Trisha Kehaulani Watson, JD, PhDAloha ‘Āina: A Framework for

Managing Biocultural Resources in Hawai‘i’s Anthroprogenic Ecosystems

Aloha ‘Āina Management Framework• Based on the traditional ecopolitical structure of

Ma‘ilikūkahi– Created in the 6th century to address land management needs

and political disarray– Developed ahupua‘a system

• Created management around sustainable systems• Decentralized power to the families and communities • Based on traditional ecological knowledge (western

scientific methods – hypotheses -> trial and error)

Ahupua‘a System

Application of ahupua‘a system to modern day biocultural resource management in anthroprogenic ecosystems • Localized action• Questions and issues are collaboratively identified• Research is collaborative (i.e., collection of “best information available”)• Western and indigenous science foundation -> community and “peer

reviewed” data validation• Communities are engaged and empowered as partners in implementation

and stewardship activities • Community and leadership capacity building among Native partners

“Best Information Available” / Research Framework

Traditional Ecological Knowledge is good science (BMP): Changes in Anthroprogenic Footprints

Basic Elements of Management Framework• Moves focus from “consultation” to improving “best

information available” • Role of community and traditional knowledge occurs

throughout process• Community is also used for ground-truth information• Integrated knowledge is used to develop BMPs• Process is cyclical

Case Study: Recovery of Hawaiian Monk Seals

Lack of Community Results in Conflict• Data collective for decision making was made vacuously• “Public hearing” process used for consultation, which

generated mistrust and resentment• “Outsider” data rejected by community• Recovery community built with newcomers (“outsiders”)

to island community, resulting in community conflict • Increased federal actions seen as increased federalized of

resources

Case Study: Traditional Hawaiian Fishponds

Traditional Hawaiian Fishpond Restoration• Permitting Problems • Fishponds continuously destroyed by development • Meetings held to identify problem with community• Honua Consulting hired to consult on project

– Community input– Lead interagency team– Led research and program development

Traditional Hawaiian Fishponds

Traditional Hawaiian Fishponds

Traditional Hawaiian Fishponds

Case Study: Marine Mammal Research and Recovery

Marine Mammal Recovery• Originating conflict (finding the right community

partner(s))• Returning to community to obtain data and identify needs

and common questions • Integrating research and community needs

– Marine mammals as sentinels of ocean health– Important educational tools– Sources of cultural pride and empowerment

Critical Take-Aways and Ways Forward• As economies continue to struggle and biocultural resource needs continue

to increase, community partnerships are necessary to successes in protection and recovery

• Governments and agencies must begin to recognize resources as being “biocultural” and develop integrated processes, research plans and management plans accordingly

• If you want to restore ecosystems to their pre-contact status, you need pre-contact knowledge

• The private sector is the real “front line” (more native peoples are needed among developers, consultants and planners)

• Native peoples need to push forward on education and leadership capacity building (and placement)

Mahalo!www.honuaconsulting.com

watson@honuaconsulting.com