HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In the islands of Hawaiʻi, the connection to the land and ancestors runs deep. For Keoni Kealoha Alvarez, a kapu protector, community activist and filmmaker, this connection is not just theoretical; it’s a living legacy. “My ʻohana is from Molokaʻi, but I’m also connected to Hawaiʻi Island,” he said, sharing his roots that trace back to his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Lono Kahihikolo. “It’s my kuleana to protect our burial sites and to honor our ancestors.” Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The kapu system, a traditional Hawaiian practice, is grounded in respect for the ʻāina (land) and its historical significance. For Alvarez, this is not just about following old customs; it’s about actively engaging with the community to preserve sacred spaces. “Our family has been known for taking care of burial sites,” he explained. “It’s a responsibility passed down through generations. I’m recognized by the Hawaiʻi State Historic Preservation and the Island Burial Council as a descendant, which gives me a unique connection to these sites.” Discovering a "new" threat In October 2023, Keoni received a call that would set him into action. “I was notified by a local community member about a development encroaching on a burial cave,” he recalled. “Three men had grown up near this cave and remembered discovering it as kids in the 1980s.” They shared a history of exploring the forests where the cave was hidden, and now, they were concerned about its safety. “We met, and they were eager to show me where they thought the cave was,” Keoni said, highlighting the urgency of their mission. “But they weren’t sure of the exact location, so I guided them based on what I knew about burial sites.” His knowledge allowed him to assess the landscape, piecing together clues from their descriptions. After some searching, Alvarez was able to locate the burial cave, even though it was heavily overgrown. “I could see a dark opening between the rocks,” he explained. “I knew it was there, even if they didn’t believe me at first.” The weight of this discovery was not lost on him; it was a reminder of the work that lay ahead. Respect and protocol Before entering the cave, Keoni emphasized the importance of respect. “We follow strict protocols when approaching burial sites. It’s about honoring our ancestors,” he said. They crawled into the cave, where the sacred remains lay. “Seeing our ancestors’ burials filled me with a sense of purpose. This is why we do the work we do.” Documenting the site was the next critical step. “When you discover a burial site, you have to notify the authorities,” he said. “It’s important to create a paper trail, especially to clarify that these are ancient remains.” So, Alvarez contacted the police, who arrived to ensure everything was recorded correctly. “They understand the significance of these sites,” he added. After the police came, Alvarez coordinated with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to further document and protect the burial site. “It’s essential for them to assess the site and verify that these remains are over 50 years old,” he stated. This process is part of a broader system designed to preserve Hawaiian history and respect the deceased. Community involvement The next step was crucial: rallying the community. “I organized meetings to educate others about the significance of these burial sites,” Alvarez explained. “I wanted everyone to understand that protecting these places is not just about the past; it’s about our identity.” He noted that many people felt disconnected from their heritage, and this work helped them reconnect. “When you understand your roots, it grounds you,” he said. “Many people are lost, not knowing where they come from. This knowledge provides a solid foundation.” Alvarez’s efforts resonated with the community, and volunteers began showing up to help. “We organized cleanup days to remove invasive plants and debris,” he recalled. “It was about making this space respectful and sacred again.” The transformation of the site brought people together, fostering a renewed sense of purpose. Engaging with the community Alvarez emphasizes the need for broad community involvement. “I want people to connect with us, to volunteer, and to donate,” he said. “You can find my website where I’ll set up an online registration for volunteers. We also have a GoFundMe page to help protect these sites.” He believes that donations, whether financial or in-kind, are vital for this mission. “Helping to preserve our sacred places is not just for Hawaiians; it’s for everyone who understands the importance of heritage,” he explained. “This is about honoring our ancestors, and it should come from the heart.” Alvarez added, “This isn’t about exploration; it’s about becoming champions for our ancestors. We must practice genuine aloha. Aloha isn’t just for the living; it’s for those who have passed away as