Honu Media LLC is seeking interviews from lineal and cultural descendants with knowledge about land in Wailuku identified for use in a proposed affordable housing development.
The parcel is located on land fronting the west side of Kuikahi Drive, from the water tank to a point opposite Kehalani Mauka Parkway.
The proposed 100% affordable housing community includes plans for multifamily and single family homes on a 14.75 acre parcel, TMK (2) 3-5-02:30.
Information will be compiled in a cultural impact assessment (CIA) study, “to record, preserve and protect cultural resources, sites, beliefs and traditional practices associated with this property.”
Individuals with information about former cane lands between Wailuku and Waikapū, below Reservoir No. 10 where the ʻĪao-Wailuku and Everett Ditches end, are invited to contribute by contacting Katherine Kamaʻemaʻe Smith, historical consultant at (808) 268-0787, katsmith75@icloud.com
The proposed parcel was part of a larger terraced parcel mauka of Puanani Homesteads, but not under development. Wailuku Sugar Company (Wailuku Agribusiness) grew cane there until 1988. On the study property at this time, near the water tank is a small base yard and a small herd of goats.
According to Smith, at the Mahele, “Kamehameha III Kauikeaouli retained Wailuku and Waikapū ahupuaʻa as Crown Lands. The majority of LCA awards and Royal Patents were located adjacent to ʻĪao and Waikapū Streams.” Smith states that “there were none in the study parcel, which is part of Land Grant No. 326 of Auwikiwiki and Puhiawawa ʻili in Wailuku ahupuaʻa, awarded to Wm. Humphreys in 1849.”
“In 1865, Wm. Humphreys died at age 76 in Waikapū. He was a native of New Hampshire who lived on Maui for 53 years (The Friend, Mar 1 1865). He was a friend of William Henry Daniels,” according to information provided by Smith.
Persons with knowledge about the history or prehistory this property, especially of current or past cultural resources, sites or practices on this property, are invited to contact Katherine Kamaʻemaʻe Smith, (808) 268-0787 or katsmith75@icloud.com to schedule a telephone, electronic or in-person interview.
