The Hawaiian Ahupua’a System is an ancient and traditional land division system in Hawaii. Kevin Loewen, Arboreal Advocate, shares why the system is showing great promise for the future of environmental sustainability in Hawaii:
The Hawaiian Ahupua’a System is transforming how Hawaiians live and engage in sustainability. Despite this incredible momentum, this practice is far from new or inventive. This solution is actually re-emerging from the ancient past of Hawaii.
What is Ahupua’a?
Ahupua’a is a Hawaiian term for the subdivision of land in Hawaii that takes into account socioeconomic, geologic and climatic factors. This ancient practice is largely associated with ‘Umi-a-Liloa, the son of the great High Chief Liloa.
Modern Interpretation of Ahupua’a
Today, the ahupua’a system is viewed as an overall land management approach with sustainable goals. Key pillars of this system include switching to electric power sources, using less water and recycling everything possible. Native Hawaiian, Kanaka ‘Oiwi (Benjamin Kaimipono) is sharing his reimagining of the Hawaiian Ahupua’a System for modern applications. In his shares, Kaimipono states that “ancient societies used nature as their technology” to balance their communities and their land, for generations.
A core component of Ahupua’a is adherence to sustainability; including stopping the harvesting of crops and seasonal fishing areas where resources are running low. This offers the opportunity to replenish without complete depletion.
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