Iwi kupuna were discovered during the development of a planned multi-purpose center at the church.
Legal challenges ensued, and the remains were ordered to be unearthed and transferred.
A Native Hawaiian group protested the move.
“No matter what culture you’re from what race you are I mean you wanna keep your family sacred,” said Z Aki of Makawalu.
“I believe they have their right to do that I also believe we have the right to practice our Christian faith,” said Kahu Curt Kekuna of Kawaiahao Church.
The church sought several design proposals for a separate area, still on Kawaiahao property, where they plan to re-inter the iwi.
The church property already houses several remains relocated from discoveries of iwi from such projects as the Queen Street widening.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
