Unit 17 - Land and the People
UNIT 17: The Land and the People
Page 1
Overview of the Unit
Focus on the relationship between the land and its people in Hawaii.
Page 2
Nohona - The Mode of Life
Polynesian social evolution peaked in Hawaiian Islands; traditional forms reached full expression. (Goldman, 1970)
First European visitors described Hawaiians as:
Radiantly healthy and physically perfect
Genial, affectionate, and generous
Highly developed agricultural and fishing methods sustained a large population.
Shelters and clothing suited to subtropical climate.
Society under the rule of chiefs who directed industrious followers.
Effective and direct education system.
Artistic expression through religious objects, decorations, and dances:
Religious and nature themes through dance and chants.
Isolation from mainland protected against contagious diseases; work and play promoted physical health.
Daily tasks seen as pleasing the gods; work considered sacred.
Many crucial aspects of traditional culture were lost, remaining undocumented.
Ka 'Aina - The Land
Hawai'i Pae 'aina: term for all Hawaiian Islands; referred to islands as individual chiefdoms before Kamehameha I.
Mokupuni: a political land division ruled by a high chief.
Examples of mokupuni: Ni'ihau generally belonged to Kaua'i, certain islands were cities of Maui.
Political reorganization occurred through wars and conquests.
By Captain Cook's time, divided into four kingdoms:
Hawai'i and Hāna (Kalani'ōpu'u)
Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe (Kahekili)
O'ahu (Peleioholani)
Kaua'i and Ni'ihau (Kaneoneo and Keawe)
Page 3
Moku - Districts and Governance
Moku: larger districts within mokupuni, ruled by ali'i 'ai moku (district chief).
Moku are akin to modern districts and retain historical boundaries.
Ancient and modern names often overlap; newer names created in 1913.
Ahupua'a: significant land division marked by symbolic pig's head; stretched from mountain summits to the sea.
Detailed boundaries based on natural features rather than human-made markers.
Utilizes various zones for agriculture and gathering resources.
Moku on Major Islands
Hawai'i: traditional names maintained; included areas like Kona, Kohala, Hilo.
O'ahu: various districts such as 'Ewa, Waialua, and Ko'olau.
Maui: ancient divisions like Hāmākua, and modern names reflecting historical governance.
Moloka'i: divisions include Kalawao and Ko'olau.
Kaua'i: traditional names adapted; divisions like Lihu'e and Waimea.
Ni'ihau: considered a complete mokupuni, now part of Kaua'i's Waimea.
Page 4
Current Names of Moku and Key Districts
Lists modern names for moku across the Hawaiian Islands, noting changes and historical significance.
Page 5
Ahupua'a and Resource Management
Ahupua'a: economic and ecological unit; extends from mountain to sea, supports diverse resource use.
Promoted sustainable practices and communal living through allotted family land areas.
Tax and tribute systems existed, as families contributed goods to chief and konohiki.
Chief's adviser, konohiki, managed the land and fishing rights, bunching irrigation and agriculture.
Page 6
Social Structure and Kuleana
Kuleana: right of ownership for small plots of land assigned to the working class before the Māhele.
Konohiki: land overseer managing significant areas; collected taxes and managed agricultural resources.
Describes the delicate balance of rights and privileges within land management.
Page 7
Ali'i and Leadership Hierarchy
Ali'i 'ai aupuni: supreme leaders linked to divine ancestry; maintained large households.
Government structure synthesized natural order: Ali'i as head, konohiki as overseers, and commoners as workers.
Ruling and spiritual elements intertwined, with significant reliance on priesthood for guidance.
Page 8
Religious Authority and Kapu System
Kāhuna: priests guiding political leaders; held significant influence in decision-making.
Kapu System: rigid set of rules governing social behavior, economic practices, and environmental conservation.
Page 9
Social Standing of Classes
Hierarchical classes defined by ancestry and profession.
Commoners resided on designated lands; could change regions should they disapprove of their leaders.
Kauwā: marginalized individuals, often serving the ruling class.
Page 10
Kapu Practices in Daily Life
Explanation of kapu regulations affecting gender roles, food consumption, and social interactions.
Kapu enforced and maintained social order, applied severe consequences for violations.
Page 11
Transformation and Abolishment of Kapu
Changes following Kamehameha's death; Kapu abolished by Liholiho under pressure from key figures resulting in a period of social change.
Page 12
Land Ownership Trends Post-Māhele
Examination of significant legislative shifts; transition from traditional ownership towards modern land use.
Declining native Hawaiian population due to foreign disease, cultural shifts surrounding land ownership.
Page 13
Legislative Framework Affecting Land Ownership
Key laws and acts enacted during Hawaii's transition from monarchy to modern governance.
Ka Mahele: pivotal piece of legislation defining land ownership; distinguished between Crown, Government, and Kuleana lands.
Page 14
Current State of Land Ownership in Hawaii
Breakdown of land ownership among various entities – both public and private. Domination of large private landowners post-Mahele.
Page 15
Homesteading and Future Trends
Historical context of homesteading since late 19th century; current impacts on land ownership by ethnic groups in Hawaii.
The legacy of Land Commission developments and their implications for future generations.
Page 16
Adverse Possession and Legal Challenges
Process of acquiring land through adverse possession; implications for property rights and community ownership.
Page 17
Charitable Trusts and Beneficial Land Use
Role of trust lands in supporting Hawaiian community welfare and mitigating loss of land.
Page 18
Understanding Land Tenure and Cultural Impact
Discusses cultural philosophies connecting people to the land and the intrinsic value of Hawaiian place names.
Student Activities and Vocabulary
Suggestions for activities and vocabulary relevant to land and identity in Hawaii.
Current Events and Trends
Impact of property taxation shift and demographic changes; updates on land ownership and housing policies affecting residents.