Sustainability the Hawaiian Way (Part 2) – Ahupua’a

“Ahupua’a” by Beth Marcil

“As the native Hawaiians used the resources within their ‘ahupua’a, they practiced aloha (respect), laulima (cooperation), and malama (stewardship) which resulted in a desirable pono (balance). This is sound resource management where the interconnectedness of the clouds, the forests, the streams, the fishponds, the sea, and the people is clearly recognized.” – Carlos Andrade

In Sustainability the Hawaiian Way (Part 1) we talked about “malama ‘aina” – to take care of the land and each other, because we are all connected to the land and each other. In Part 2 we are discussing the Native Hawaiian “ahupua’a” sustainability concept – a pie shaped land division that stretched from mountain to sea that allowed access to all resources. Within the ahupua‘a, highly specialized technologies such as fishponds and lo‘i kalo (taro gardens) ensured an abundance of food. Working in concert with the other ahupua‘a within a moku (district), the Hawaiians created a community-based system of self-sustaining resource management. Principles of ahupua‘a management enabled Hawaiians to sustain large and healthy populations without compromising ecosystem integrity for thousands of years.

To see what an ahupua’a looks like watch this video interview with Earl Kawa’a, who also describes the ahupua’a concept from a Native Hawaiian perspective.

Sustainability the Hawaiian Way (Part 1) – Malama ‘Aina

Sustainable Hawaii illustration by Pegge Hopper – Honolulu Weekly 2011

Malama ‘Aina

“In ancient Hawaii the concept of sustainability meant to support (koo) or feed (‘ai kau). Taking care of (malama) the land (‘aina) and honoring a person’s ties to their ‘ohana (family) and ancestors of the land was a centuries-old custom, and these ancient Hawaiian cultural values were primarily focused on ways to nourish and sustain island families and communities. Their continued existence depended upon successful cycles of harvest from the land and seas and has been recreated for modern times by studying and replicating authentic past practices; and sustained by shared activities such as canoe-building, woodworking, herbal medicine practices and agriculture. Perhaps the Hawaiian word that best describes sustainability is hooulu, which means to enter in and inspire; to grow, sprout and propagate; to increase and to protect.” –Lucy Jokiel

Last month I attended a talk by Kamuela Enos, at the First Annual Hawaii Sustainability in Higher Education Summit at University of Hawaii West Oahu, called “Towards an Aina-Based Sustainability Model“. The intent of the talk was to “create a new sustainability paradigm, one based on traditional land use practices.” The first example of traditional Hawaiian land use models given was “kumulipo” – we are related to the landscape. The second model was built upon the concept of familial obligation. How do I interpret this? My take is: if we are related to the landscape we have a direct connection to it. We are a part of it like we are a part of our parents. Finally, we have a familial obligation to the land because we are related to it, we come from it and it is a part of us. Let’s take care of it (and each other!).

The Four Integrated Components of Aina-Based Sustainability (with Hawaiian translations) are:

1. To sustain natural living systems (Waiwai)

2. To sustain human populations (Kanaka)

3. To sustain knowledge systems (‘Ike)

4. To sustain political rights to land (Mana)

Compare the components of the Hawaiian concept of sustainability with the components of the Western concept (to sustain environment, society, and economy). Where do you think they are similar? Where are they different? Considering that Hawaiians effectively sustained this model for thousands of years on their own, in one of the most remote places in the world, one has to wonder why things had to change…

“Aina-based sustainability shows that what will be good for Hawaiians will be good for everyone” – Kamuela Enos

In Part 2 of Sustainability the Hawaiian Way, I will discuss the Native Hawaiian technology for complete sustainability – the “ahupua’a”.

Summer doesnʻt mean no homework…

On the North Shore of Oahu, near the beautiful town of Ka’a’awa, a large chunk of land called Kualoa Ranch extends from the tops of mountains, through valleys, fishponds and beaches, and out toward the reef. Having been there a few times to better familiarize myself with the Native Hawaiian “ahupua’a” sustainability concept, I recognized the Kualoa Ranch t-shirt worn by this University of Hawaii at Hilo student on her blog – Ho’omeheu. She is doing a summer internship at Kualoa Ranch and is documenting her experiences on her blog. I thought her post provided a great student perspective of what it might be like to experience true Hawaiian sustainability field studies. Many mahalos to Wai for letting me post one of her first blog entries! (Read above)

Ho'omeheu

First of all, my orientation days are done and Iʻve been awarded uniform shirts and a fancy magnetic name tag. 🙂

& now to homework…

My internship program required me to write a 2-3 page “personal internship development plan” that addresses what I will be doing at my intern site, some history behind it, and objectives Iʻve set for myself while working there.  Be kind,… I havenʻt been in school for the last few weeks and the last English course I took was a semester ago. Haha. 

 

“Personal Internship Development Plan”

Kualoa Ranch Hawaiʻi Inc., at the surface, has become a well known tourist attraction. However the company’s mission to be stewards of the land by education and celebration of its history and culture, brings together a true concept of ahupua’a.

Though not found in each, a loko i’a kuapā was a prominent feature often constructed at the bottom…

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Sustainability Efforts on Oahu – Beach cleanups

Beach cleanups are a major sustainability effort on Oahu. Almost every weekend there is a beach cleanup being hosted by an organization or group. People who do this everyday on their own do not go unnoticed. Even with all of these cleanups there is still work to be done and significant amounts of trash are being collected from beaches every day. People value the ocean and beaches here on Oahu. If we can keep the beaches clean they’ll not only be here for our children to value and enjoy but they will be healthy ecosystems for the plants and marine life that need them to be sustained.

Looking for a way to get involved in beach cleanups in Hawaii? Visit the following websites for info: