Zuckerberg’s Hawaii Hideaway Raises Concerns Over Burial Site
Mark Zuckerberg’s expansive estate on Kauai, the lush island nestled within Hawaii, is embroiled in controversy once more. This renewed scrutiny stems from claims that portions of his property may be situated atop revered ancestral burial grounds.
The journey began in 2014, when the Meta CEO embarked on the acquisition of land in Kauai, purchasing an expansive 707-acres for approximately $116 million. From the outset, this acquisition was met with resistance. Detractors feared the seismic impact of extensive development on an island that previously had just a single traffic light since 1973. The island’s tight-knit community, an interwoven fabric of Native Hawaiians alongside descendants of Asian and Puerto Rican plantation workers, voiced concerns about the invasion of a technology titan transforming their idyllic haven. A 2020 petition implored Zuckerberg to desist from “colonizing” Kauai.
Zuckerberg’s domain, now known as Ko’olau Ranch, has burgeoned to over 1,400 acres. A comprehensive dive into the property revealed its opulent elements ― two mansions linked by intricate tunnels, a sprawling 5,000-square-foot underground bunker fortified with a robust concrete-filled metal door, and an escape hatch. Forethought for self-sustenance in food and energy seems to be a pivotal aspect of this establishment’s design.
In recent revelations, it’s understood that portions of this grand compound rest over Native Hawaiian burial sites, allegedly known to the Zuckerberg estate as early as 2015.
Julian Ako, a descendant of two individuals interred at the site, was finally allowed access after long discussions with the estate. He discovered the resting places of his great-grandmother and her sibling, yet other ancestral remains evade discovery. State authorities, grounded in oral traditions, signify a strong likelihood of further burial sites in proximity.
Concerns arise regarding any future findings remaining shrouded in secrecy, attributed to the confidentiality surrounding this immense project. Working arrangements on Ko’olau Ranch bind nearly everyone with nondisclosure agreements. Previous reports unveiled that several workers faced termination for mentioning their work on social platforms.
Native Hawaiian traditions hold burial sites as sacred, and any construction over them is perceived as deep desecration. Ancestors were historically interred in secluded caves or remote locations to ensure their peace, with the living bearing responsibility to preserve these sites. Hawaiian state legislation mandates that burial grounds receive “dignity and freedom from unnecessary disturbance.”
Notwithstanding, some local sentiments lean towards perceiving certain advantages in his presence. A neighboring resident suggested that Zuckerberg’s acquisition could be deemed favorable compared to major residential development. Additionally, Zuckerberg has contributed to community projects like schools and housing, indicative of gestures aimed at integrating within the community and alleviating their apprehensions.
In 2016, Zuckerberg launched “quiet title” lawsuits to persuade Native Hawaiian families, with inherited “kuleana” lands, to relinquish their shares, often via public sales. Under the weight of backlash, these legal pursuits were eventually abandoned.
Despite these contentious lawsuits being retracted, his influence and landholdings continued to swell. By 2021, he annexed an additional 560 acres of ranchlands. Fresh waves of criticism erupted in 2023 with plans unveiled for a cattle farm exclusively nourished by macadamia nuts and beer ― drawing ridicule for its perceived elitism.
His domain draws parallels to the fictional exhibit of elite isolation as in television depictions, where a self-reliant cave complex serves as a sanctuary from apocalyptic collapse. With private systems for energy, sustenance, and a fortified underground bunker, Ko’olau Ranch aligns with that concept. Critics posit that this isn’t merely about privacy, luxury, or safety, but about constructing a fortress, heedless of the cultural sanctity being compromised.
Speculation persists that tech magnates, including Zuckerberg, are gaming not just for opulence but for endurance. These billionaires might be crafting retreats to evade repercussions of a world partly sculpted by their innovations.
A plot infused with the tension between affluence and indigenous rights, critics assert that an egregious imbalance has been spotlighted by the encroachments on sacred lands.
