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LOCATION &SIGNIFICANCE <br />The ahupua'a of Pohoiki is located in the district of Puna on the east side of Hawai'i <br />Island. The ahupua'a system is a Hawaiian method of land subdivision and <br />management, which considers traditional socioeconomic, geologic, and climatic <br />factors. The ahupua'a generally consisted of land extending from the top of a <br />mountain/volcano (mauka) to the shore (makai), typically following a boundary of <br />stream drainage. This approach enabled a sustainable environment for the community <br />to access essential natural resources. <br />Pohoiki is a small 1,000-foot bay <br />that was used as a whaling port and <br />was always a fishing village. Old <br />fishing practices include using <br />canoes and opelu fishing to ensure <br />W. there was always fish and that the <br />fish were taken care of. Over time, <br />use by commercial and recreational <br />fishers increased due to smaller <br />motorized boats being <br />accommodated by the boat ramp. <br />While small-scale traditional farms <br />were maintained in the area, in the <br />late 1880s and early 1990s, Pohoiki <br />was home to cultivation and <br />processing of coffee and guava, <br />and cattle ranching. <br />Pohoiki was also known for its recreational offerings including surfing and naturally <br />occurring hot springs. The establishment of the Isaac Kepo'okalani Hale Beach Park, <br />done in honor of Isaac Hale who was a soldier killed in the Korean War, created space <br />for the local community to come together. <br />The inundation and impacts to roads, the boat ramp, and beach park have <br />substantially inhibited the community's ability to access this coastal area. Those <br />wishing to visit must travel long distances around the lava to reach access roads that <br />were not impacted or have been sufficiently restored. Use of the park area is also <br />hampered due to lack of potable water and restroom facilities. Furthermore, a public <br />safety concern exists for those visiting the area due to a dangerous shoreline, long <br />travel times should there be an emergency incident, and lack of cellular coverage to <br />reach out for EMS assistance. <br />7 <br />