Modern conservation Kaniakapupu

ruins of kaniakapūpū, 2015

the area rediscovered in 1950s, , territorial commission on historic sites cleared , stabilized ruins onsite. however, site deteriorated on next 30 years due lack of maintenance. fund created historic hawaii foundation in 1998 pay preservation work on ruins, completed 2 years later. archaeological survey conducted around time. today, site managed state historic preservation division of hawaii s department of land , natural resources (dlnr) of historic hawaii foundation , other local preservation organizations, including aha hui malama o kaniakapūpū. kaniakapūpū added site 66000293 national register of historic places on october 15, 1966.

kaniakapūpū located @ end of unmarked trail off pali highway. property near luakaha falls, , surrounding area , trail leading site covered forest of invasive bamboo. periodic clearing necessary in order halt deteriorating effects of invasive root growth. trail , ruins, located in protected watershed, officially off-limits public, although state dlnr officials not regularly monitor site. trespassers subjected citations if caught.

vandalism

in 2016, kaniakapūpū damaged vandals scratched crosses historic stone walls. previously, tourists had etched initials , other markings, while others leaned, sat, or climbed on walls photo shoots. these actions further degraded ancient structure. state dlnr officials , volunteers denounced these acts utter disrespect cultural importance of site.

social media blamed bringing unwanted visitors site , not pointing out area off-limits public. following these acts of vandalism, state of hawaii asked removal of directions kaniakapūpū on many social media websites , tourism blogs, , encouraged knew direction ruins come respect.