Principles of
Ahupua’a o Waimea

 

The Piko Group, Trailmarkers (Pohaku) Project,  and Stewards of Waimea
Leadership service by Kawohiokalani (Auntie Betty Jenkins), Waialua

 

Ahupua’a o Waimea, O’ahu, Hawai’i
Final: July 30, 2007

  


1.    Waimea Valley will remain whole  -- a complete, undivided traditional Hawaiian ahupua’a, from the mountains to the sea – for all time. Everything necessary will be done to guarantee the free flow of nature’s forces through the Valley.

 

2.  Hawaiian culture, language, arts and history are central to the identity and purpose of Ahupua’a o Waimea. The ancient voice of this sacred place finds its fullest expression through the Hawaiians.

 

 

3. Hawaiian people serve in positions of leadership for all activities in the Valley, to the extent practical. Training and education are constantly taking place to develop new Hawaiian talent and experience to fill leadership positions at Waimea.

 

4. Hawaiian families from around the world, especially those with family history connected to Ahupua’a o Waimea, are actively called to feel at home here, where their traditions are expressed with pride. This call (kahea) is strong, repeated, and continuous.

 

5. Hawaiian people, especially those whose families find roots (piko) on the North Shore, have a formal role in executive management, ownership and strategic planning for the Valley, in reviewing and approving all major decisions about activities conducted here.

 

 

6. The Hawaiian principle of "asking permission" is always followed: when something significant is to be changed, built, moved or expressed in Ahupua'a o Waimea, the correct traditional authority (kupuna) is consulted, and the voice of the Valley is invited to be heard.

 

7. The Hawaiian principle of “aloha” is always respected: people of all origins are welcomed and invited to experience the Valley, from all corners of the world, to share in the aloha that lives here. Entering the Valley brings Hawaiian culture to life for everyone.

 

8. The Hawaiian principle -- to take only in proportion to what is given  -- is carefully followed here. All life in the Valley finds meaning through connection to its people, who deeply feel their responsibility (kuleana) to care for that life. The native plants, birds, fish and other species of the Valley are protected and provided habitats in which they can flourish and expand; other species that have been brought here from around the world, especially those that are endangered,  are also given responsible care. Deep study and research into the complex interconnected web of life that is Waimea are carried out, and this knowledge is shared with the world.

 

9. Ahupua'a o Waimea was historically a Pacific center for learning, study, memory, celebration and practice of sacred arts and sciences; this character is preserved and expanded. This is a place for Hawaiians to learn about and experience their culture, and for the whole world to learn about the special knowledge of the Hawaiians.

 

 

10. State-of-the-art management standards, financial controls, marketing and communications programs are implemented at Waimea. We seek maximum possible transparency, so that Hawaiians everywhere, and the general public, are consulted and actively asked for their opinions well before decisions are made; they see and understand the process. Recognizing and acting on the needs of the whole community is a key principle of Hawaiian culture, which is alive for all to see at Ahupua’a o Waimea.

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