Kumu Pono Associates LLC
HE WAHI PANA ‘O KŌ‘ELE MA LĀNA‘I (KŌ‘ELE, IS ONE OF THE STORIED AND SACRED PLACES OF LĀNA‘I)
On March 28, 2025, a public hearing of the Maui County Council (Bill 3, FD1 2025) will be held as the County has been asked to decide the fate of the last two historic ranch homes at Kō‘ele, Lāna‘i. Even though much of the cultural landscape has been destroyed there is a rich history at Kō‘ele. The remaining Hawaiian Church and two ranch homes (originally built in 1899) are among the last physical manifestations of the kama‘āina presence and cultural attachment at Kō‘ele. While the cultural-historic landscape has been all but erased, the significance of place and the remaining features are a connection of generational Lāna‘i residents to their beloved home. The notes and photos/map below provide a glimpse into facets of the history of Kō‘ele.
The above annotated map depicts Kō‘ele as it was built out in 1938. For details on the features identified on the map, please click the link below to the narrative testimony we submitted to the Maui County Council.
Our testimony may be accessed here 2025 03 25 Bill 3 (Protect Two Remaining Koele Ranch Houses In Place) (PDF 8 pages)
Ohana Members Include:
Sylvester Apiki, Enoka Makahanaloa, Pili Kahoohalahala, Kama Mano, Jacob Apiki, James Kauila, John Naauao Kaopuiki, Ben Kahaleanu, Bobby Keliihananui, Peter, Kawelo, Koanui Piimoku, Maggie Nakihei, Maria Gibson, Robert Kauila, Eliza Manoa, Maka Likua, Bon Soon Shin, Gi Hong Kwon, Robert Cockett, David Keliihananui, Esther Kaehuaea, Rose Kahikiwawe Cockett, Maleka Apiki Piimoku, Eliza Kalanikini, Makaimoku, C. Forbes, Jean & George Munro, Hector Munro, Julia Honolii, Malia Mano, Annie Mikala Cockett, Wilson Kwon (baby), Elizabeth “Kapeka” Napuehu Kwon, Imiola (Kahikiwawe) Likua, Ann Shin, Mahoe Kauila, Joseph Makahanaloa, Hanna Kauila. (Names provided by Lloyd Cockett)
The School House later became the home of John and Hannah Richardson.
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LĀHAINĀ (LAHAINA) STILL UNDER SIEGE
On January 17, 2025 the Maui County Council will be hearing Bill 2 (2023), a motion that allows another historic property in Lāhainā to be destroyed so a store can be built. Titled, Bill 2 (2025). “A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND THE HAWAII STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER REGARDING THE DEMOLITION OF THE HISTORIC SPRING HOUSE AND THE LAHAINA PUBLIC LIBRARY IN RESPONSE TO THE 2023 LAHAINA WILDFIRES”
We submitted testimony sharing historical documentation on the history of the “Spring House” (click link below). We suggest that this action further erases the biocultural and historical landscape of Lāhainā, and hope that the Bill will be killed. Please consider adding your voices to pono on the land and in the community.
Māua nō.
“Pio ‘ole ka ‘oiā‘i‘o!”
(The truth cannot be extinguished!)
2025 01 14 Paunau Lahaina Spring House (PDF 4 pages)
Click Lahaina for more cultural and historical background.
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E nā hoa heluhelu (Fellow Readers) —
We humbly ask readers to keep in mind that we apologize for issues with grammar, standard formatting and scattered typos. Regardless of those minor issues, the native Hawaiian narratives, land records, selected historical accounts, and background are factual, relying on primary references which we have cited. Likely some of our work is still in need of copy editing. The primary purpose for sharing these studies seeks to serve several purposes:
- To give interested parties access to information about the biocultural landscape of the lands covered in each study;
- To support long-term preservation and stewardship of our unique biocultural landscape, traditional and customary practices, and a living culture;
- To ensure that State Historic Preservation Rules and Regulations and County Management Plans are complied with; and
- Provide necessary cultural-historical background to advocate for responsible community treatment of the biocultural resources
Kepa & Onaona Maly
Click Māhele ‘Āina Documents for more information.