Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 2, 1 February 1986 — Royal Heritage Linked with Tomb [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Royal Heritage Linked with Tomb

By Nanette Napoleon Pumell, Director

The Cemetery Research Project Three generations of the Kaikainahaole family of Oahu gathered Jan. 12 at Kawaiahao Cemetery with the Rev. William Kaina to formally rededicate their 150-year-old family tomb. The event marked the end of a 12-year effort to restore the site, whieh had fallen into disrepair due to the weather, and a significant amount of vandalism. The tomb has been restuccoed, repainted and the dirt floor of the vault has been covered over with concrete. A permanent bronze nameplate has also been installed above the entrance to the tomb. The tomb was built by the High Chief Puhalahua, (originally from the island of Hawaii) in 1825. It is one of only three such tombs (including the King Lunalilo tomb) still standing at Kawaiahao. At one time there were as many as a dozen tombs on the property. The Kaikainahaole's, who are descendants of Puhalahua, (who was buried in the tomb in 1866), have gathered at the tomb eaeh year to commemorate the lives of the 12 family members buried in or around the tomb since the death of Puhalahua's brother, Boaz Mahune, in 1846. Author's Note: The Kaikainahaole family should be eommended for taking the time and effort to restore their family tomb. I hop>e other Hawaiians will take a similar interest in preserving their own family cemetery properties. Anyone interested in the Cemetery Research Project is encouraged to eall Nanette at 262-2723.

The Rev. W illiam Kaina, pastor of Kawaiahao Church, and members of the Kaikainahaole family of Oahu at rededication of family tomb on church grounds.

Closeup of family tomb with new bronze nameplate where lei has been placed.