Aloha ʻohana on all islands,

My name is Donnalee HueSing-Curimao of Lāhaina, Maui.

I continue to do research on all the burial sites of our Nāʻehu-Saffery kūpuna and their fourteen (14) children.

The burial site of Captain Edmund Saffery, Sr. is located on Maui in ʻUlupalakua, which is now a parcel of private land. I was able to reach the new owners of the Saffery property where the grave site is located at Paeahu, to ask to gain access to the site for my research and our ʻohana.

I remember visiting the ʻāina in the 1980s. The land was under different ownership. At that time, the grave site was quite large, and there were many little graves around with larger headstones. One grave in particular had a dome-like shape, and I was told then that it was Captain Edmund Saffery’s - my great-great-great-grandfather.

These graves were all fenced in with an entry gate under large trees. Unfortunately, during my last visit 5-6 years ago, I noticed the grave site looked very different. Apparently, the plot was encroached upon, and all of the graves were covered and the tombs were shaved down. Now, only three graves are visible.

I was able to get in touch with and then meet a beautiful and accommodating lady who I found out was the new owner. She and her family are originally from Japan. I have been in contact with her and have recently discovered that her family is selling the property. (*Update: the land has since been sold to the Erdman family of ʻUlupalakua Ranch)

To gain deeper understanding as to what our rights are in regards to visiting our kūpuna grave site, I went to visit the State of Hawaiʻi Burial Council to inquire about access rights as well as the history of the site. I was told that we are entitled to access by law, especially since the cemetery is owned by the Saffery family.

My current research involves learning who else is buried there besides the captain, his granddaughter: Sarah Saffery, her husband: James Brown, the captain’s son: Edmund Jr., and Edmund II's wife: Emmalia. I think there are many more buried in the family cemetery. (*Update: please contact us if you are interested in more information on claiming Lineal Decendency to the grave site)

I feel that I am not alone in my desire to know as much as we can about this part of our family history.

Currently, I am leading an effort to install a plaque on a monument placed in front of the cemetery with the names of all of our ancestors who are buried there, to honor and recognize their place in Hawaiʻi’s (and our own) histories.

We would also like to know if there are any family members on Oʻahu that have access to maps of the original grave site to determine the footprint that is our kuleana. Additionally, we are working towards getting a Burial Treatment Plan (BTP) needed to establish an easement entrance to the family burial site so that in the future, we won't need to go through the owners.

If you have more information about the site (i.e. pictures, family anecdotes, historical records) OR if you would like to be involved in the planning of the memorial plaque, please email me.

Sincerely, your cousin,

Donnalee