Kamealoha Smith and Konohiki Kahaunaele

Location of Interview
Date of Interview
08-22-2023
Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Kamealoha Smith is a prominent figure in the Hawaiian community, known for his deep understanding and respect for the traditional Hawaiian resource management system, the moku system. Smith's work revolves around the preservation and application of this ancestral system, which involves the careful management of natural resources by different chiefs under the main chief of the island. He is also a strong advocate for the concept of "kuliana," a Hawaiian term meaning responsibility, which he believes is a reflection of how Native Hawaiian people feel towards the land. Smith's work extends to the protection of the reefs, and he is known for his efforts to communicate the state of the reefs to people on the mainland. He also has experience working with young people in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, training them in the principles of the moku system and the importance of respecting the land.

Konohiki Kahaunaele, like Smith, is deeply involved in the preservation and application of traditional Hawaiian resource management practices. He works closely with Smith in promoting the moku system and the concept of "kuliana."  Kahaunaele is also involved in efforts to protect the reefs in Hawaii and communicate their state to people on the mainland. He is known for his practical approach to the challenges of living in Hawaii, acknowledging the high cost of living, particularly in Honolulu. Kahaunaele also contributes to discussions on how regular people and tourists can help protect the reefs and other resources in Hawaii.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Kamealoha Smith and Konohiki Kahaunaele provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional Hawaiian resource management system, the moku system, and the concept of "kuliana." Smith and Kahaunaele discuss their work in preserving these ancestral systems and their efforts to communicate the state of the reefs to people on the mainland. They also touch on the challenges of living in Hawaii, particularly the high cost of living in Honolulu, and the impact this has on young people moving to the area for work. The interview concludes with a discussion on the shift from sustainable to regenerative tourism in Hawaii and how regular people and tourists can help protect the reefs and other resources.


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