The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks has closed Lapakahi State Historical Park to the public until Sunday, during the 18th annual gathering of traditional Native Hawaiian healers.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks has closed Lapakahi State Historical Park to the public until Sunday, during the 18th annual gathering of traditional Native Hawaiian healers.
Members of Na Haumana La‘au Lapa‘au o Papa Auwae organize this annual event to share cultural healing practices with one another in order to perpetuate these traditions. The group has a formal curatorship agreement for Lapakahi with the Division of State Parks. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has authorized the annual event in recognition of the needs of the Native Hawaiian community to perpetuate and improve the health conditions of the native people. The park is closed during the proceedings to prevent disruptions.
Founder Papa Henry Auwae is recognized as a Hawaiian elder who practiced and shared healing traditions with other native healers and students for many years. Healing traditions include use of herbal and remedies from nature, lomilomi massage, prayer and other methods.
“The Department is pleased that we can partner with Na Haumana La‘au Lapa‘au o Papa Auwae in the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditional practices, as one of our core responsibilities,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson. Lapakahi State Historic Park has been rededicated as a healing site.
The park will reopen to the public at 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29.