ANAHOLA – A project designed to revitalize Kauai’s rich cultural heritage utilizing signage and state-of-art technology was launched today with the ceremonial placement and blessing of signs identifying the borders of the six moku on the islands of Kauai and
ANAHOLA – A project designed to revitalize Kauai’s rich cultural heritage utilizing signage and state-of-art technology was launched today with the ceremonial placement and blessing of signs identifying the borders of the six moku on the islands of Kauai and Niihau.
The project, Kauai Nui Kuapapa, was developed by Keao NeSmith, Executive Partner of Nā Hōkū Welo, in response to Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho’s vision that culturally appropriate signage would help create awareness of Kaua‘i’s traditional land divisions.
“It is hoped that knowing the traditional names and unique stories and characteristics about our place on the island will lead our Kauai communities to talk with each other about our island home while fostering a stronger sense of community and mutual caring,” stated NeSmith.
With funding support provided by the Office of Economic Development, the Kauai Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, NeSmith and his team developed the signage that was dedicated today, along with an informational and interactive website.
The signs were placed along Kuhio and Kaumualii highways at the points of entry and exit of each of the five moku on the island of Kauai. In addition, a sign representing the moku of Niihau was placed at MacArthur Park in Kekaha. The Mayor joined NeSmith and others at the junction of the moku of Puna and Ko`olau at Anahola Marketplace for the blessing.
Kauai Nui Kuapapa identifies Kauai’s five moku (major districts expanding from Kauai’s highest mountain, Waialeale, to the sea), with Niihau as the county’s sixth moku. Eventually, the project will also identify Kauai’s estimated 54 ahupua‘a (subdivision within a moku), along with identifiers for waterways touching Kauai’s main roadways.
Other partners supporting the project include the Kauai Museum, the Kauai Historical Society and Garden Island Resource, Conservation and Development. NeSmith also recognized the Office of the Mayor, Kauai County Council, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Dan Ahuna, DataSpace Industries, Datawise Consulting and Pass the Projects for their support.
To learn more about Kaua‘i Nui Kuapapa, please visit www.kauainuikuapapa.com.
