Legal Definitions - ahupuaa

The term ahupuaa refers to a traditional Hawaiian land division. This unique system typically encompasses a wedge-shaped parcel of land that extends from the mountain peaks down to the coastline and into the ocean. The design of an ahupuaa was intended to provide the inhabitants with access to a complete range of natural resources necessary for their survival and well-being, including fresh water, fertile agricultural land, forest products, and marine resources, all within a single, manageable unit.

• Example 1: In ancient Hawaii, a community residing within the ahupuaa of Waimea would have access to the ocean for fishing and salt collection, fertile plains for cultivating taro and sweet potatoes, and the higher elevations for gathering timber, medicinal plants, and fresh water from streams. This allowed them to be largely self-sufficient.

  Explanation: This illustrates how the ahupuaa provided a self-sustaining ecosystem, allowing the community to meet all their needs by utilizing the diverse resources available from the mountains to the sea within their specific land division.

• Example 2: Today, when discussing environmental conservation in Hawaii, policymakers might refer to the ahupuaa concept to advocate for integrated watershed management. For instance, a proposal to protect a specific coastal fishery might also include measures to prevent pollution and erosion in the mountain streams that feed into that coastal area, treating the entire system as an interconnected unit.

  Explanation: This demonstrates the enduring relevance of the ahupuaa model as a framework for understanding and managing natural resources holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of land and sea environments.