Konohiki

Definition

Konohiki refers to a traditional Hawaiian land manager or steward responsible for overseeing specific ahupua'a, which are land divisions that extend from the mountains to the sea. This role was vital for managing resources sustainably and maintaining harmony within the community, reflecting the deep connection between people and their environment in Hawaiian culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The konohiki was often a trusted figure appointed by the ali'i to manage land and resources, ensuring that they were used sustainably for the benefit of the community.
2. This role included responsibilities such as regulating fishing and farming practices, monitoring resource usage, and resolving conflicts among community members.
3. Konohiki played a crucial role in preserving traditional ecological knowledge and practices, which were essential for sustaining the ahupua'a system.
4. In many cases, konohiki had specific rituals and practices that guided their management duties, highlighting the spiritual connection to the land.
5. The decline of traditional governance systems in Hawaii affected the role of konohiki, leading to changes in land management practices with the arrival of Western influences.

Review Questions

• How did the konohiki contribute to the sustainable management of resources within an ahupua'a?
  • The konohiki was essential for sustainable resource management within an ahupua'a by ensuring that fishing, farming, and other practices were carried out responsibly. They monitored resource use and regulated access to ensure that it met the needs of the community while preserving the environment. This stewardship helped maintain balance and harmony within the ecosystem, reflecting traditional Hawaiian values of caring for the land.
• Discuss the relationship between konohiki and ali'i in terms of governance and resource management in traditional Hawaiian society.
  • In traditional Hawaiian society, konohiki acted as intermediaries between the ali'i and the common people. The ali'i granted authority to konohiki to manage specific areas of land, allowing them to implement rules and regulations regarding resource use. This relationship was crucial for effective governance as it helped ensure that resources were utilized equitably while also respecting the cultural practices tied to the land.
• Evaluate how changes in governance structures in Hawaii impacted the role of konohiki and resource management practices.
  • The changes in governance structures in Hawaii, particularly with Western colonization, significantly impacted the role of konohiki and traditional resource management practices. As new laws and property systems were introduced, many of the responsibilities held by konohiki diminished or transformed. This shift led to a decline in sustainable practices tied to cultural traditions, disrupting the deep-rooted relationship between Hawaiians and their land, which is reflected in ongoing efforts to revive these practices today.

Related terms

Ahupua'a: A traditional Hawaiian land division that stretches from the uplands to the ocean, designed to provide a sustainable resource system for local communities.

Mālama 'āina: A Hawaiian concept meaning 'to care for the land,' emphasizing the responsibility of individuals and communities to protect and sustain their natural resources.

Ali'i: The Hawaiian chief or noble class, who held authority over the land and its people, often working closely with konohiki for governance and resource management.