Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 January 1984 — OHA TAKES THE LEAD ROLE FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA TAKES THE LEAD ROLE FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION

the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum; Agnes Conrad of the Hawaii Museum Association, Buddy Neller of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (State of Hawaii); Muffy Mitchell of the Department of Planning (County of Maui) and staff of the Culture Division of OHA. Meetings of the task force have been held at every county in the State so task force members and county officials could discuss problems, exchange ideas and promote better coordination with county agencies, the state and also private groups. Although the final report is still in draft form the task force has eonsidered the concerns about a laek of enforcement of existing laws, available and qualified staff at both State and County levels, the possibility of more regional, culturally related parks, the areas where funds are needed, and the options to obtain more funds.

During the last legislature, Senator Anthony Chang introduced a resolution, SR 90, to set up a task force between government and institutions involved with historical preservation. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs was designated as the lead agency to organize the task force. The purpose of the task force is to explore the existing State and County laws on historical preservation, especially dealing with prehistoric sites and Hawaiian culture, to see what areas need revision, expansion or enforcement to protect Hawaii's historic resources. The task force, officially known as the Historical Preservation Task Force, is chaired by Kauai-Niihau Trustee Moses K. Keale, Sr. and its members are Dr. Matthew Spriggs, of the University of Hawaii; Dr. Paul Cleghorn of the Society for Hawaiian Archeology; Dr. Pat McCoy and Dr. Pat Kirch of

After the meetings, task force members toured various island historieal sites. Members were able to see a range of the quality of preservation from public to private lands. On the Big lsland of Hawaii, that range of preservation was evident as members visited the Ka'u and Kona-Kohala areas. ln South Point, Ka'u there were signs of vandalism, pot hole digging and other acts of desecration. However, in Kona and Kohala, commercial developments have now taken up the effort for protection and preservation as members saw at Ahuena, Anaehoomalu and Kalahuipuaa. Members visited the Ahuena heiau at the King Kamehameha Hotel, the petroglyphs at Anaehoomalu on the grounds of Sheraton Waikoloa, and the fishponds and lava shelters at Kalahuipuaa on the grounds of the Mauna Lani. Members were given a guided tour by Mauna Lani development staff. The

Mauna Lani's overall master plan is based on an extensive archaeological study done by the Bishop Museum. The result of that study has been the setting aside of 26 acres as historical parks for the general public. The example of the Kona-Kohala resort developments demonstrates that so-called development ean be sensitive and responsible for the preservation of historical resources for both loeal people and visitors. The recommendation of the task force will be sent to the legislature during the next session. lt is hoped those recommendations will be adopted so the issues of enforcement, administration, preservation and education will prevail over the current attitudes of vandalism, looting, desecration and disinterest.

Kiahuna golf course, Kauai, heiausite. Left, Buddy Neller, State Archaeology and right, Maleolm Naea Chun, OHA Cultural Specialist. Photo credit, Gerald Ida, Garden Island Newspaper.