Friends of Moku'ula – Ka 'I'imi 'Ike

What a pleasant surprise it was for us to see Ron Williams, former Maui Nei kumu, stop by the office to pay us a visit!  Not only did he get us caught up on the research he is doing for his thesis, but he graciously gave our archaeology field school students from NYU an hour long talk about Mokuʻula, Waiola Church and shared other interesting stories he has researched throughout his years at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.

We wish Ron well as he pursues his PhD in Hawaiian Studies.  He has come a long way and we are very proud of his many accomplishments.  Check out his article, Freedom Fighter on Joseph Nāwahī in the April/May 2010 issue of the Hawaiian Air magazine, Hana Hou, or see his column, Kēlā Mea Kēia Mea in Ka Wai Ola, the OHA newspaper.   Kūlia I ka nuʻu, Ron!

Long time friend of Shirley Kahaʻi, Steve Gomes, Vice President of Institutional Services at Central Pacific Bank on Oahu, stopped by the Friends of Mokuʻula to witness the initiative of the archaeology work. Fascinated by this historical and sacred landmark, Steve has pursued the advancement of the project for many years His wife, Maylyn, who works for Kamehameha Schools and dances for kumu Snowbird Bento, was intrigued by the cultural essence and mana of Mokuʻula. In addition, she was happy to hear that Kamehameha Schools has been a devoted supporter and sends several hundred students to Lahaina every year.

Archaeologist, Kalila Jaffe, takes a moment to chat with Steveʻs daughter, Makana, about New Zealand. Currently a law student at Manhattanville College in New York, she has an opportunity to study abroad and was getting helpful pointers from Kalila.

Other visitors to the site included Queen Liliʻuokalani Childrenʻs Center and Kahu David Kapaku.  We welcome visitors to the site as our Summer Field School is in session.  Come and talk to the finest archaeologists who are pleased to be working at Mokuʻula.

Archaeology frequently raises issues of representation, ownership, and power. In Hawai‘i archaeology is deeply intertwined with political issues of place. Striking a balance between the needs of the local community, the desires of developers, and the goals of local and state offices is difficult at best. Projects that have great potential to bring jobs and growth to the Islands also threaten the heritage of Hawai‘i, including Hawai‘i’s archaeological sites. Even the creations of education centers, such as the reconstruction of Moku‘ula, are not without controversy.

Moku‘ula was the royal residence of the high chiefs of Maui for generations before it was adopted as a home for the ruling family of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Built over a natural spring, the island of Moku‘ula is also the abode of Kihawahine, a powerful Mo‘o Akua, or lizard goddess. Although the site was abandoned by the end of the 19th century it remains a piko, or sacred center, to many local residents. The Friends of Moku‘ula, a community-based non-profit organization, have begun the process of creating a heritage education center at Moku‘ula that will include a reconstruction of the site. Archaeological work, which will be used to guide the reconstruction, is already underway.

While the project has generally been met with an outpouring of support the local community is not a single homogeneous population and not everyone favors disturbing the archaeological material. Archaeology’s history within Hawai‘i is far from untarnished, and many people, especially within Native Hawaiian communities, rightfully approach archaeology with skepticism and mistrust. Negotiating a shared past that blends ethnic, cultural and national identities is a challenge. Heritage preservation, however, is the paramount goal for archaeologists and community groups alike. Building community partnerships on common ground is the future for heritage management in Hawai‘i. Public archaeology, community outreach, and cultural consultation must now be given the utmost importance in any project. The program at Moku‘ula is educating student archaeologists about Hawaiian history and cultural practice, so they can better serve the archaeological record, while educating the public about what archaeology has to offer.

The community is invited to visit Moku‘ula, talk to the archaeologists, and work alongside them. Any shared mana‘o, from insights to warnings, is warmly welcomed.

-Kelila Jaffe

Archaeologist

Report from the Field Archaeology at Mokuʻula

It took many hours to remove the chain link fencing on the site; however, it now offers a wide open view of the former ball field.

(Before) Fencing in background

(After) Removal of fencing opens up the site.

Cliff Rutherford of the Sustainable Construction Academy at UH Maui College fits the pieces together for security of the archaeology project.

