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Hawaiian settlers changed
their new island home to suit their needs: the kula
(lowland mesic forest) was cleared for agriculture,
valley slopes were terraced, the muliwai
(estuary) was used for fishponds, the wao
akua ( wet forest) provided building materials,
firewood, and medicinal plants; and birds were hunted for food
and feathers.(Kirch) In this section we examine the impact of
the first humans on the native ecosystems. |
Changes relies extensively on Feathered Gods and Fishhooks,
by archaeologist Patrick V. Kirch. In addition, the paintings
of Herb Kane give life to Polynesian voyaging and arrival throughout
the Ahupua'a section. |
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Petroglyph sail photo by David Boynton
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Hawaiian native plants
and animals developed over many millions of years with no defense
against large ground predators like man, or his domestic plants
and animals. The first canoe carried perhaps up to thirty types
of crop plants, and pigs, dogs, and chickens. Also on board
were stowaways like the Polynesian rat, geckos, landsnails,
and weeds. (Kirch) |
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Readying the Canoe painting
by Herb Kane |
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A major change was habitat alteration for agriculture. As
the population grew, more and more of the lowland mesic forest
was cleared and used to grow food. Other areas were burned
to encourage the growth of pili grass, used for covering their
houses. The wao akua
was less affected, yet it was logged for woods like koa
and 'ohi'a.
(Patrick V. Kirch)
To the left, a rare sight these days - a large, straight
koa tree for a canoe.
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A Tree for a new Canoe painting
by Herb Kane. |
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As in most of the Pacific islands, many species of endemic birds
became extinct after the arrival of man . A least forty endemic
species disappeared - large flightless geese, ibises, rails,
owls, a hawk, an eagle, ravens, and many songbirds. The cause
of these extinctions was not only hunting for feathers and food,
but also the introduction of the Polynesian rat, wild pigs,
and destruction of the kula
habitat.
(Patrick V. Kirch)
To the right, a photograph of pre- fossil bones from some of
these extinct bird species, exposed in the dunes.
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Bird Bones photo by David Boynton
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Here is a startling look at the change
in native ecosystems from pre human contact until today. In
the before picture, each color represents a distinct ecosystem
- as changing elevation and moisture determine the dominant
plants. The lack of color in the today picture indicates an
ecosystem disturbed by humans. |
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| Kaua'i before
man. Image courtesy of Sam Gon III, Hawai'i Natural
Heritage Program, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. |
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| Kaua'i today.
Image courtesy of Sam Gon III, Hawai'i Natural Heritage
Program, and The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. |
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Pacific Islands are very susceptible
to any changes in their ecosystems. By adapting the ahupua'a
of Nawiliwili Bay to suit their needs, Hawaiians began to change
their new home. However, these changes would be
insignificant when compared to those occurring after European
contact. Next, how did the Hawaiian planter manage his
land? |
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Created June 2001
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