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Aulii Mitchell, M.A.

Cultural Advisor

Mr. Mitchell has received his Master’s degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge from Te Wananga O Aotearoa University in Hamilton, New Zealand. He brings back a new outlook on the application of indigenous knowledge to CSH and its importance to academia. He has 13 years of experience as a cultural anthropologist and cultural specialist in the disciplines of archaeological and cultural impact studies, with a primary focus on Hawai‘i. His many projects include the repatriation of human remains, associated and unassociated funeral objects, and objects of cultural patrimony under NAGPRA (Native American Protection and Repatriation Act). He is well versed in the translation of Hawaiian language newspapers, writing of cultural impact assessments (CIA) including the process of formal, informal, and “talk story” cultural interviews with nā kūpuna, elders, Native Hawaiians, and traditional cultural practitioners connected to specific project areas. He has also played an active part in the Section 106 consultation process, writing, facilitating, and assisting CSH in the mitigation process with lineal and cultural descendants, the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), and the Hawai‘i Island Burial Council (HIBC) associated with burial treatment plans (BTP) and other documents needed for compliance with rules and regulations put forth by the SHPD and the County and State of Hawai‘i. He possesses an intimate knowledge of the Hawaiian language, both ancient and modern. He is a well-respected traditional cultural practitioner and is the Kumu Hula of Hālau O Kāhiwahiwa in Puna and Hālau O Moana-nui-a-Kiwa in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Mr. Mitchell is the President and co-founder of Ho‘oulu Lāhui and is the cultural advisor to Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School in the Puna district of Hawai‘i island.