Third Uhau Humu Pōhaku Conference 2008

The Kamehameha Investment Corporation (KIC) and Hui  Hoʻoniho held the Third Uhau Humu Pōhaku (Hawaiian dry stack masonry) Conference September 12-14 in Keauhou, Kona Hawaiʻi. This conference is held to "promote and perpetuate uhau humu pōhaku" as a healthy and continuing practice in our Native Hawaiian communities. 

Around 90 Native Hawaiians participated with the intent to network with each other, learn about the various efforts that are ongoing in our respective communities, and to explore our kuleana to "maintain traditiona

l stone structures and sites and to build contemporary sites for future use". The main activities attendees participated in were at Lekeleke Battlegrounds (with Mason Billy Fields, above left) and at the Kaloko Fishpond (with Mason Peter Keka). Numerous practitioners of uhau humu pōhaku attended and all participants gained a huge amount of knowledge from these practitioners.

These photos are from the work that took place at the Kaloko Fishpond.

Keʻekū Heiau

Hapaialiʻi and Keʻekū prior to restoration.

Keʻekū will be completed by the end of 2008

Uhau Humu Pōhaku

Click here for more photos

Copyright Kamehameha Schools 2008

Lekeleke Battle Grounds

This is the Lekeleke Burial Grounds. The year following the death of Kamehameha I in 1819 was a turbulent time for Hawaiians. The Native community was divided by the abolishment of the ʻaikapu by Liholiho (Kamehameha II) and Kamehameha I's wife Kaʻahumanu. Many Hawaiians still believed in the traditional ways, beliefs, and gods. One chief named Kekuaokalani (Liholiho's cousin), called "The Last Defender of the Hawaiian Gods" by Kalākaua and his wife Manono led their warriors to battle against the forces of Liholiho to defend the traditional ways. 

Heavily armed with guns, Liholiho's warriors defeated Kekuaokalani and his warriors at this site. Their slain bodies were covered with pōhaku and to this day remain buried here at Lekeleke.

Hapaiali'i

2008 Preservation Honor Awards

http://papaku.smugmug.com/gallery/4019529_2mDTs#233931929_5VVbN

Hoʻi I Ka Pono: A film about Molokai

Here is a short video that speaks to what stewardship is all about. The Molokai community is rallying together to maintain its life style. Rallying to protect their way of life as practiced for centuries by our kupuna.

Click here to view a video by Matt Yamashita.

Click here to read about Maui's ʻAnakala Charles Maxwell's understanding and participation in the protection of our kupuna's iwi.