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Hawaiian Perspectives On Wetlands and Waterbirds

A keynote presentation at a symposium on wetlands and waterbirds, December 2013. Wetlands and native waterbirds that live in them were part of the daily experience of traditional Hawaiʻi. What do traditional sources tell of the significance of these habitats and their birdlife? Wetlands were vitally important and productive, and the waterbirds in them were food, manifestations of gods, and subjects of classic stories. Knowing the cultural significance of ecosystems and species can play an important role in building awareness and appreciation of these resources.

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Sam Ohu Gon III
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355 views37 pages

Hawaiian Perspectives On Wetlands and Waterbirds

A keynote presentation at a symposium on wetlands and waterbirds, December 2013. Wetlands and native waterbirds that live in them were part of the daily experience of traditional Hawaiʻi. What do traditional sources tell of the significance of these habitats and their birdlife? Wetlands were vitally important and productive, and the waterbirds in them were food, manifestations of gods, and subjects of classic stories. Knowing the cultural significance of ecosystems and species can play an important role in building awareness and appreciation of these resources.

Uploaded by

Sam Ohu Gon III
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ka Wai Ola Manu

THE WATER OF BIRDLIFE

Hawaiian Perspectives on Wetlands & Waterbirds

Kne and his brother Kanaloa were the traditional creators of freshwater springs in Hawaii

Cultivation of kalo was mens work.


Awa was primarily a drink for men;

associated with offerings to the family aumkua (guardian ancestral spirits).


The duty of such offerings went to the

male head of household, reflected in traditional chant.

Awake, it is dawn, it is light People are moving about above The red wreath of morning is here For you is prepared your awa Dark awa, light awa

Rooster and hen


Orions belt has fled across the sky I am still halfway in the spirit world

It is the spirit essence indeed From Kahikik to Kahikimoe From Kahikikapakapaua, O Kne Here in this prayer is the earnest Supplication to you, O Akua Grant life!

Where is the water of Kne?

I ask of you: Where is the water of Kne? There at the sea, at the ocean At the seawindrain, at the fullrainbow At the lowrainbow, at the bloodred rain In the lofty heights There at that place is the water of Kne

Lono
Your manifestations, O Lono, are in the heavens: The long cloud, the short cloud, the emerging cloud, The peering cloud, cloud coming forth in the heavens

Ao puaa

Ao loa

Ao manu

Ao lio ula

Ao onio

Ao puu lima

Eia ka wai la
Ka wai a ke ola E ola n e!

Here is the water


The water of life Bring life!

Moo

Moo & Man


Guardians of waters

wao akua

wao kanaka

Upland Watershed

Wao Akua
Realm of the Gods

Only small parties led specialists with knowledge of The montane forests ofby the wao akua were considered the forest and its resources could enter, and only after off-limits and dangerous for people in ancient Hawaii. rigorous and ceremonial entrance protocols.

WETLAND

OAHU

WETLAND WET MESIC WETLAND

DRY

WETLAND

VERY DRY WETLAND WETLAND

REQUIREMENTS FOR AGRICULTURE

WET (kalo):
Gentle slope Sufficient water Low elevation

DRY (uala):
Mid-mesic settings Sufficient soil fertility Younger substrate age

N MALA O OAHU
Agricultural Areas of Oahu

Waialua

Koolauloa

Koolaupok o

Waianae

Ewa

Kona

KA WAO KNAKA O OAHU


The Human Footprint on Oahu

Waialua

Koolauloa

Koolaupoko

Waianae

Ewa

Kona

Ecosystem Type
Wetlands Lowland Dry Forest & Shrubland Lowland Dry Shrubland & Grassland Lowland Mesic Forest & Shrubland Lowland Wet Forest & Shrubland

Original extent (acres)

Footprint (acres)

Percent Affected

12,712 122,505 39,660 125,863 63,553

7,914 28,253 4,752 11,500 942

62.3% 23.1% 12.0% 9.1% 1.5%

Native Hawaiian Waterbirds


Koloa (duck) Anas wyvilliana Alae ula (moorhen) Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis Alae kea (coot) Fulica americana alai Aeo (stilt) Himantopus mexicanus knudseni Aukuu (heron) Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli

A he ono ke ai ia And it was delicious when eaten...

N koloa hike kaua o maikalani The duck war-guides of maikalani

O Pkoloa ka inoa a no Hnaiakamalama


Another name for the Southern Cross is Pkoloa

O ka alae ka i kiai hana ahi The alae keeps the secret of fire

O ka alae nna i keu ka aha lilo The alae who sways chiefly council

O ka alae kea, kino aumakua


The alae kea, form of an ancestor.

He aukuu kiai loko A heron that watches the pool

O Pkoloa ka inoa a no Hnaiakamalama


Another name for the Southern Cross is Pkoloa

Kukulu aeo

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