Tsunami Damaged Heiau Restoration Project Concludes

By Wendy Osher

Heiau restoration, courtesy photo.

A year-long effort to restore the Ahu‘ena Heiau in Kona is reaching its conclusion.

Volunteers contributed nearly 3,000 hours of service to restore the Anu‘u Tower, Hale Pahu, and Ki‘i, as well as repair the tsunami damaged foundation.

The restoration was funded in part by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program, and carried out by Ahu‘ena Heiau, Inc.

The non-profit Ahu‘ena Heiau, Inc. was formed in 1993.  In addition to the recent restoration efforts, volunteers from the group also serve as the primary caretakers of the heiau.

Officials from the Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement say the heiau foundation was damaged by the March 2011 tsunami, generated by an earthquake in Japan.

The site, located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.  The heiau hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually and is listed on both the Hawaii and National Register of Historical Places.

The CNHA is currently accepting proposals for a new round of funding for the Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program.

Eligible applicants include tax exempt nonprofits, for-profits, and state agencies that enhance, strengthen, and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture.  Applicants can request between $25,000 and $100,000 for a 12-month project period.

The proposal deadline is at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.  For additional information please contact Katie Gallagher, CNHA Community Development Specialist via email at training@hawaiiancouncil.org or call (808) 596-8155.