BIL 365 Draft 01 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kohala's landscape tells its history from pre-contact to modern day. While other places may have some evidence of this history, they are generally not as well preserved, or else do not cover as large or contiguous an area as in Kohala. In addition, Kohala has perpetuated the cultural heritage of "Hawai'i past" through its varied ethnic mix. The key planning implications related to Kohala`s physical setting and history include: • Remoteness -The area is relatively remote and rural, and residents want to keep it that way. • Historical/cultural significance -Important cultural sites and landscapes should be protected, and place names commemorating Kamehameha I should be recognized. • Agricultural tradition -Agriculture should be practiced and promoted in various forms. 2.2 NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES North Kohala is rich in natural and cultural resources. From the Native Hawaiian perspective, these are generally one and the same. The early Native Hawaiian settlers in Kohala grew crops in the fertile mauka soils, built lo'i in the lowlands of the eastern valleys that were fed with an abundance of water, and fished and gathered from the coastal areas. Today, most of these aspects are considered "natural resources" -the fertile soils, the plentiful rainfall found in the eastern part of the district, the rich coastal resources, among others. Mixed in with these resources are "cultural resources," including the remnant terraces of the mauka "Kohala field system," where numerous crops were grown, and the remains of ancient Hawaiian settlements, such as fishing villages and other sites located along the coast. Archaeological and cultural experts have observed that Kohala's coastline is one of the most intact "cultural landscapes" in the state. There are an abundance of heiau and ko'a throughout the rn h~,r~,~~,~ c r ~~~