ke kai momona: sustaining Kānaka Maoli identity through limu cultivation

Abstract

The project explores cultural and ecological sovereignty through limu cultivation in Hawai‘i. Limu (seaweed) was a central component of the traditional Native Hawaiian diet and the personification of ea (sovereignty) in the ocean. The loss of indigenous limu ecosystems is directly tied to the loss of cultural practices, ‘ike (knowledge), and spiritual identity. Through theories and strategies of ahupua‘a reconnection, the project considers the process of reviving culturally and ecologically “dead” areas within an occupied urban sphere. Interventions seek to reactivate and rehabilitate the hydrology and ecology of the Waikīkī ahupua‘a to create the conditions for limu to thrive. Design compliments existing limu restoration efforts and advocates for spaces for ho‘ike (knowledge sharing) and community in these new hybrid environments.