In ancient Hawaiian times, the konohiki (caretaker) managed a section of land from the mountains to the sea, referred to as the ahupua’a. This unique conservation system prevented exploitation, pollution and extinction of plants, animals, and marine species while allowing the people to take what they needed for sustenance. The ahupua’a and other land divisions will be the focus of this quarter’s Traditions of the Pacific program at Bishop Museum. The two-day program features a presentation by a panel of speakers at Bishop Museum on Thursday, July 27 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., followed by a field trip on Saturday, July 29 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Archaeologist Maria Orr and historian Nanette Napoleon will discuss the various traditional Hawaiian land divisions, including moku, ahupua’a, ‘ili, lele, koele, and kihapai. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on how modern day konohiki can preserve today’s living ahupua’a, including O’ahu’s Waimea and Wai’anae Valleys and Waipi’o Valley on the Big Island. The panel includes Joe Kennedy of Archaeological Consultants of the Pacific, Eric Enos of Ka’ala Learning Center and Bishop Museum’s Tom Cummings.

The presentation general admission fee is $5 and free for Bishop Museum members. The field trip general admission fee is $15 and $10 for Bishop Museum members. Seating is limited and reservations are required for both sessions. For reservations or more information, call 848-4157. Traditions of the Pacific is a quarterly program that highlights the cultural and natural science heritage of Hawai‘i, Asia, and the Pacific through stories, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.