July 13, 2019

July 13, 2019 – The Royal Order of Kamehameha alongside over 150 kiaʻi established the Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu at the base of Maunakea access road.

For Hawaiians, Puʻuhonua have always been a place of sanctuary. In both past and present, these spaces serve, specifically, as refuge from state violence and punishment. Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu was established, ceremonially, for this same purpuse and through the generosity of resources, food and labor on the part of the lāhui. The puʻuhonua also offered the necessities the Kiaʻi needed in our stance to defend Maunakea.

The puʻuhonua also provided examples of community-building and safety practices. Safety and security was operationalized through a strict code of conduct that was repeated on Ala Hulu Kūpuna three times a day. Kiaʻi dedicated to kapu aloha facilitated de-escalation, interpersonal problem solving. The puʻuhonua was a place of shelter, sustenance and education for the lāhui and kiaʻi. As retired police officer, Jergen Canda noted, "this was the most organized and peaceful place Iʻd ever seen and there wasnʻt a law enforcement officer in sight".

The community established at the Puʻuhonua was able to care for its own without the need for police presence. Kapu Aloha – genuine love and care for the people was effective enough to resolve conflict amongst ourselves. A sense of cultural purpose facilitated self-discipline.

Credit: @oiwitv