COM 0535.000 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

property served as a track for bowling games such as ulurnaika and pahee . Although the property is relatively flat, there is,an elevated outcrop overlooking the track which seems to have served as a natural amphitheater or viewing area for spectators. On the surrounding properties, there were additional sports and training areas specifically for warriors and students of hi a, the Hawaiian martial arts. .As native descendants and cultural practitioners,we plan to work with Kau families and community members to steward the property so that it can be used again for cultural practices. We hope that this property can be a I)iko for the community where Hawaiian values and culture can flourish. As a cultural center, its function,would be to serve as a place of gathering to welcome practitioners, discuss cultural issues, share kupuna stories and knowledge, strengthen tile community, empower our youth, allow P eople u) . find their identity, study genealogies and family relationships, learn Hawaiian language and Kau history, dress traditionally, growand harvest Hawaiian plants, build inni for cooking, allow traditional style luau celebrations, and serve as a foundation to kokua other lands in Ka'u. In order to honor this place and our ancestors appropriately, much of our preliminary work will involve research and guidance from kupuna to understand what is best for the land. Once the land is prepared and properly managed, it is our intention to host cultural workshops and groups. Within tile next three years, our goal is to celebrate Makahiki at the Kabua Olohu. The entire community will be welcome to celebrate, to learn the stories of our kupuna and to participate in games and events. We believe that this effort will honor our kupuna while also presenting an amazing opportunity to educate the community and reconnect through traditional sport. Kaunamano Abuptla'a has a rich history and a vibrant landscape with many natural and cultural resources. With this initiative to malarna the Kahua Olohu, we,anticipate additional opportunities to reconnect and to expand our stewardship, education and cultural practices throughout the (.,thupzja`a. In closing,we believe that the restoration of the Kahua Olohu stands as a symbol of Ka11 Makaha — Ka'u tile Fierce,, a term from ancient times defined as "a pride in one's district,people and all, to the exclusion of all else." There are many organizations in Ka'u today working to protect, preserve and restore our natural and cultural resources. Each is different in its own way but the common thread which is found in most of these groups is this deep aloha for Ka'u and a desire to heal the land and the people,.