Near the turn of the twentieth century, agricultural land in Nuʻuanu Valley began to give way to residential use.  The kalo fields slowly diminished with the last ones succumbing to housing development in the 1950’s.  During the transition from agriculture to housing, regular maintenance for the ʻauwai was adopted by the Board of Water Supply. Maintenance activity ceased in 1978 and the responsibility of the upkeep fell to the individual landowners. 

Out of the 14 original ‘auwai, there are now about eight that are either flowing or can be repaired. Only four of these eight are known to be flowing consistently.  The four 'auwai that are actively flowing are Puiwa, Lapalapake'a, Pauhoa, and Pauhoa Li'ili'i.

Turnover of residents in the neighborhood throughout the years have not been advised on what these intricate water systems are and how to care for them.  Many of the ‘auwai have been demolished, filled in, and misused due to this unknowing.  

Lack of regular maintenance is the reason we are now facing issues with the waterways. Accumulation of debris, deteriorating water quality, areas prone to blockage, and improper diversion of water are current 'auwai system problems.

On August 15, 2012, the Hawai‘i Supreme Court upheld the state law requiring the water commission to consider ways to protect traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices in regards to streams. But exactly how much water should be returned to previously dried up streams has yet to be determined. In the meantime, some attention has turned toward the appointment of water commissioners and the need to appoint persons who understand water laws and who will act for the greater good of the community and the ‘āina.

SOURCES

"ʻAuwai."  Living Hawaiian Culture: Kumukahi. Kamehameha Publishing, https://www.kumukahi.org/units/ka-honua/onaepuni/auwai (2024).

“Auwai of Nuuanu Valley (2008).” Historic Hawaii Foundation, 17 Nov. 2016, historichawaii.org/2014/03/03/auwai-of-nuuanu-valley-2008/.

Support

Individual Actions

• ‘Auwai owners monitor and care for their ‘auwai

• Kōkua with neighbors who need help, allow Hui to access if needed
  
  

Community Action - Hui Malama ‘Auwai o Nu’uanu

• Education and awareness of neighbors, realtors, schools, community organizations

• Kōkua:  monitoring and clearing blockages along the flow

• Long term planning of larger maintenance projects requiring capital
  
  

Needed Support from Commission on Water Resource Management / City Council 

• Long term planning and participation in larger maintenance projects

• Enforcement/support for existing water rights and agricultural use

• Initiation and protection of historic significance

Hui Mālama ʻAuwai O Nuʻuanu Group

Hui Mālama 'Auwai O Nu'uanu is an organization of neighborhood members dedicated to the care for the ‘auwai of Nu'uanu Valley.  Formed to instill the need to preserve this cultural legacy, this group offers education and kōkua for the maintenance of the ‘Auwai o Nu’uanu.  

Independently they monitor the water, clear blockages and work to educate others on the importance of these waterway systems.  Raising awareness among area residents about the importance of preserving this cultural legacy and showing respect for sustainable water system are our goals.  Whether based on historic, aesthetics, or property values, keeping the water flowing needs to be a shared responsibility.  We hope that understanding this part of our community and heritage will encourage others to join us in the perpetual care of the ‘auwai.