Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 4, 1 April 2016 — Manaʻe GIS Mapping Project [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Manaʻe GIS Mapping Project

he purpose of the Mana'e Mapping Project was to collect,

present and analyze data on cultural and natural resources in the

Mana'e ("East End") region of the island of Moloka'i. The East End of Moloka'i is a fragile, narrow, coastal community, serving as agricultural residences for over 200 households. Land ownership for the largest portion is under estate control, with a great many kuleana grants in between providing the majority of residences. The three main differences distinguishing Mana'e from the rest of the island are geography, environment, and the people.

East Moloka'i includes the island's highest mountain range with Kamakou peak reaching 4,970 feet above sea level. The ridges and valleys sloping off this range provide rugged and natural barriers between the various ahupua'a, and end at the sea with numerous, well protected, sandy beaches along the winding coastline. The frequency of rainfall encourages an environment rich in water, lush tropical vegetation, and fertile soils. Perennial streams are found here and contribute to the ocean's many natural harbors and varied, abundant marine life. Those living here live a lifestyle compatible with its surroundings, a uniquely Hawaiian island lifestyle often difficult to express in words, but one that produces a point of view quickly disappearing in many parts of Hawai'i. It is with these thoughts that residents of Mana'e gathered together to form Mālama Pono o Ka 'Āina (MPOKA). MPOKA, led by the kupuna Linda Plaee, strives to assure development that is lawful and respectful of the environmental health and historieal culture of Mana'e. The laek of zoning enforcement of this area brings serious environmental as well as cultural problems to

the community regarding the development occurring along this coastal plain. MPOKA

initiated the discussion with the Maui County Planning Department and after many months of input and discussion a budget was submitted. MPOKA hopes to find ways to work with all stakeholders involved and create a win-win situation through the use of ineentive and other creative strategies. In fiscal year 2006-2007 the Maui County Council allocated $10,000 for this project. This is a community-based mapping project that brought together Mālama Pono o Ka 'Āina, Mana'e Kupuna and Community members, Maui County, Oueen Liliuokalani

Children's Center, UH Department of Urban & Regional Planning (DURP) students, UHWilliam S. Richardson School of Law Environmental Law Clinic, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Townscape, Ine. and Markline LLC. The project was conducted through assessment of cultural and natural resources in Mana'e that resulted in a traditional use

study and overlay maps that show the location of these resources and highlights the areas that are most in need of protection. The project encompassed GPS mapping of the different areas, they held interviews with various Kupuna fromthe area, andheld community meetings. This small scale study was meant to demonstrate the current and historic land use patterns in Mana'e and provide a compilation of information. This project is "Phase 1" of a longer process that eventually leads to a pilot project to protect these resources. There are numerous archeological sites, streams, marshlands whieh were cultivated with kalo, fishponds, bountiful coastal areas and limited accesses maintained for hunting and fishing in Mana'e. The interconnecting of the environment and the residents for their well-being and survival continues to play a major role in the lives of Mana'e residents. There is a strong identification of Hawaiians with their Mana'e lands, and a supportive community for a subsistence kind of lifestyle and desire for this way of life, whieh is more in keeping with the ways of the kupuna, and the previous occupants of this area. ■

Cūlette Y. Machadū

TrustEE Mūlūka'i and Lāna'i

1 897 Land map of the lsland of Molokai, Hawai'i - Courtesy Geographicus