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kepakemapa2019
MO‘OMEHEU
CULTURE
www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS
Protecting the pa‘akai traditions of Hanapēpē, Kaua‘i By Malia Nobrega
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a‘akai from Hanapëpë, Kaua‘i is a treasured gift that is valued throughout the pae ‘äina o Hawai‘i and has been shared with family and friends around the world. From time immemorial salt makers have prepared the salt beds and harvested salt in this wahi pana known as Waimakaohi‘iaka which is located in the ‘ili of ‘Ukulä, the ‘ahupua‘a of Hanapëpë, in the moku of Kona. The salt is used for cooking, ceremony and medicine, and critical to the preservation and perpetuation of many other Native Hawaiian traditions and customary practices. Hui Hana Pa‘akai Hanapëpë. - Photo: Courtesy o Hanapëpë is a Native Hawaiian organization comprising 22 ‘ohana that are cultural practitioners, kia‘i, protectors of this wahi pana. For many generations, they have exercised their traditional and customary practices at the salt-making area, which is also listed on the State inventory of historic sites. It is beautiful to witness ‘ohana members and friends of all ages learning from one another and sharing the mo‘olelo of our küpuna as they perpetuate this practice. However, in recent years this treasured cultural practice is being threatened by the changing climate (increased rain, change in weather patterns, overtop-
ping of ocean waves, and sea-level rise) as well as proposed expansions in the neighboring parcels. On June 25, 2019, the County of Kaua‘i Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the application for a proposed expansion from Smoky Mountain Helicopters (dba Maverick Helicopters) at the Burns Field airstrip that is next to Waimakaohi‘iaka. A kähea went out by the alaka‘i of the Hui asking for support to protect pa‘akai. The hui launched an online petition to inform the Kaua‘i Planning Commission that the community is against any after-the-fact permits and proposed modifications to the existing helicopter facility near Salt Pond. The Hui Hana Pa‘akai feels strongly that the expansion would irreparably impact the salt ponds, the last remaining site where Native Hawaiian ‘ohana continue to make salt in this manner. “We stand in the exact same place as our ancestors and create a product to share with family and friends,” said Ku‘ulei Santos, Vice President of Hui Hana Pa‘akai o Hanapëpë. After over four hours of testimony on June 25, 2019, the Kaua‘i Planning Commission decided it will hold a contested case hearing on the proposed expansion. This decision comes in response to the community’s requests as over 75 testifiers, over
Father and son begin the harvesting process of salt by raking them into pu’u before it is washed and taken home to dry. - Photos: Courtesy