8 neglected state-owned burial sites to be restored, including Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kona

Hawaiʻi state officials will soon survey Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kailua-Kona as part of a broader effort to restore eight neglected state-owned burial sites.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services said survey crews are scheduled to start the project on Thursday, April 23, and take about 10 weeks to complete. Crews will be working weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Department director and comptroller Keith Regan said it is the state’s duty to respectfully honor the lives of the approximately 5,900 people who are buried over 27 acres in the cemeteries.

“To have these cemeteries fall into disrepair is just inappropriate,” Regan said. “When you walk around these cemeteries, and you see the condition they’re in, it is heartbreaking. We are grateful for the support of our legislature and Gov. (Josh) Green for providing additional resources.”

The work will be overseen by a newly established Cemetery Management Office within the department, and funded through a $2.3 million legislative appropriation in the fiscal year 2025-2027 biennium budget — the first dedicated state funding for maintaining these sites.

Contractors have been hired to conduct the surveys at a cost of just under $100,000. Because the properties are so old, there are no longer any boundary markers.

“We need to first redefine the boundaries, so we can install a fence around the perimeter,” Cemetery Management Office Manager Dion Yasui said. “After that, we will work towards rehabilitating the properties and ensure that the souls laid to rest there are cared for with respect.”

Residents near the cemetery may see drones flying overhead as crews capture aerial images to help verify property boundaries, according to the department.

Officials say clearly defining boundaries is a first step toward long-term maintenance and restoration, especially at older sites where records have deteriorated.

Central Services Division Administrator James Kurata said many of the cemeteries date to the mid-1800s, with oversight shifting to the territorial government in the early 1900s. Over time, record-keeping declined and upkeep lapsed, leaving some graves unmarked.

“For decades, they haven’t had active burials, and about 26 percent of all the graves are marked ‘Unknown,ʻ” Kurata said. “In the past, burial records were not well-maintained. This is one of the major challenges for our new Cemetery Management Office.”

The office was created in fiscal year 2025-2026 with two positions. Its purpose is to operate, maintain, improve and redevelop state-owned cemeteries. It also will determine ownership of plots, maintain records pertaining to cemeteries, including cemetery plot plans, and maintain records of plot ownership, interments and disinterment.

On the Big Island, Mauna Ziona Cemetery, also known as Kalaoa 4th Cemetery, at 73-4297 Māmalahoa Highway in Kailua-Kona, will be surveyed and restored.

The other seven cemeteries that are part of the project:

• Waiʻanae Japanese Cemetery, 85-271 Waianae Valley Rd., Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
• Waiʻanae Catholic/Sacred Hearts Cemetery, 85-759 Farrington Hwy., Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
• Puʻukamaliʻi Cemetery, 1821 Kamaliʻi St., ʻĀlewa Heights, Oʻahu
• Puea Cemetery, 1440 North School St., Kalihi, Oʻahu
• ʻAiea Cemetery, 99-123 Uahi St., ʻAiea, Oʻahu
• Makiki Cemetery, 1630 Pensacola St., Makiki, Oʻahu
• Hanapēpē Cemetery, Lele Rd. (no street number), Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi

“This is about restoring dignity and respect,” Regan said.

Residents seeking further information on the cemetery work or who have questions can email centralservices@hawaii.gov or call 808-831-6733.