Ke awa lau o Pu‘uloa
"The many-harbored seas of Pu‘uloa"
Figure 1: Surface water map (Board of Water Supply)
This estuary is located around the mouth of the ‘Ewa Moku on the southern coast of O‘ahu. Nine watersheds of this district comprised of "Hālawa, Aiea, Kalauao, Waimalu, Waiawa, Kapakahi, Waipio, Waikele, and Honouliuli;” all flow into Pu’uloa (Halau o Pu'uloa, 2019, p.20). Underneath the surface lies coral reef that took shape over millenia during high sea levels in shallow water.
According to Hawaiian tradition, Pu’uloa is made up of three specific "awalau" or lochs which include: Kaihuopala’ai (West Loch), Wai’awa (Middle Loch) and Komoawa (East Loch) (Halau o Pu'uloa, 2019, p.20). In pre-contact times, ‘Ewa Moku was known as a political center of power and access to Pu’uloa was it's most important resource.
While Pu‘uloa is the Hawaiian place name, it is additionally known as "the crown jewel of harbors", "Pearl Lochs", "Pearl Harbor", and "Wai Momi" (water of pearl) because of its rich marine life (Halau o Pu'uloa, 2019). Notably, the pipi or pearl oysters were prevalent. The waters are famous for areas of abundant food production with historical maps (figure 2) indicating vast lo`i kalo (taro patches) and numerous loko i‘a (fish ponds). The places where fresh water streams, such as the Honouliuli Gulch, emptied into Pu‘uloa, were ideal planting conditions for Hawaiian farmers. Moreover, the highest quality "awa (milkfish or mullet)" and akule were said to be produced in the fishponds which flowed in from the deep-sea (Halau o Pu'uloa, 2019, p.20).
Figure 2: Map from 1873 (Library of Congress)
Historical Development
(Map of Honouliuli Taro Lands, 1878)
Pre-Contact & Early Post Contact
Anʻāina momona that once nourished 12 ahupuaʻa. There is evidence of "at least 30 loko i`a and acres of loʻi kalo" that used to exist in Pu`uloa.
(A view of Kealakekua Bay, 1779)
1778 - 1875
After western contact and the privatization of land, this led to Native Hawaiian dispossession and the growth of the sugar industry. In 1875 the Reciprocity Treaty with the U.S. was enacted which allowed Hawai`i to sell products in the U.S. with no tariff. However, in exchange the U.S. received portions of Pu`uloa.
(Tent Camp at Pu`uloa, 1918)
1893 - 1921
The U.S. backed overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom occured in 1893. More areas of Pu`uloa was acquired by the U.S. army apart of a "Coastal Defense System" plan that was negotiated during 1904 - 1921. Possession transferred to the Navy in 1915, and it became known as a military reservation.
(`Aiea Sugar Mill with Pearl Harbor in the background, 1932)
1927 - 1934
By 1927, sugar cultivation was extensive and drastically impacted food production. Pu`uloa started to become heavily militarized, and was developed into a naval rifle range which later became the "Marine Corps Rifle Range" in 1934.
(USS Oklahoma sunken in Pearl Harbor, 1941)
1941
Hawai'i experienced the dual effects of being a victim of U.S. imperialism and "an accessory" to its actions during World War II. On December 7, 1941 Pu`uloa was attacked by Japanese forces.
(Example of Mangrove Forest)
1968 - 1977
Mangrove trees were introduced and many were planted on the shorelines of Pu`uloa. They became an invasive species that started to overtake fishponds and sugar crops.
(Map from 2016)
1993 - 2016
Housing development began, such as West Loch properties and Iroquois Point neighborhood destroyed the Wahi Pana, Kāhekaheka at Pu‘uloa. Displacement of former residents happened by 1993. The invasive mangrove population further proliferated.
(October 26, 2021 water main break on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam)
Present Day
A World War II memorial at Pearl Harbor sits within an operating military base and is a focal "militourism" attraction. Puʻuloa is heavily polluted, and Hawaii News Now reported on a chemical spill of "3,000 gallons of fuel" and AFFF that occurred at the Pearl Harbor base over a year ago, but that information was not made public until May 5, 2023.
How are we connected?
Through the "Pearl Harbor Aquifer sector" that provides about "98 million gallons of (potable) water per day" to those living in central O‘ahu.
Through the Mo‘olelo associated with Pu‘uloa.
Through a shared initiative to malama the Āina and perhaps affected in the ways it has not been taken care of (hazardous waste dumping, oil spills, etc.).
Through shared historical trauma due to colonialism, militarization, imperialism, and urbanization.
OLA I KA WAI
IMG_8409.MOVAn ambient exhale
cold yet soft
providing
comforting
calling
&
sharing it's breath with the ʻĀina
More Layers to Engage