The Society for Molokai Archaeology, in partnership with University of Hawaii Department of Anthropology and other community groups, have created a diverse training program for Molokai residents that works to accomplish a full ahupua'a reconnaissance survey for land owner Kamehameha Schools and other landowners, while preparing community members for employment in inventory survey work and cultural monitoring.

Reason for Need

Molokai still has many intact historic sites, due to the low level of development on the island, but cultural and archaeological information about these sites is not accessible or easily understood by the general public. Numerous studies have been done on Molokai's archaeological and cultural resources that have not been compiled and interpreted. A comprehensive, interpretive inventory of all Molokai's historic sites will help provide an accurate picture of the island's history, and will aid in the protection of these sites.

The State Historic Preservation Division reports that there are an average of six (6) projects per year on Molokai that require at least a reconnaissance survey to comply with the state regulations. Though much of Molokai is undeveloped at this time, many landowners on the island are selling their lands, the SFMA/UH program trains students in the protection of Molokai's ancient sites and helps the new landowner/developer to make prudent decisions about their property.

EC Support

EC funds have been used to support the Archeology Training Program to contract a field instructor to teach a course at Maui Community College. The EC also supported the necessary air and ground transportation, meals, and supplies needed for the training program. EC funding was also used towards the labor to clear the historic sites for study.

Photo: Petroglyph drawings found on the South Shore of Molokai © Steven Eminger