Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 4, 1 April 2017 — Pōhaku hold cultural significance [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Pōhaku hold cultural significance

n September of 2016, our island Maui saw large amounts of rain, particularly in the Nā Wai 'Ehā area. In

wnat nas neen categonzea as a "100-year storm," streams in the area doubled and even tripled in size; ultimately creating an entirely new path in some areas. Diversions were destroyed. Not only did this flood impact many of our beneflciaries and residents of the area, it also had a signiflcant effect on our natural resources. As a result, there was a dire need for debris elean up and removal. Unfortunately, during this process, however, the Countv of Maui's contrac-

tors responsible for this elean up ended up transferring and crushing pōhaku at a Kahului landflll and giant rocks were trucked to a holding area in Waikapū. As a result, 'eleu community members intervened, objecting to this removal, destruction, and disposing of 'īao Valley rocks. This garnered and inspired attention from many concerned community members, residents, and cultural practitioners. Following this flood, I found myself very disappointed in Mayor Arakawa's statements regarding the situation at 'īao and the sanctity of pōhaku. The Mayor appeared on Hawai'i News Now, and in addressing the removal and disposal of rocks from 'īao Valley, asserted that "there is no such thing as sacred rocks." This comment is not only a grave misunderstanding and misrepresentation of our people's history, but also degrading to our people's continued beliefs. One need not look far to uncover the long-standing sanctity of the area - rocks included. 'īao Valley was the site of the historic Battle of Kepaniwai and is the flnal resting plaee of many esteemed high chiefs. Our eonceptualization of and regard for pōhaku are evident in many mele (Kaulana Nā Pua), mo'olelo, andplaces (Kūkaniloko).

Pōhaku continue to play an integral role in our lives - holding cultural signiflcance even in 2017.

With these comments, the Mayor dismisses our people's concerns and cultural beliefs. This is particularly troubling as a Trustee of the Offlce of Hawaiian Affairs. He uniformly writes off our people's "native religion" as an "excuse" for protecting this plaee. We now understand, however, that the Mayor unintentionally made these comments after frustration with certain community members. We thank him for his

apology and consideration for our eultural resources and practitioners. I want to thank the community members who are actively engaging with our political leaders to understand, honor, and most of all, respect, the history of this plaee and people. I encourage Mayor Arakawa to seek consultation from knowledgeable practitioners; many of whom are willing and able to help inform us of the best way to mālama Maui's resources, people, and larger community. The management and distribution of Nā Wai 'Ehā's resources has been a hot topic for decades; with recent progress made possible by the continued flght for water by practitioners, community members, and legal experts. This issue onee again brings our attention to the management and care of our resources. It begs of community leaders to consider, consult, and act upon the beliefs of our beneflciaries. This instance opens the door to larger conversations about the allocation of our resources, respect and inclusion of cultural beliefs, and encourages productive conversations about connecting our community, environment and governllK'lll. ■

j LEO 'ELELE ^ > TRUSTEE MESSSAGES /

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Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey Trustee, Maui