Rehousing of Pōhaku from Kamehameha Hwy Rockfall

Waimea Valley to Conduct Hawaiian Blessing & Rehousing of Pōhaku from Kamehameha Hwy Rockfall

Community Invited to Attend Ceremony

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi, April 13, 2026) Waimea Valley announces the Hawaiian blessing and respectful rehousing ceremony of the pōhaku that fell on Kamehameha Highway above Waimea Bay during the recent storms on Friday, April 10th. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 am at Waimea Valley, and members of the community are invited to attend.

Waimea Valley stewards are working directly with Prometheus Construction on the relocation of the pōhaku in Waimea Valley. All eight pōhaku have now been safely moved onto Waimea Valley property. Waimea accepts the kuleana for the mālama of the pōhaku.

In Hawaiian culture, pōhaku hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are regarded as living entities imbued with mana and connected to the spirit of the kūpuna- ancestors who are forever a part of the ʻāina. Waimea Valley acknowledges the importance of the fallen pōhaku, which have been seperated from their moutnain home, and affirms that they must be handled with dignigty, reverence, and care.

The initiative is undertaken in fulfillment of Hiʻipaka LLC’s kuleana and responsibility as stewards of Waimea Valley. It reflects the enduring commitment to preserving and perpetuating Native Hawaiian traditions and values, in alignment with the mission of the non-profit organization and its dedication to mālama ʻāina.“Waimea Valley remains dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture,” said Richard Pezzulo, Executive Diretor of Hiʻipaka LLC, Waimea Valley. “Through this blessing and rehousing, we honor the Hawaiian significance of the pōhaku and reaffirm our responsibility to care for them in a manner that respects the kūpuna and ancestors.”

The public is invited to attend this meaningful event as a gesture of unity, cultural respect, and community healing.

Event Details:
What: Hawaiian Blessing and Rehousing of Pōhaku
When: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 7:00 am
Where: Across the Waimea Bay Beach Park parking lot entrance, parking for community available at Waimea Valley’s entrance parking lot off Kamehameha Hwy.
Who: Cultural practioners, community members, and supporters
Cost: Free and open to the public; attendees are encouraged to arrive early and observe the Hawaiian cultural protocol with respect and reverence.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kimberly Anguiano
818-606-2642 kanguiano@waimeavalley.ne