‘Health and safety reasons’ keep heiau closed to public

Question: The Kaneaki Heiau in Makaha is one of the most interesting and well-restored heiau on Oahu. It had a wonderful carved image of Ku, the god of war. Also a fascinating history. At the very least the public should be able to visit it occasionally, and school groups should be able to visit it as an important historic site. It has been closed for more than a year now. I called again recently, and the gatekeepers at the gated complex through which the road to the heiau passes say it will open when it has been restored. They add it was closed because of "natural disasters." Can you find out what the real situation is? It would be good if the state could take over this heiau and make it a public historic park.

Answer: For now it’s unlikely that the general public will be allowed to visit the ancient heiau, which is on property owned by the Mauna Olu Estates Owners Association.

"We’d love to have it open to the public, and it (had been) … for a long time," said John DeSoto, president of the board of directors.

However, concerns over fallen and falling pohaku (rocks) prompted the association to stop allowing the public to visit the heiau nearly two years ago.

"Because of health and safety reasons, the heiau is not open to the public," DeSoto said. However, supervised "cultural" tours can be accommodated.

DeSoto said problems with flooding and falling rocks date back to 2008, following heavy rain. Rocks not only have fallen into the entry area leading to the heiau, but also "are hanging on the side of the cliff."

The heiau itself has not been damaged by any rockslide and remains "so beautiful," maintained by Waianae resident Landis Ornellas for the association, he said. (Ornellas also is in charge of tours. He can be reached by calling the security number, 695-8174.)

However, DeSoto noted that the heiau area was damaged in 2012, with vandals butchering dozens of banana and bamboo trees, dismantling an offering platform and moving stones.

There also have been problems with visitors not treating the heiau with respect, including a group on motorcycles riding atop the heiau to take photos, he said.

Currently, visitors have to pass through two gates to access the heiau.

There has been no consensus as to what can be done to mitigate the problem with the rocks.

"Everyone has different ideas," DeSoto said, but ultimately it goes back to cultural considerations, including why the rocks fell.

Meanwhile, the possibility of selling the heiau property has come up. However, 100 percent of the homeowners would have to agree to any sale, DeSoto said.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it has not considered purchasing the heiau.

Cycle Track Class

The Hawaii Bicycling League will be holding another walking tour to acquaint pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists with the King Street Cycle Track, which opens Dec. 6.

The first tour was held last week, and the next one is set for 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 2, at the corner of King and Keeaumoku streets.

To sign up, call 735-5756 or go to hbl.org. The league also will offer classes on cycle track skills, Dec. 10 and 13.

Mahalo

To Corey, a young man who stopped to help a senior citizen with a flat tire on Keolu Drive. What he thought was going to be a quick fix turned out to be a headache. I didn’t know where the jack was. He had to read the owner’s manual to find it, then read it again to find out how to get it out. May he be repaid many times over for his kindness. — Judith W.

Mahalo

To three strangers who rushed to my aid at Honolulu Airport. I had just returned from a trip and was waiting at the baggage area when I blacked out and fell. Fortunately, Iwas not injured, but was greatly impressed by these people who responded so quickly. — Grateful Old Soldier

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