Hawaiian cultural markers evoke reverence

Two new cultural markers erected in February near the hula mound at Kapolei Regional Park are part of a growing effort by community groups that hope not only to educate residents about places of historic significance, but to help deter vandalism.

Mikiala Lidstone, director of the Ulu Ae Learning Center and a kumu hula of a Kapolei halau, said after several years of discussing the signage, she and others are elated to finally see it at the park.

Over the years, Lidstone said, the homeless have congregated in the park, there has been graffiti and she has seen the dumping of litter and bulky items. There was a need to show that the area was a special place, she said.

“That’s the intent … to share that that was a special place,” she said. “Before that sign only a few of us knew, but now anyone who goes there can learn that,” Lidstone said. “We’re hoping people will learn that’s a special place and care for it in that way.”

But it’s too early to determine whether the signs have deterred vandalism, she said.

The City Council passed a bill last year that paves the way for a formal process to request designation of culturally or historically significant structures, areas or objects in city parks. Groups or individuals requesting markers would reimburse the city for all costs, and the sites must also be recommended by a neighborhood board or included in a city development plan.

The city Department of Parks and Recreation said officials are creating rules and specific standards to establish a uniform protocol for the designation program. Once the rules are drafted, the department would hold a public hearing to gather input.

Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, who introduced the bill, said her office had received numerous complaints about homeless living at Kapolei Regional Park, people training their dogs on the hula mound and other problems.

One of the signs warns park users that the mound was built for Hawaiian cultural practitioners and should not be used for playing, eating and lounging. The other sign describes the area, known as Puuokapolei, as the location of the largest and most sacred heiau in the Honouliuli ahupuaa. Puuokapolei was a place of governance and served as a landmark for travelers.

Lidstone’s Ulu Ae Learning Center, which offers Hawaiian educational and cultural programs, has raised about $4,200 and hopes to raise more for another sign, which Lidstone said would be a large coral rock with “Puuokapolei” carved into it.

Pine said it’s too early to tell whether the signage has helped to deter vandalism but that she hopes it will in the future. She also said she is working to get cameras to monitor the area, and better lighting near the hula mound.

“The whole goal was to bring back pride to the community and show how special our community is,” Pine said. “It’s about an increased reverence for the area and appreciation for the open public space that a person is enjoying. People just need to start it. Once other groups start it, then more groups will want to do it.”

Hanalei Hopfe said he has also been working on erecting signage and markers at historic sites across the Waianae Coast. Hopfe said he made a structure that he hopes to place at the heiau at Pokai Bay, which was once used for stargazing. He said the area has been vandalized, and he has seen homeless individuals defecate there.

“I think it’s a worthy cause and would be something positive in our community. And people will have more respect for the heiau,” Hopfe said. “I think education is one of the key things.”