circa 2012: Several years ago, the Reinstated Lawful Hawaiian Government claimed Ho'okipa back into the Kingdom. There has been a sign there since that reclamation, whether America or the state will recognize it or not. Ho'okipa has been under many a careful watch since then.
circa 2014: A few years ago, the Non-Affiliated Hawaiian Kingdom Reconstruction team had landed on Maui and were going up Ho'okipa for some time, to clean up after tourists. This project went on for about 6 months. NAHKR attempted to hold unity events, but very few people came. Those who did attend, were unable to take on such a kuleana to commit. Reality is what it is, so the clean ups began to become more sparse until they eventually trailed away in 2015. There were just too many competing priorities and not enough drivers to get the team back and forth.
circa 2016: In more recent talks between kupuna and NAHKR team, Ho'okipa was again brought to the table and by 2017 a dynamic duo was formed to Malama Ho'okipa. Anakala Riki Torres-Pestana & Anakala Lambert Kong teamed up to malama Ho'okipa. The battles they face daily wear them thin, but they continue to stride strong for the future of our Kingdom, of Maui and for generations to come.
Today, the area where the heiau once stood has been cleared, thanks to the relentless work of these two uncles every day. They have been out there cutting what doesn't belong, planting what is endemic to that location and performing all general landscaping up there.
On many occasions they have been under attack by residential ha'oles (yes, that means literally a ha'ole) who take great pride in destroying Kanaka Maoli flagpoles, taking down and burning the flags, spray-paint graffiti on all the signs and on July 4, 2017 they reportedly attempted to set the whole upper side of Ho'okipa on fire. Even the white vendors up there will attest to that. Regardless of what they go through, Uncles Riki & Lambert return every day faithfully. I don't too many people so strong.
On behalf of all of whose hearts have been affected by the restoration of Ho'okipa, mahalo piha Anakala Riki & Anakala Lambert. We wouldn't be able to share this good news without your hard work and dedication. May blessings continue to surround the both of you tremendously. Aloha kekahi i kekahi a malama o ke kai
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