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Protocol by Halau O KekuhiAn emotional and inspiring ceremony rededicating Wao Kele O Puna  to the Hawaiian people was celebrated Monday afternoon at the former True Geothermal drill site.

Ownership of the 25,856-acre Wao Kele O Puna rainforest in Puna, the last large, intact, lowland rainforest in Hawaii, was transferred to the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs last year following nearly a quarter-century of struggles by hundreds of people and dozens of organizations to preserve it.

Councilwoman Emily NaeoleMany who attended the ceremonies were among the thousands who marched on the sit in 1990 to protest True Geothermal's plan to tap the energy of the land, a seminal event in its history. Many also were among the hundreds who were arrested  and jailed for their part in the protest, including Fifth District Councilwoman Emily Naeole.

"We stood up and fought," Naeole told the gathering Monday. "We said no like. Now we come full circle. We are the owners. It's part of history." Naeole, who named her 16-year-old son Wao Kele O Puna, said she wants to write a book about the journey, "everything that has come to pass."

 Senator Daniel Inouye, who was instrumental in getting $3.35 million in federal funds, the bulk of the money needed to acquire the property from Campbell Estate, called Naeole a "hero."

Inouye initially supported True Geothermal's drilling efforts but, "When it failed I realized I made a bad mistake," he said. "I hope all of you will forgive me."

Palikapu DedmanPalikapu Dedman, president of the Pele Defense Fund, which organized the protests, thanked the 400 people who got arrested. "Now we don't have to organize protests any more." 

OHA Trustees Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said Wao Kele O Puna is the first ceded land to be owned by a representative entity of the Hawaiian people since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom since 1893.

Governor Linda Lingle said, "Preserving native forests like Wao Kele O Puna and other environmental treasures around the state will help enhance the quality of life in Hawaii for future generations."

The abandoned True Geothermal wellThe failed well that True Geothermal dug more than 7,500 feet into the earth sat capped and silent as a backdrop to the event.

More photos of the ceremonies here.