CULTURAL IMPERATIVES

CULTURAL IMPERATIVES:
There are few places left in today's Hawaii where one may go to learn about being Hawaiian; Kaho`olawe is such a place. In working for the return of Kaho`olawe, many of the current generation rediscovered what it means to be Hawaiian. Restoring the island will provide a place and a purpose for a new generation of Hawaiians to be trained in the rights and responsibilities of "kahu o ka `aina," or stewards of the land. It will provide a place for the Hawaiian and those who wish to be more Hawaiian to experience the intimate connection to the land, the sea, the kupuna, and the akua. Hawaiian arts and sciences such as traditional navigation will be taught to a new generation. Thus Kaho`olawe, as envisioned in the motto "Kukulu ke ea a Kanaloa," will be a cultural learning center where traditional cultural and spiritual customs, beliefs, and practices of the Hawaiian people can be freely practiced and flourish. "E Kaho`olawe, E ho`omalamalama hou ana ka mauli ola kohemalamalama" means Kaho`olawe, the Native Hawaiian lifestyle will again shine forth and flourish at Kohemalamalama.

As a result of its deliberations, the Kaho`olawe Island Conveyance Commission (KICC) has determined that the archaeological and historical resources available on the island are unique, and extremely fragile and vulnerable. The island's petroglyphs are particularly susceptible to wind and water erosion, and are quickly disappearing. In addition, the growing market for Native Hawaiian antiquities has led to at least one instance of vandalism, where a major religious shrine and burial site was pilfered. Native burials are being located, but the efforts required to adequately map archaeological and historical resources are significant.