For many years our iwi kupuna have been disrespected, the burial caves desecrated. People have been removing iwi and burial artifacts ever since visitors to Ho'okena Beach have come here.  With the creation of the internet this maha'oe practice has increased. The cave at the north end of puhau is promoted as a place to party, niele. 

10 years ago a child's iwi po'o was removed from a cave above the beach and placed down at the campground. All of this kūāʻino has hurt our 'ohana and our community spritually.