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3.2.2 Cultural Setting
<br /> Existing Environment Impacts and Mitigation Measures
<br /> A cultural and archaeological study of the subject area was conducted by Rechtman Consulting,
<br /> Inc. It is attached as Appendix 2 and summarized in this and the next section.
<br /> The purpose of the study was to document the presence of any historic or traditional cultural
<br /> properties that might exist within the project area, assess their significance, determine if any
<br /> impacts would occur, and formulate mitigation, if appropriate. The study used historic maps
<br /> and documents, archaeological summaries of the area, and field investigation. This information
<br /> provided a context for the search for potential historic or traditional cultural properties. Also of
<br /> interest was a cultural-historical study of Waipi`o Valley by the Bernice B. Bishop Museum
<br /> (Lebo et al 1999),which provides detailed information on the cultural importance of the valley.
<br /> In the summary presented below, scholarly references have been largely omitted, and the
<br /> interested reader is referred to Appendix 2 and Lebo et al 1999 for details.
<br /> Waipi`o is associated with several of the most prominent of the Hawaiian ali`i. It is also noted as
<br /> a bountiful source of food,especially kalo (taro),which figures importantly as not only the staple
<br /> of sustenance in Hawaii but also as a rich cultural symbol. At least 2,600 people occupied the
<br /> valley. This home of royalty in the time of`Umi was also the location of one of the two principal
<br /> pu`uhonua(places of refuge) on the island of Hawaii. There are at least seven heiau, including
<br /> Paka`alana,the site of the pu`uhonua.The housing cluster at Napo`opo`o, situated where
<br /> Hi`ilawe Valley joins Waipi`o Valley, and Wilawe and Nanaue Falls,are other frequently
<br /> mentioned places. Important and storied fishponds and royal bathing ponds are also present.
<br /> Dozens of traditional tales of supernatural and historical beings involve Waipi`o.Notable are
<br /> Lono, Kane, Kanaloa,Maui,Wakea,Milu, Puapualenalea,Nanaue (orNenewe),
<br /> Mo`ikeha, `Olopana,Kiha, Liloa, and `Umi. According to the Bishop Museum report:
<br /> "Lono chose as his wife, Kaikilaniali`iopuna,who lived in a breadfruit grove near
<br /> Hi`ilawe Falls. The gods Kane and Kanaloa,along with lesser gods,are said to have
<br /> resided at Alakahi in Waipi`o.Maui is supposed to have gained possession of 1pumakania
<br /> La`amaomao,the `gourd of constant winds,' from Kaleiolu,a kahuna in Waipi`o Valley.
<br /> Maui eventually dies in Waipi`o when he tries to steal bananas from some of the gods
<br /> residing there. In old age, Wakea went to live in Waipi`o Valley,where he eventually
<br /> died and then established a kingdom in the land of the dead. He was succeeded as ali`i of
<br /> Waipi`o by Milu. The ali`i Milu becomes the ruler of the land of the dead when he
<br /> disobeys Kane and is sent to the underworld. There are several versions of the story of
<br /> the theft of the shell trumpet, Kiha—pu,in Waipi`o Valley by the man—dog,
<br /> Puapualenalena. The ali'i are unable to obtain a solid right of sleep because the spirits or
<br /> gods blow the Kiha—pu all night.Puapualenalena, who is an excellent thief, is asked by
<br /> an ali`i,variously reported to be Kiha or Laloa or Hakau,to steal the Kiha—pu,which he
<br /> successfully accomplishes. As the offspring of a mortal(Kalei) and a shark—god
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<br /> Environmental Assessment, Hawaii County Purchase of Rice Property at Waipi`o Lookout
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