E nā makamaka aloha
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
One of the most important historical records describing the cultural attachment of Hawaiians to their native home may be found in documents recorded primarily between 1847 to 1855. These records describe residency, sustainable use of resources, the names of early residents, place names and a wide range of wahi pana (storied and sacred places).
Click Māhele ‘Āina Documents for more information.
“Pio ‘ole ka ‘oia’i’o” (Truth cannot be extinguished) Kepā & Onaona Maly
Maui Hikina — E Ho'oponopono 'Āina (East Maui — Restoring Balance To The Living Environment)
At the request of Ms. Gina Young , Director, County of Maui, East Maui Water Authority and members of The ‘Aha Wai o Maui Hikina Community Board, Kumu Pono Associates LLC* conducted detailed research into the history of the biocultural landscape of Maui Hikina. As a part of the study we also reviewed historical records that describe the landscape we see today. How significant changes, driven by commercial extraction of water from the natural environment, and how the resulting impacts disrupted the biocultural environment and sustainable life-ways. Maui Hikina Water Legacy
The challenge that we face today, when speaking of ka wai ola a Kāne—the life-giving waters of Kāne that flow from Maui Hikina—is putting into action that which is good, and which will sustain the generations that follow us.
[* Kumu Pono Associates LLC was established in 1995 by Kepā & Onaona Maly who prepared this study
with the support of our Maui ‘ohana, Jen Kamaho‘i & Richard Mather.]
LĀHAINĀ (LAHAINA) STILL UNDER SIEGE
On January 17, 2025 the Maui County Council heard Bill 2 (2023), a motion that would allow 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.”
In our testimony which shared an overview of the history of the “Spring House” (click link below). We suggested that this action further erased the fragmented biocultural and historical landscape of Lāhainā. We suggested that the bill be killed, and for the interim, it appears that was considered. E mālama i ka pono a me ke ‘ea o ka ‘āina aloha!
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.
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) was held as the County was 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 viewers with 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.