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Waimānalo Mau a Mau Final Report

Cover of a publication titled "Waimanalo Mau a Mau: Amplifying Our ʻĀina Momona, Pilina, and ʻŌiwi," featuring botanical illustrations and a partially turned page corner.

Amplifying Our ʻĀina Momona, Pilina, and ʻŌiwi

The “Waimānalo Mau a Mau” Final Report is a comprehensive documentation of the project’s efforts to amplify the voices, cultural practices, and historical narratives of the Waimānalo community. This report encapsulates the project’s goals, methodologies, and findings, providing an in-depth analysis of Waimānalo’s unique cultural landscape. The initiative, a collaborative effort with Bishop Museum, aims to preserve and honor the rich heritage of Waimānalo through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern research methods.

Illustration of a pink coral branch with multiple offshoots and a few yellow tips on the branches.

Project Goals and Objectives

The primary objectives of the Waimānalo Mau a Mau project were to expand community knowledge of and relationship with Waimānalo wahi pana (sacred places), honor the special people and cultural resources of Waimānalo, and document community and kūpuna oral histories for posterity. These goals were pursued with the intent to connect the community with its heritage and the resources available at Bishop Museum, ensuring that these invaluable narratives are preserved and celebrated​​.
Illustration of a pink and red branching coral.

Methodology and Community Engagement

The report details the project’s three-phase approach: Information Gathering, Research and Development, and Community Resources and Engagement. Key community members and indigenous researchers collaborated closely throughout the project, ensuring that the voices of Waimānalo’s residents were at the forefront. The methodologies employed included oral history interviews, archival research, and the collection of historical and contemporary photographs. The project emphasized a culturally responsive evaluation framework, prioritizing community-defined goals and qualitative data that reflect the spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of Waimānalo​​.
Illustration of a single, tall, green and pale brown leafy plant with elongated, wavy leaves.

Key Findings and Themes

The report identifies three central themes emerging from the community’s narratives: ʻĀina Momona (healthy lands and people), Pilina (quality relationships), and ʻŌiwi (cultural identity). These themes encapsulate the community’s connection to the land, the importance of strong familial and social ties, and the preservation of cultural practices. The findings highlight the community’s commitment to sustaining these values amidst modern challenges and development pressures​​.

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