Jeremy Delos Reyes, Lahainaluna High School teacher, helps with setting up fencing.

The finished product – a secure fenced in area to protect the archaeology field school work.

Enrich your life by signing up for classes through the University of Hawaii Maui College system.

If you are interested in taking Janet Sixʻs class in Archaeology Field Methods, it is being offered from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday or Wednesday at Mokuʻula..  First day of instruction begins on August 23 and December 9^th closes off the Fall Semester.

FOM Board of Director, Amy Hampton, (not to mention the Mokuʻula book) makes the cover of the Fall 2010 Schedule of Classes.

The University of Hawaii Maui College was selected to host the Annual Post-secondary International Network (PIN) Conference from April 12-16 on Oʻahu and Maui.

Global interest attracted participants who focused on “Leadership in Entrepreneurship:  Optimizing Local Advantages and New Technology”, the theme for this year’s conference.

While the attendees encompassed a jam-packed program, they also were able to enjoy visiting cultural sites, including taking the Maui Nei Native Hawaiian Expedition.  A real treat for them was being able to walk across the street to Hui o Wa’a Kaulua to see the Hokulea who was there for a few days.  (By the way, a big mahalo to the Hokulea crew and E.D. Myrna Ah Hee for giving us a helping hand to clear away a fallen kiawe tree that fell from the heavy winds.)

Enjoy the photos shown of the two groups, with 50 chancellors, CEO, etc.. listening to Dr. Janet Six talk about the joint partnership between UH Maui College and Friends of Moku’ula for the archaeology field school sponsored by the Hawai’i Tourism Association.

Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto confers with Dr. Six prior to the groups’ arrival.

Kumu Keoki Sousa leads his group toward the archaeology site.

Kumu Kalapana Kollars (with kukui nut lei) pause with group as they listen to Dr. Six talk about the archaeology program.

Visual aids always help in telling the story.

The group shows a keen interest in the Moku’ula project.

The sacred site of Mokuʻula, located in Lāhainā, was showcased at a blessing ceremony on March 13, 2010 for FOMʻs Ka ʻIʻimi ʻIke program. Hōkūlani Holt, cultural consultant for the Friends of Mokuʻula and Pali Ahue conducted the protocol ceremony where staff and members of the community were able to present hoʻokupu to Kihawahine, the ʻaumakua of Mokuʻula. Following the ceremony, FOM staff and legislative dignitaries expressed words of thanks and support for the tireless efforts of those involved with the project.  For additional coverage from the various local newspapers, please refer to the Mokuʻula website at www.mokuula.com.

Ceremony closing with hoʻokupu

Senator Kalani English, long-time supporter of Mokuʻula restoration, shares his manaʻo about Kihawahine, revered moʻo ʻaumakua.

Mahina Martin, spokesperson for Mayor Charmaine Tavares, reminds the community of the Mayorʻs belief in the project dating back to when the Mayor was the Director of Parks.

Janet Six, archaeologist explains how the class will work very slowly in their dig.

Acting Executive Director, Shirley Kahaʻi, introduce staff – Anabelle Paet, Lehua Hough, Keoki Sousa and Kalapana Kollars

Members of the community listen intently as UH-Maui College Chancellor, Clyde Sakamoto, declare the collegeʻs partnership with FOMʻs Ka ʻIʻimi ʻIke Program.

Following the ceremony and program, everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of local foods prepared by Aloha Mixed Plate and the students of Janetʻs class.

Janet Six, Archaeologist and Maui College professor, is excited to begin archaeology work at Mokuʻula and anxiously awaits approval of her Data Recovery Plan from the State Historic Preservation Division.

In the meantime, she brought her lab class to Mokuʻula on a site visit in September, 2009 and shared with them the significance of the former royal capital.

Janet leads her class through the grounds of Mokuʻula and talked about the two previous archaeology digs.

The students learn about the underground springs and the flow of the water into the ocean

Janet points out the educational signage and talks about Kihawahine

The focus is on Janet as the students eagerly listen to her talk about the sacred corridor.

Being alert to the conditions of the soil, the students note the dryness of certain areas of the grounds.

Before entering the site, Janet talks about the proper protocol.