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 Action

We have been fortunate that several residents along the ʻauwai have undertaken the responsibility for keeping their section, as well as their neighbors’ sections, clear and flowing.  

Government Action

Local government has been contacted in regard to the problems with the ʻauwai system.  Aside from the sections on public land, it no longer assumes an active role for the maintenance of the waterways.  No funds are provided in the budget for it.  

There are water and/or ʻauwai guidelines mandated through the State of Water Commission and the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.  Conditions stipulated in individual property deeds dictate how the ʻauwai system is to be treated and maintained.  

Neighborhood Action

Lack of government assistance necessitates a neighborhood solution to a neighborhood problem.  The Hui Mālama ʻAuwai O Nuʻuanu, an organization of neighborhood members, has initiated a solution for the care of the ʻauwai of Nuʻuanu Valley.  Adopting a method used by the early Native Hawaiians who built the original ‘auwai system,  one or two “luna wai” will be responsible for monitoring the health of each ʻauwai.  Although the condition of several ʻauwai has improved, participation by all ʻauwai residents is necessary to be successful.

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.