State stops work on wastewater project in Wainiha after human burials uncovered

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health halted a wastewater project on Kauaʻi’s North Shore after multiple human burials were disturbed.

The state Health Department on Wednesday issued a stop work order for the individual wastewater project at 4400 Oneone Road in Wainiha, which is located on Naue burial grounds.

A joint announcement by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, ʻĀina Momona and Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation called the order a “major victory for community members, descendants and Native Hawaiian advocates.”

The individual wastewater system project raised significant concern among Native Hawaiian families and community members regarding the potential desecration of iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and the negative impact on the surrounding environment.

Three descendants were arrested last week in an effort to stop further disturbance of the burials.

“The order to stop work on the Naue burial grounds of our iwi kūpuna is a relief. But the work is far from over,” said Megan Wong, a kiaʻi, or protector, and descendant of Naue burials. “We now look to the State Historic Preservation Division to weigh in with descendants and preserve the remains of our ancestors in place without threat of further desecration so that they can rest in peace and dignity.”

The site has long been known for its cultural and historical significance, making it a sensitive location for development.

The Health Department’s order comes after persistent advocacy from the local community, cultural descendants and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to protect iwi kūpuna and ensure the integrity of cultural and environmental resources in the area.

Walter Ritte, founder of ʻĀina Momona, a Native Hawaiian organization aimed at achieving environmental health and sustainability through restoring social justice and Hawaiian sovereignty, thanked kia‘i as well as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and all those who stood up to protect the iwi kūpuna.

He also visited the site last weekend.

“We especially want to thank everyone who called and emailed the Department of Health demanding this stop work order,” said Ritte. “Their steadfast dedication has made this victory possible.”

Efforts to stop the project included on-site protests, direct engagement with the state Health Department and collaboration with attorneys from the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation to bring the issue to light.

“The issuance of this stop work order is a testament to the power of community and the deep respect for our iwi kūpuna,” said Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation Executive Director Makalika Naholowa‘a.

The nonprofit public interest law firm Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation represents Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, families and communities.

The stop work order marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to preserve the cultural integrity of the Naue area.

Kia‘i, community members and descendants will continue to work closely with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and other agencies to monitor the situation and make sure any future developments respect the sacredness of the land and the importance of protecting ancestral burial sites.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs played a critical role in supporting the community’s efforts, providing guidance and resources to ensure cultural and environmental concerns were addressed.

“This is a reminder that when we unite with purpose and determination, we can make a difference,” said Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira, Ka Pouhana/chief executive officer of the Office of Hawaiia Affairs. “Our iwi kūpuna deserve to rest in peace, and [Wednesday’s] decision is an important step toward ensuring that their final resting places are respected and protected. We would like to thank the Department of Health and the State Historic Preservation Division for hearing the community and taking action.”

For additional information aboout the stop work order and ongoing efforts to protect iwi kūpuna, contact Puʻuhonua o Wailupe at puuhonuaowailupe@gmail.com.