Kyle Magnuson

California - United States of America - 03-Feb-25 -

Suggestion for an updated nomination: future tentative list

Consideration of a future Heritage of the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian People) nomination, Pu'uhonua o'Honaunau NHP would be a major component. It is past due the United States alongside local stakeholders in Hawaii put forward a serial nomination that represents the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge/Royal Mausoleum), along with Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (Fishpond Bay, Petroglyphs), and the National Historic Site Puʻukoholā Heiau (Temple on the Hill of the Whale) are all managed by the National Park service and retain their authenticity. Kamakahonu (National Historic Landmark) is also a nationally significant site on The Big Island (Island of Hawai'i). All 4 components are connected by the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.

Other potential components such as Mo'okini Heiau (places of worship), which is a National Historic Landmark would also be appropriate. While likely centered on the Island of Hawai'i, there is potential to include a select few other sites found on other islands.

In 1987, ICOMOS deferred 'Pu'uhonua o'Honaunau' while requesting a comparative study of 'Polynesian sites across the Pacific'. Since 1987, there have been multiple Pacific Island cultural and mixed properties inscribed. Papahānaumokuākea alone feels insufficient to encompass the rich heritage of Hawaii, even more so when its nearly impossible to visit. When the United States develops its next Tentative List, I sincerely hope the cultural heritage of Hawaii will be represented. The formulation of an official candidacy would bring opportunities to identify and select all representative components, whether located on Big Island (Island of Hawai'i) or elsewhere. I enjoyed learning about the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and one day I expect such a candidature will emerge and be submitted to UNESCO.

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