Army Facilitates Cultural Access to Kolekole Pass Sacrificial Stone

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaiʻi — The U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi's Department of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division coordinated a cultural site visit to the Sacrificial Stone at Kolekole Pass on July 10, fostering connections between Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and Army environmental stewardship efforts.

The visit brought together members of the Kūpuna Council for Agnes Kalaniho’okaha Cope Traditional Native Hawaiian Healing Center, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā, and the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Hoʻoulu Na Mamo summer program.

Participants first gathered at the Garrison Cultural Resources Station, where they received an overview of the Cultural Resources team's work for U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi. The group viewed artifacts and maps of the area, gaining insight into the Army's preservation efforts.

Noelani DeVincent and Jo-Lin Lenchanko Kalimapau of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā (HCCW) provided information about Kūkaniloko Birth Site, one of the most sacred sites in the Hawaiian Islands where the highest royal children were born. This Wahi Kapu - Sacred Place - located in Wai'anae Uka, has been under the care of HCCW for the past 64 years.

The tour continued at the Natural Resources Seed Lab, where Kapua Kawelo briefed the group on the Army's initiatives regarding native plants, trees, and animals. Participants learned about seed collection, storage, germination, and reforestation efforts within Army-managed lands.

The highlight of the visit was the journey to Kolekole Pass, where the group accessed the Sacrificial Stone. Kamaki Kanahele, director of the Kūpuna Council and a traditional Hawaiian healer and priest, confirmed the stone's significance. "According to our historical knowledge, King Kamehameha once used this location to dispatch warriors, chiefs, and princes considered his enemies," Kanahele shared.

The collaboration between the Army and Native Hawaiian groups exemplifies the positive partnerships vital to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. "This visit brought together new generations of Waiʻanae Kai and her sister, Waiʻanae Uka," noted Kalimapau, emphasizing the Spiritual significance of the event.

U.S. Army Garrison Hawaiʻi remains committed to fostering these relationships, ensuring continued access to culturally significant sites while fulfilling its military mission. The success of this event underscores the Army's dedication to cultural sensitivity and community engagement in the Hawaiian Islands.