OMKM Hires Cultural Resource Program Manager

File photo by Chris Yoakum.

Lukela Ruddle was recently hired by the Office of Mauna Kea Management as its Cultural Resource Program Manager.

OMKM manages about 12,000 acres of State-owned land on Mauna Kea.

Ruddle will assist Kahu Ku Manua with project reviews, policy development, community consultation, and implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan, with emphasis on the Cultural Resources Management Plan.

In addition, Ruddle will initiate an educational campaign for cultural landscape preservation and a collection of the traditional, contemporary, and customary cultural practices on Mauna Kea.

“Lukela’s vast knowledge and problem-solving skills has already made her a key addition to the OMKM team,” said OMKM’s Director Stephanie Nagata. “We are delighted to have her onboard and part of the OMKM team as we move forward with our management of the resources on Maunakea. Lukela will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions and implementation of new programing.”

Ruddle spent 14 years as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Aide to Hannah Kihalani Springer. She also served as OHA’s East Hawai’i Community Resource Coordinator, where she conducted outreach, advocacy. and community coalition building.

“The job of a Cultural Resources Program Manager on Maunakea needs to be done. My desire is to contribute to the ongoing work of integrating a cultural view into meaningful management of the mountain,” said Ruddle. “I look forward to working with lineal descendants and persons having historical ties to Maunakea and developing culturally appropriate procedures and protocols.”