Media release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources

18th annual gathering takes place Oct. 26 through October 28

KAILUA-KONA — The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks will close Lapakahi State Historical Park to the public from Friday October 26 through Sunday October 28, 2012 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. 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 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.

Lapakahi State Park will reopen to the public at 8 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2012