For the first time, the entire collection of the Mahele (including the original registration of, and testimony for claims) has also been indexed, and is easily accessible. Previously, the primary indexing of the Mahele focused on those claims which were awarded, and as a result as much as 50% of the total record of native tenant residency and land use has been generally unrecognized. Additionally, a review of the original Hawaiian texts and the existing translations (which have been the primary references in the past) reveals that there are many significant inaccuracies in the English records. Inaccurate — locations of claims, descriptions of land use, and transposing of claimant and land names are among the problems with existing translations. Thus the access to and review of the original records brings forth important clarification to the historical record and understanding of the cultural landscape.

Kumu Pono Associates LLC has spent years collecting and indexing all available documents associated with the Mahele ‘Äina and Boundary Commission. At a nominal per-page fee, Kumu Pono Associates LLC will provide interested parties with a digitized copy of the original handwritten records — that is, all available: Register, Testimony, Mahele Award Book, and Royal Patent documentation for requested kuleana records.

If English translations are needed (where none, or only incomplete ones exist), Kumu Pono Associates LLC will prepare verbatim translations at a per-page fee (to be determined by the length of the text).

Additionally, all of the original records of the Boundary Commission (ca. 1865-1915), containing native testimonies and survey records of ahupua‘a boundaries, land use, native customs & practices, and transitions in historic land use have been digitized, and are available from Kumu Pono Associates LLC.

Important records of the Palapala Sila Nui (Royal Patent Grants) on lands across the Hawaiian Islands, covering the years from 1846 to 1923, have also been digitized and are available in the collections of Kumu Pono Associates LLC. Copies of the records and translations or transcripts of the records may also be obtained from Kumu Pono Associates LLC.

    Pua Koki‘o – an endemic and endangered Hawaiian Hibiscus (traditionally used to dye and strengthen fiber cordage for nets; endangered as a result of habitat depredation) (KPA photo)

 

 

In 2006 Kumu Pono Associates LLC initiated a detailed ethnographic  study for the island of Läna‘i. The following link is an excerpt of a working paper, with samples of the type of information being compiled (file size 1.5 mb).

Island of Lana'i
(KPA Working Study 2005).pdf

Also visit the Hawaiian Digital Library (HDL) at www.ulukau.org to view selected cultural studies prepared by Kumu Pono Associates LLC.

 

These documents provide the general public with access to records previously known to only a few individuals.

For further information on cultural studies, oral history interview programs, or to request copies of Mahele, Boundary Commission , and Grant records, or historic maps, please contact Kumu Pono Associates LLC at kepa@kumupono.com, call (808) 565-7175 and ask for Onaona or Kepä.

maua no me ka ha‘aha‘a

“A‘ohe hana nui, ke alu ‘ia!”
(It is no great task, when done cooperatively!)