On the north shore of Kauai, a heated confrontation broke out at a construction site in Wainiha where ancestral bones, known as iwi kupuna, had been uncovered. Police have since arrested one of the men involved.
The incident happened last Thursday morning at a project to convert a cesspool into a septic tank at the Hale Makai Cottages. This site became the center of attention after iwi kupuna were found during the construction.
According to the Kauai Police Department, witnesses said a man entered the property without permission and attacked the homeowner. The homeowner, who suffered minor scrapes, was treated at the scene. However, video footage of the alleged attack hasn’t been made public.
Police identified the man as Kona Wong, 42, from Moloaa. Wong later turned himself in and was arrested for third-degree assault, second-degree criminal trespass, and warrants related to four other trespass cases.
The situation has sparked reactions on social media, with Wong’s family stating that they don’t condone violence. They’ve also been holding prayer sessions at the site. Meanwhile, the landowner, Chris Arreguin, accused Wong of attacking him, claiming Wong threw him to the ground and stomped on him. Wong’s family has alleged that Arreguin punched, pushed, and grabbed Wong by the throat.
Arreguin’s attorney has declined to release their video footage, citing the ongoing investigation.
Several organizations have weighed in on the situation. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has called this “a matter between two private citizens,” and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation has chosen not to comment on the legal issues stemming from the conflict. However, Kirsha Durante, the NHLC litigation director, emphasized the need to focus on the proper care of the iwi kupuna, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity.
Durante shared the deep emotional weight of these discoveries, explaining that iwi kupuna are not just remains—they are deeply connected to Hawaiian ancestors and hold spiritual significance.
The State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) stated that construction work has resumed in areas where no iwi were found. They are awaiting the property owner’s Burial Treatment Plan to finalize the respectful handling of the burials. For now, the iwi kupuna found on-site have been preserved in their original locations.
The Kauai Police Department assured the public that their main priority is the safety of everyone in the community.
