kekaha. (U.S. Navy photo by Public Affairs Officer Jonell Kaohelauli’i)- Pictured from left are Pacific Missile Range Facility Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Prince, Senior Enlisted Leader Sr. Chief Eddie Ko and Sr. Chief Bradley Evert presenting an offering of a kaunaoa lei accepted by Kekoa Tango during the ho’okupu (offering) presentation June 20, 2026, as part of the Summer Solstice Ceremony at the U.S. Navy facility in West Kaua’i. (U.S. Navy photo by Public Affairs Officer Jonell Kaohelauli’i)
- Members of the Kūpuna Klub and Hui Kapa Aloha offer a hula in honor of the ancestors of Na ‘Ohana Papa ‘O Mana ancestors during the annual Summer Solstice Ceremony at the U.S. Navy facility in West Kaua’i. (U.S. Navy photo by Public Affairs Officer Jonell Kaohelauli’i)
- Lineal Descendants of Na ‘Ohana Papa ‘O Mana join hands with attendees as they close the Summer Solstice Ceremony in song at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands. (U.S. Navy photo by Public Affairs Officer Jonell Kaohelauli’i)
The annual Summer Solstice ceremony underscores the importance of proactive, transparent military-civilian partnerships.
Engaging directly with Native Hawaiian families and local leaders allows Pacific Missile Range Facility to establish collaborative agreements, manage valuable resources and communicate its active, respectful and dedicated role to honoring traditional protocols.
Additionally, participation in this shared observance fosters a deeper mutual understanding between the U.S. Navy and its local community, whereby building a resilient and supportive community network.
