The Kipahulu 'Ohana
Pononomics Quarterly
A Journal of the Economics-Hawaii Discussion Group
July 2002
Submitted by Scott Crawford, Secretary of the Kipahulu 'Ohana
In Kipahulu on the lush and remote eastern end of Maui, a Native Hawaiian renewal is underway, blending cultural and economic activity to restore traditional lifestyles and the abundance of the land, with the wisdom and spiritual guidance of na kapuna.
Long before the first Europeans arrived on Maui, Kipahulu was prized by the Hawaiian ali'i for its fertile 'aina and kai. Thousands of people once lived a sustainable lifestyle in this area farming, fishing, and surviving with the resources of the ahupua'a.
In 1995, a small group of Native Hawaiian residents came together to revive, restore, and share the practices of traditional Native Hawaiian culture with others in Kipahulu. The Kipahulu 'Ohana incorporated as a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating residents and visitors of the "ways of old" through demonstrations and hands-on activities. The 'Ohana conducts cultural demonstrations, restoration projects, self-sufficiency programs, biological diversity projects and other related endeavors.
The Kipahulu 'Ohana works to:
- Restore the Kipahulu Ahupua'a as a model of a living, working, self-sustaining Native Hawaiian community circa 1778-1848, including the construction and maintenance of traditional Native Hawaiian agricultural and aquacultural features.
- Assist in the elimination of alien flora and the reintroduction of native, endemic and Polynesian species.
- Maintain, increase, and perpetuate a mutually beneficial formal relationship with the National Park Service, State of Hawai'i, Maui County, Sovereign and private entities.
Kipahulu has been home to generations of Native Hawaiians who preserved the resources through malama 'aina. In 1951, the Upper Kipahulu Valley was included in Haleakala National Park. The coastal area of 'Ohe'o, including the present Kapahu Farm, was added to Haleakala National Park in 1969. The addition of these lands to the national park transferred several ahupua'a into public lands–and created a unique opportunity for Native Hawaiians and the National Park Service to work together.
Park resource managers work to protect the native rainforest in Upper Kipahulu Valley, one of the most biologically precious areas in the islands, which also provides vital water to the lo'i at Kapahu, the 'Ohana's Living Farm. The Kipahulu 'Ohana has helped park interpretive staff complete a vision and interpretive plan for the entire Kipahulu area. In 1995, a Cooperative Agreement was entered into with the Park. The agreement, recently renewed until 2005, formally recognizes the partnership that has blossomed through the years. With this agreement, 14 ancient lo'i have been brought back into cultivation, and plans developed to construct two traditional hale.
This month, July 2002, the 'Ohana and community are gathering for the formal dedication of the first hale at the Kapahu Farm. The hale is being built using native plant materials, indigenous knowledge, and the hands of surrounding communities. This hale will enhance the experience of visiting the lo'i by providing a quiet place to talk story and share the experiences of the day while resting in the cool shade of a traditional Native Hawaiian hale.
The Hale Ku'ai, which is still under development, will provide a place for visitors and locals to experience cultural demonstrations and gather for hiking tours to the lo'i.
At Kapahu Farm, visitors can walk through 2.5 acres of restored lo'i, where natural springs bubble up and flow through the taro beds. Other plants include ulu (breadfruit), dryland taro, coconut, sugarcane, and banana. A guided cultural hike and public taro patch tours at Kapahu Farm are given on the first Tuesday of every month.
Contact:
PO Box 454
Hana, Maui, Hawaii 96713
808-248-8974
ohana@kipahulu.org
www.kipahulu.org
