Nonprofit purchases site of historic battle in Kona

Nearly 200 years ago, hundreds of Native Hawaiians died in a battle that resulted in the overthrow of traditional religious beliefs in favor of Christianity.

Nonprofit groups announced Thursday the purchase of the 47-acre site of the battle, Kuamo‘o Battlefield and Burial Grounds on the west side of Hawaii island, to honor those on both sides who died in the 1819 conflict and are buried there.

“Many families had warriors on both sides,” said Keola Beamer, president of the nonprofit group Aloha Kuamo‘o Aina. “We’re embracing everybody.”

The Trust for Public Land assisted in the fundraising and acquisition for Aloha Kuamo‘o Aina, raising more than $4 million and working with the Schattauer family, which owns the land. Margaret “Possum” Schattauer sold the property at a discount and is making a major undisclosed donation for its stewardship.

“I have always wanted this to be preserved and shared,” she said in a prepared statement. “I am so very glad that Trust for Public Land and Aloha Kuamo‘o Aina have helped secure a good future for these precious lands.”

The area, near the coastline in Keauhou, Kona, is brush land that has been used for cattle grazing.

Lea Hong, state director of the Trust for Public Land, said a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise $250,000 for project and stewardship costs, including surveys and environmental studies.

Beamer said an archaeological survey has been done and the initial work will focus on repairing and restoring the site, including removing alien plants and replanting native species.

He said Kuamo‘o was the last site of a battle between Native Hawaiians. It pitted the forces of Kamehameha I’s eldest son, Liholiho, against Liholiho’s cousin, Kekuaokalani, who sought to preserve the traditional religious system.

Kekuaokalani and his wife, Chiefess Manono, died in battle.

Beamer said Chiefess Manono’s last words were “Malama ko aloha” or “Keep your love” — a plea for both sides to keep their love for one another no matter what the obstacle.

As an act of reconciliation, Liholiho pardoned the captured warriors who fought with Kekuaokalani.

“They were his people,” Beamer said.

Beamer said throughout the years, Chiefess Manono’s message has resonated with his family.

“If we can remember to see the goodness in ourselves, the goodness in each other, then we can help to make the world and Hawaii a better place,” Beamer said. “We want this to be a place of reconciliation and aloha.”