Kamehameha Investment Corp. has previously won the 2008 Historic Hawaii Foundation’s Preservation Award, 2008 Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s Pualu Award for Culture and Heritage and 2008 Kona Outdoor Circle’s Cultural Beautification Award for its Hoihoi kulana wahi pana (restoration of sacred places) program.
Kamehameha Investment Corp. receives cultural award
Kamehameha Investment Corp. was awarded the Koa Award (Ku Kilakila Ka Ulu Koa I Ka Nahele — Standing Dignified, the Grove of Koa in the Forest), Hawaii Tourism Authority’s highest cultural award for its Hoihoi kulana wahi pana (restoring sacred places) program in Keauhou. The Hawaii Tourism Authority honored Kamehameha Investment for its deep commitment to preserving and perpetuating Hawaii’s host culture.
Hoihoi kulana wahi pana includes the complete restoration of three significant heiau — Keeku, Hapaialii and Makolea, the documentation of the moolelo or the generational stories of Keauhou, plane table mapping of Kapuanoni heiau, the creation of the Keauhou Kahaluu Heritage Center and the Puana ka ike Lecture Series, a monthly educational series centered on Hawaiian history, culture and tradition.
“Hoihoi kulana wahi pana is the foundation of our larger vision, where culture and education lead our business model,” said Greg Chun, Kamehameha Investment Corp.’s president. “We believe this translates to a deeper visitor experience and at the same time connects Native Hawaiians to the cultural practices of their ancestors.”
Hapaialii heiau, thought to be more than 600 years old, has been completely restored. Built on the ocean’s shoreline and completely surrounded by water at high tide, Hapaialii measures 150 feet by 100 feet. The restoration team, comprised of noted archaeologists, cultural practitioners and Hawaiian experts in uhau humu pohaku (dry stack masonry), completed the restoration of Hapaialii in December 2007.
Currently, restoration work continues at Keeku and Makolea heiau. Planned completion of both heiau is expected by October 2008.
Kamehameha Investment Corp. has previously won the 2008 Historic Hawaii Foundation’s Preservation Award, 2008 Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s Pualu Award for Culture and Heritage and 2008 Kona Outdoor Circle’s Cultural Beautification Award for its Hoihoi kulana wahi pana (restoration of sacred places) program.