HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala is the final resting place for Hawaiian royalty and is considered one of the most sacred sites in the Hawaiian community.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources said after a thorough selection process, a panel selected Doni Leina Ala Hanua Pahukoa Chong as the 18th curator.
In a statement, DLNR Chair Dawn Chang said that she was chosen for her “balance of experiences, perspectives, and cultural connections to Mauna ‘Ala as well as her keen understanding of the unique and varied role of the curator position.”
But some in the Native Hawaiian community question Chong’s family connections to the site, which they said has traditionally been a requirement for the job.
“The state overlooked this cultural-historical kuleana that has been passed from generation to generation not only through our family but through all of our communities,” said James Maioho, Interim Caretaker and Curator Finalist.
James Maioho was one of the four finalists for the caretaker position. He said he is a descendant of the Hoolulu and Kaiheekai family chosen by King Kamehameha himself to oversee his remains.
Four royal societies along with the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Oha said they had asked to be part of the selection process, but were ignored by the state.
“Obviously, there is a disappointment to me personally but the largest issue is the dependency of Hoolulu that kuleana belongs to a genealogical heir or that family,” said Maioho.
Maioho suggests that a better selection process would have the families choose a caretaker in the traditional Hawaiian methods and submit those nominations to the state.
DLNR said it’s reserving any further comment on their selection until Wednesday, the first day on the job for Chong.