In 2012, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) acquired 511 acres of agricultural land that surround the five-acre parcel containing the Kūkaniloko Birthstones State Monument. The Kūkaniloko Birthstones is one of the most sacred sites in Hawaiʻi. It is considered the piko (center, naval cord) of Oʻahu where the highest-ranking aliʻi (royalty) were historically born. These stones and the surrounding areas were places of learning for kahuna (ex­perts), lua (martial arts), kilo (observations), astronomy, and other cultural practices.

Beginning in 2016, OHA engaged with Wahiawā community members and subject matter experts in cultural and natural resource management, agriculture, archaeology, Hawaiian culture, and other fields, in a three-year planning process to create a conceptual master plan for these Wahiawā Lands. UHCDC has been contracted by OHA to help refine the Wahiawā Lands Master Plan. The scope also includes preparing visuals that illuminate stakeholder visions for the site and its significance to the surrounding region. This project provides opportunities for students and staff to be immersed in 'ike kupuna (ancestral experiences, knowledge, perspectives, and practices) and to apply these teachings of Hawaiian resource management and land use to conceptual designs.

Client: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Principal Investigator: Cathi Ho Schar & Judith Stilgenbauer
Project Staff: Kimi Makaiau & Jonathan (Malu) Stanich
Project Team: Ethan Lee