well.” The bigger picture As the project progressed, Keoni envisioned the site becoming a resource for future generations. “I proposed that this site serve not just as a burial ground but as an educational center,” he stated. “We need to teach our kids about the importance of these places.” He emphasized that these sites are integral to understanding Hawaiian culture. “The burial practices are more than rituals; they are a part of our identity,” Alvarez explained. “When we protect these sites, we protect ourselves.” The challenges didn’t stop there. During this period, construction plans were still being pushed forward, with developers unaware of the burial site’s significance. “I had to navigate conversations with the developers and ensure they understood the importance of what they were about to disturb,” Alvarez said. “It was crucial to communicate that this wasn’t just a plot of land; it was our history.” He described this effort as a blend of education and advocacy. A collective responsibility Alvarez understands that this work is about more than individual effort; it’s a collective responsibility. “I believe in the power of community,” he said. “When we work together, we can create real change. It’s not just me protecting these sites; it’s about everyone realizing the importance of our history.” He also highlighted the need to reconnect Hawaiians with their heritage. “As Hawaiian people, we have been disconnected for so long. It’s essential that we involve ourselves in caring for our ancestors’ resting places,” he said. “This has to be a Hawaiian affair.” “I want to make sure that our traditional practices continue. Everyone is welcome to help. If you can donate or volunteer, please do,” Alvarez urged. “This work is vital for preserving our heritage, and we need all hands on deck.” As he continues to engage with various stakeholders, Keoni remains committed to his mission. “I’ve had meetings with local organizations dedicated to protecting historical places,” he said. “We are collaborating to ensure that these burial sites are preserved and respected.” Looking forward The work of protecting burial sites is ongoing, and Alvarez’s journey is far from over. “I’m focused on educating young people about their heritage,” he stated. “It’s vital for them to understand their roots and the significance of our traditions.” Alvarez’s passion for preserving Hawaiian culture drives his efforts. “Every day, I’m reminded of the kuleana we all share. It’s about the past, present, and future,” he said. “These sites are not just about the ancestors; they are for the living, too. They teach us who we are and guide us in our lives.” As he looks to the future, Keoni remains optimistic. “I believe that through education and community involvement, we can ensure that these burial sites are honored and protected for generations to come,” he said. “This is our legacy, and we must carry it forward.” Through his dedication, Keoni Kealoha Alvarez exemplifies the spirit of aloha, reminding us all of the importance of our roots and the responsibility we hold to protect our shared history. “In the end, it’s about the deeper meaning of heritage and understanding where we come from,” he said. “When we honor our ancestors, we honor ourselves.” By fostering connections within the community, Alvarez hopes to inspire others to take action and become stewards of their cultural heritage. “Let’s not just be bystanders,” he urged. “Let’s engage actively and take care of what is rightfully ours. Together, we can preserve these sacred spaces and make a difference.” As the community rallies around him, Keoni’s vision for a future that honors the past grows stronger. His commitment to education, respect and the preservation of Hawaiian culture serves as a beacon of hope. You can watch Alvarez's full interview in the video above. To learn more, you can access the following sites: Click here to read about his project. Click here to access Alvarez's filmmaking projects. Click here to learn more about Hawaii's sacred burials. Click here to learn more about Alvarez's book. Click here to view Alvarez's documentary: Kapu: Sacred Hawaiian Burials. Click here to follow Alvarez on Instagram. Currently, activists on Kauaʻi are working hard to protect sacred ancestral grounds from development of leach fields and septic tanks for vacation homes. They are asking residents to contact the Department of Health at (808) 241-3495 on Kauaʻi and (808) 586-4400 in Honolulu to ask them to halt development on land that contains the remains of Kauaʻi's indigenous ancestors. So, if you find a cave or what you believe may be Native Hawaiian remains, contact Alvarez. He is one of several indigenous kapu caretakers who are tirelessly working to protect Hawaiʻi's sacred grounds. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Through Keoni Alvarez’s work, the spirit of aloha thrives and ensures that the legacies of Hawaiʻi's ancestors continue to inspire and guide generations to come.