Treatment of Archaeological Feature on Kaho’olawe Discussed

Loaʻa or Pōkāneloa, is a collection of petroglyphs and cupules located on the top surface of a large flat boulder. Photo courtesy Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission.

By Wendy Osher

The first of two public listening sessions takes place today to discuss the treatment of specific archaeological features on the island of Kaho’olawe.

Since being placed on the register of historic places, officials from the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission say the island’s archaeological remains have been exposed to continuing effects of erosion and weather.

A particular feature known as Loa’a or Pōkāneloa, is a collection of petroglyphs and cupules located on the top surface of a large flat boulder.

The boulder is located along a severely eroded gulch in the hardpan area of the south eastern quadrant of the island.

KIRC officials say various studies have been done on the boulder and have suggested that it may possess an archaeo-astronomical significance in Hawaiian culture.

A meeting to discuss treatment and management will be held today on Oahu from 6 to 9 p.m. at the DLNR Board Room 132 of the Kalanimoku building on Punchbowl Street.

A second meeting will take place on Maui on Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at Pomaikai Elementary School in Kahului.