HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced it’s creating a new position at the Royal Mausoleum State Monument at Mauna ‘Ala on Oahu, which will focus on cultural protocols and outreach with the Native Hawaiian community.
The new hire will work together with the current curator, Doni Leināʻala Hanuna Pahukoa Chong, who was appointed to her position on May 13, 2024.
After Chong’s appointment, some members of the Native Hawaiian community questioned her qualifications, according to KHON2. They said it is usually a requirement for the job to have family connections to the site.
Mauna ‘Ala was established in 1865 as the final resting place for the ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The iwi kupuna of the Kamehameha and the Kalakaua Dynasties, their families, and close advisors are entombed at the site.
“After listening to many of our kūpuna, especially leaders of Native Hawaiian organizations, it became clear to me that Mauna ‘Ala needs an additional person to focus solely on cultural protocols and practices, and to do outreach and communications with the Native Hawaiian community,” said Gov. Josh Green in a statement. “Mauna ‘Ala is important to our ‘ohana and needs more support. I hope today’s announcement is a first step in the right direction for the future of Mauna ‘Ala.”
Chong will focus solely on the upkeep of the facility and grounds and of the opening and closing of the grounds. The person hired for the new position will focus on culturally centered duties, which will be outlined after meetings and discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders.
“We will seek input from the broader Hawaiian community, cultural practitioners, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Ali‘i Trusts and ‘ohana with connections to Mauna Ala, in developing the specific duties of this new position,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang in a statement.