Lani Ma‘a Lapilio
Aloha kākou,
I am Lani Ma’a Lapilio, attorney and the owner/principal of Aukahi, a cultural resource consulting firm. My work involves advising and assisting public and private sector clients on a wide range of cultural issues. I have the privilege of serving as a cultural liaison, helping to bring together project proponents, lineal and cultural descendants, and other stakeholders to foster meaningful collaboration. Whether addressing ancestral burials uncovered during ground disturbance or other matters of cultural importance, my focus is always on building respectful relationships and strengthening connections within the Hawaiian community.
Aukahi is responsible for conducting and coordinating meaningful consultation processes to ensure compliance with federal and state historic preservation and environmental laws. This includes Hawai‘i’s burial laws under HRS Chapter 6E and the Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, as well as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). I also conduct Ka Paʻakai analysis studies and other proposals that evaluate and address the balancing interests of the impacts of proposed projects in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.
Over the years, we have built strong working relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders, including lineal and cultural descendants, staff from the State Historic Preservation Division, the Island Burial Councils, the Historic Preservation Review Commissions, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiian homestead associations, Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and various other Native Hawaiian organizations.
My community work includes serving as the Hawai‘i Advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and as a board member for several organizations, including Hikaʻalani, Manowai, Hawai‘i Heritage Center, Pono Legal, the Hawai‘i Heptachlor Association, and the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (ex-officio). I am also an active member of numerous other nonprofit organizations dedicated to cultural preservation and nation building.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to talk story! Mahalo nui loa. Aloha a hui hou.
Lani
