Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 2, 1 Kepakemapa 1981 — Culture [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Culture

The Culture Committee is focusing its attention on the impact of development upon culturally significant sites. The key issue here is who is to determine cultural significance. At Kawākiu Nui Bay, where a resort development is being planned, the private archaeological firm hired to study its value has raised some real questions about the quality and completeness of their work. Not only OHA has expressed its concerns but also other archaeologists. The Culture Committee is also looking at other lands that are culturally significant. We are pursuing a tree planting project in cooperation with the U.S. Navy on Kaho'olawe. On the other end of the spectrum, we have voiced our concerns over the sandmining taking plaee on Moloka'i by Ameron HC&D. We have contacted both HC&D and Moloka'i Ranch regarding their exploitation of Moloka'i's natural resources at Mo'omomi and have asked them about: 1. The possibility of fossil bird remains of the Nēnē. 2. The possible disruption of the eeology of endangered species of native birds. 3. The px)ssible existence of Hawaiian burial sites and the impact of mining in the area. 4. The environmental impact of mining upon the sand dunes in view of their natural importance to the general topography of the shoreline. 5. The wisdom of depleting Moloka'i's natural resources to the eeonomie advantage of O'ahu. Finally, as part of its commitment to the preservation of traditional Hawaiian land use, the Culture Committee is examining the impact of H-3 upon kuleana lands located on the Windward side of O'ahu. Legislative actions for all of the above will include a creation of a Mohai Aloha Fund (See related editorial on p. 2) to eome from the visitor industry, stronger laws to protect historic sites and artifacts, and lastly regulation of archaeological activity. Update: OHA has just been informed that Ameron HC&D has changed its plans and will not sandmine in West Moloka'i at Mo'omomi.

Ritte