The Department of Anthropology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is proud to celebrate the achievements of alumnus Kamakana C. Ferreira, whose work in repatriation and cultural resource protection is making a profound impact both locally and internationally. As the Lead Compliance Specialist at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), Kamakana plays a pivotal role in the return of iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and cultural materials, ensuring that Native Hawaiian heritage is respected, protected, and restored.
A Journey from Aviation to Anthropology
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Kamakana’s career path was anything but conventional. Of Hawaiian-Portuguese descent, his Hawaiian heritage comes from his mother’s side of the Kāmoe family from Hawaiʻi Island, while his Portuguese roots trace back to his father’s family (Ferreira and Miranda) who arrived in Hawai‘i from São Miguel circa 1895. He grew up in Wahiawā on lands tied to his father’s side.
He initially obtained a degree in Aviation Technology at Honolulu Community College in 2003 and spent seven years working as an airframe and powerplant technician. However, a deep love for history and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage led him back to UH Mānoa in 2007 to study anthropology. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology in 2010 and a Master’s in Applied Archaeology in 2013, focusing on indigenous cultural persistence, Hawai‘i’s historic preservation laws, and faunal analysis. His graduate work included archaeological research on O‘ahu and museum studies in Southeast China.
Championing Repatriation on a Global Scale
Since joining OHA in 2013, Kamakana has been a driving force behind the protection and preservation of cultural sites, and the rightful treatment of iwi kupuna. Initially recruited to the OHA Land Department, he provided guidance on historic preservation and site stewardship. In 2017, he transitioned to OHA’s Compliance team, where he now serves as Lead Compliance Specialist. His responsibilities include overseeing repatriations, historic preservation consultations, environmental reviews, and state-level permitting processes to protect Native Hawaiian cultural resources. His work has extended beyond Hawai‘i, successfully reclaiming ancestral remains and sacred objects from institutions across the U.S. mainland and Europe.
A Legacy of Cultural Stewardship
Kamakana’s work exemplifies the power of applied anthropology in advocating for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. His dedication to repatriation strengthens the connection between past and present, offering a meaningful path forward for Native Hawaiian communities. His story is an inspiration to students, researchers, and all who seek to protect and honor the histories that shape our world.
In his leisure, Kamakana enjoys traveling and expressing his creativity as a songwriter and guitarist. The Department of Anthropology is honored to recognize Kamakana C. Ferreira’s contributions and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of his work in Hawai‘i and beyond.
