Mokuʻula was the island of royalty in Hawaiʻi many years ago. Archaeology confirmed the existence of Mokuʻula, the royal residences, mausoleum, and a large spring that fed natural wetland containing taro patches and fishponds. Carbon dating has revealed some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in Mokuʻula and I believe much more is yet to be discovered. Many environmental and spiritual influences as well as historical events have made Mokuʻula a sacred symbol and religious center. Wai (water) gives life to all existence and implies life, health and is considered sacred by Hawaiians. Areas that contain an abundance of water are considered ʻāina that will bring great wealth and are prized above all others. Consequently, the land which contained the ponds of Mokuhinia and the sacred island of Mokuʻula became the chosen home for nā Aliʻi. While the new Christian churches were being built to replace heiau, Mokuʻula continued to be a traditional sanctuary for the King. As the private residence of Kamehameha III and his court, and a capitol for the Hawaiian Kingdom, the kapu was held at Mokuʻula. But by 1845, the capitol at Lahaina was moved to Honolulu due to all the pressures from missionaries and foreign businessmen. And by 1860, the waters of Mokuʻula were already declining because of all the diversion of fresh water to all the developing sugar cane plantations. It was made into Malu ʻUlu O Lele park; there was a baseball field, basketball courts, jungle jim, and bathrooms for the public. Despite all the efforts of restoration, it sadly now looks like an old broken down ballpark. When Mike talked about the process of making their final presentation (which was on Mokuʻula), he said that he could smell the stench of human wastes from a distance away, up-wind, from the leaking pipes of the bathroom there. I was so disgusted; to hear that a once powerful and sacred place to Hawaiʻi is now being disrespected and tainted right before our eyes. What happened to respecting ones’ culture? What happened to the common courtesy shown to places of great significance to a certain people? I’m so saddened by the lack of respect shown to the Hawaiians’ history and former places of royalty. To the Hawaiians, this place still has GREAT significance and definitely should still be considered a sacred place to everyone. Although there are no more waters in Mokuʻula, I believe that the return of water to that area is very possible. I think that full restoration of the original state of Mokuʻula and Mokuhinia is reachable and actually will be reached in the very near future. Of course, every little contribution of time or money helps and would hopefully speed up the process. Now that I know about this issue, I definitely will be more involved in the efforts to restore this historical site. The heart of Lahaina remains at Mokuʻula, the spiritual and political power center of the Hawaiian Kingdom. “E hoʻi ka nani i Mokuʻula!” (-Tonis group)
References:
http://www.mokuula.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4j-ZVpz9Co&feature=share
http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/552456/-Spoonful-by-spoonful---Moku-ula-slowly-returns.html
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