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families and chiefs. In addition to accommodating ceremonies involved with the Makahiki, this specific <br />property served as a track for bowling games such as ulumaika and pahele. Although the property is <br />relatively flat, there is an elevated outcrop overlooking the track which seems to have served as a natural <br />amphitheater or viewing area for spectators. On the surrounding properties, there were additional sports <br />and training areas specifically for warriors and students of lua, the Hawaiian martial arts. <br />As native descendants and cultural practitioners, we plan to work with Ka'u families and community <br />members to steward the property so that it can be used again for cultural practices. We hope that this <br />property can be a piko for the community where Hawaiian values and culture can flourish. As a cultural <br />center, its function would be to serve as a place of gathering to welcome practitioners, discuss cultural <br />issues, share kupuna stories and knowledge, strengthen the community, empower our youth, allow people to <br />find their identity, study genealogies and family relationships, learn Hawaiian language and Ka'u history, <br />dress traditionally, grow and harvest Hawaiian plants, build imu for cooking, allow traditional style luau <br />celebrations, and serve as a foundation to kokita other lands in Ka'u. <br />In order to honor this place and our ancestors appropriately, much of our preliminary work will involve <br />research and guidance from kupuna to understand what is best for the land. Once the land is prepared and <br />properly managed, it is our intention to host cultural workshops and groups. Within the next three years, <br />our goal is to celebrate Makahiki at the Kahua Olohu. The entire community will be welcome to celebrate, <br />to learn the stories of our kupuna and to participate in games and events. We believe that this effort will <br />honor our kupuna while also presenting an amazing opportunity to educate the community and reconnect <br />through traditional sport. Kaunamano Abupua'a has a rich history and a vibrant landscape with many <br />natural and cultural resources. With this initiative to malaina the Kahua Olohu, we anticipate additional <br />opportunities to reconnect and to expand our stewardship, education and cultural practices throughout the <br />aluipuala. <br />In closing, we believe that the restoration of the Kahua Olohu stands as a symbol of Kau Makaha — Ka'u the <br />Fierce, a term from ancient times defined as "a pride in one's district, people and all, to the exclusion of all <br />else." There are many organizations in Ka'u today working to protect, preserve and restore our natural and <br />cultural resources. Each is different in its own way but the common thread which is found in most of these <br />groups is this deep aloha for Ka'u and a desire to heal the land and the people. <br />