COMMENTARY
Wal-Mart speaks out on reburial issue
By Cynthia Lin
For more than a year and a half, Wal-Mart has worked to ensure that the iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) discovered at the site of our Ke'eaumoku Street store are treated in a culturally appropriate manner and in accordance with state law.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
To that end, we have worked closely with recognized descendants, the O'ahu Island Burial Council and the state Historic Preservation Division.
Members of Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei, a burials protection group, inspect the Wal-Mart building site where human bones were discovered. The author, spokeswoman for the world's biggest retailer, says the company is committed to honorable treatment of the remains.
From the beginning, we have done everything possible to treat the iwi with sensitivity, care and respect. We voluntarily notified potential descendants. At our own initiative, we also facilitated meetings among the descendants.
Although the law requires that the decision on whether to move iwi be made within 48 hours of discovery, we were willing to allow for more time. We did this in order to be sensitive to the cultural descendants and the consultation process. So instead of two days later, it was more than a year later that we received the Preservation Division's decision that the iwi should be disinterred and moved to a single location on the Wal-Mart property.
This decision was supported by many descendants, including those related to Kekaula, who received the original kuleana (rights or title) for the land. They did not believe the iwi would be safe in their original locations and wanted them moved to a new landscaped area on the project site.
In accordance with the Preservation Division decision, Wal-Mart disinterred and is temporarily curating the iwi. Before disinterring, Wal-Mart began the process of consulting with the descendants, the Burial Council and the Preservation Division about a burial treatment plan.Ê
Two families have now submitted plans to the Preservation Division. Wal-Mart has been facilitating meetings among the families to discuss and reconcile ideas outlined in the plans.
We are participating in meetings to discuss ways to accelerate the reinterment process in a way that is acceptable to all the descendants, the Burial Council and the Preservation Division, and consistent with recognized cultural practices and beliefs.
Certain Native Hawaiian groups have criticized the way Wal-Mart has handled this situation. Although we may disagree, we always consider their feedback and understand that they are entitled to their opinions. At the same time, we have received positive feedback from recognized descendants and appreciate the thoughts they have shared with us, as well.
Please be assured that throughout this process, our company's intent and commitment have been to ensure that the iwi are treated in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner. We believe that commitment is reflected in our past efforts and our support of the descendants' current meetings about the burial treatment plan.
The reinterment process is a collaborative one. Let's hope we can all make a good-faith effort in the long-term interest of protecting the iwi.
Cynthia Lin is Wal-Mart's director of corporate communications.
