On Friday, May 15th, we learned about the ranching history and current stewardship efforts in the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa ahupuaʻa. Ku`ulei and her father Uncle Sonny, we’re joined by co-presenter Liana Macdonald-Kainoa, Outreach and Education Assistant of the Napuʻu Conservation Project.
The entire Aloha Friday Live event from May 15th was recorded to share with you. To view the video, featuring Ku`ulei Keakealani, Uncle Sonny Keakealani, Lehua Kamaka, and Liana Macdonald-Kainoa, please click above and register first with your name and email.
The Nāpuʻu region encompasses Puʻuwaʻawaʻa and Puʻuanahulu. In the 1860’s through 1970’s ranching was the primary land use of the Nāpuʻu region. Land leases of whole ahupuaʻa, mauka to makai, were granted to different ranchers “with the exception of the land rights of the native tenants".
Lease holders included G. Kaukuna, M. Maeha, & S. Kanakaʻole, Frances T. Spencer of Waimea Grazing and Agricultural Co., Robert Hind Jr. & Eben Low, and others. Ranchers would raise cattle in the mauka grasslands and drive cattle down a trail from Puʻuwaʻawaʻa, to Puako, then parallel with the ocean to Kīholo. When at Kīholo, cattle was held in rock wall holding pens next to Waiaʻelepī, which was used as a watering place prior to hoʻau pipi, the swimming of cattle to ships, for exportation to off island markets.
In 2000, the State of Hawai‘i DLNR/DOFAW assumed management of the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a ahupua‘a. The Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Management Plan was created as well as the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Advisory Council with the goal being conservation. The makai lands became the Kīholo State Park Reserve that it is today.
MAHALO NUI
Mahalo to everyone who came along to Kīholo with us. In this time of social distancing, and the closure of Kīholo State Park Reserve, it is a privilege to share the continued vibrancy of Kīholo with you in safe and responsible ways.
KU`ULEI KEAKEALANI
Educator, cultural practitioner, poet, storyteller, activist, and our Cultural Director at Hui Aloha Kīholo, Ku`ulei wears many hats, but wears them all with a strong sense of the history of her ancestors and the responsibility we have to perpetuate Hawaiian culture for future generations.
LEHUA SANDY KAMAKA
Hui Aloha Kīholo operates with a small but dedicated staff and now has a physical presence on the ground, seven days a week, through our Hoa ʻĀina team. Lehua is one of our Hoa ʻĀina. In collaboration with our partners, Hoa ʻĀina, or “friends of the land” monitor and protect natural and cultural resources, engage with and educate visitors, and manage camping. By creating a community of stewards, with visitors, kamaʻāina (locals), partners, and advocates, Kīholo can continue to thrive culturally and environmentally.
LINANA MACDONALD-KAINOA
As the Outreach and Education Assistant of the Napuʻu Conservation Project, Liana plans outreach and education events, coordinate volunteer groups and lead service learning projects focused on native plant restoration and protection.
UPCOMING EVENT
Camping at the Kīholo State Park Reserve will be closed starting September 24, 2021 until further notice due to COVID-19 guidelines set by the State and/or County.