Communication No. 2021-06- Simmy McMichael Public Testimony

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Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast - Preface Ali'i Drive, what's in a name? To the unsuspecting motorist, travel along Ali'i Drive is a very pleasant seven mile coastal drive filled with scenic vistas, natural features and recreational opportunities. But look a little closer and discover that these seven miles of roadway hold seven centuries of Hawaiian history and culture revealed in the archaeological sites that have survived over hundreds of years. Ali'i, Hawai'i's royal class, were the ruler -caretakers of the islands. The great chiefs, through their strong genealogical connections, owned all the land in the areas they controlled. It was also their duty to communicate with the gods, seeking blessings of health and prosperity through fertile land and sea. Royal centers were compounds selected by the Ali'i for their abundance of resources and recreation opportunities, with good surfing and canoe -landing sites being favored. Structures most likely included heiau (religious temples) and sacred areas, house sites for the Ali'i and their entourage of family and kahuna (priests). Four of the seven ancient royal centers in use in Kona are located on what is now called Ali'i Drive: Kamakahonu (Site # S-1,) Holualoa (Site #12, Kahalu'u (Site # 19) and Keauhou (Site #S-3). Our story begins with the oral traditions that tell us that in the time of Pa'ao, or by western calculations the 1300s, Chiefess Keolonahihi resided at the Holualoa Royal Center (Site #12). Keolonahihi, reported to be either the daughter or niece of Pa'ao, is an essential link to the beginnings of old Hawai'i's kapu system — the religious, social and political structure introduced by Pa'ao which lasted for some 500 years until King Kamehameha II defiantly ended it in 1819 at the Kamakahonu Royal Center (Site #S-1). Defending these old traditions, over 300 warriors lost their lives in the fierce Battle of Kuamo'o and are buried at Lekeleke (Site #25), the southern endpoint of Ali'i Drive. In the early 1500s, 'Umialiloa ('Umi) consolidated his reign by killing off other chiefs to become the sole ruler of Hawai'i Island. He then moved to Kona (Site #02,) where he was known as a benevolent chief, and during this time the Kahalu'u area grew in its political stature and religious significance. Lonoikamakahiki, who also ruled during the 1500s, chose Kahalu'u and Keauhou for his residence and the seat of government. The Kahalu'u Royal Center (Site #19) included the ancient Hapaiali'i Heiau (Site #21) that once stood for prayers, along with adjacent Ke'eku heiau (Site # 21) and Makolea heiau (Site #22.) All have been recently restored. Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Corridor Management Plan iii