Maui Nui Ahupua‘a Signage Project installs first sign in Kula Uka in the Moku ‘O Kula

A blessing and installation of the first Maui Nui Ahupua‘a Project sign in the Kula Uka was held on September 6, 2022. The first sign, located on the northern boundary of the ‘A‘apueo Ahupua‘a at the corner of Kula Highway and ‘A‘apueo Parkway in Pukalani, is one of 34 signs that will be installed this year.

Since the summer of 2019, Maui Nui Ahupua‘a Project’s project coordinator/designer Vernon Kalanikau has been working with the Upcountry community to gather moʻolelo (stories, legend, history) to help design signs representing each of the 17 ahupua‘a in Kula Uka in the Upcountry area in the Moku ʻO Kula. Two signs will be installed on the boundaries for each ahupua‘a on various County roads.

“We extend a big mahalo to the Kula Community Association, Pukalani Community Association, Waiohuli and Keokea Hawaiian Homestead Associations, Upcountry residents and project stakeholders who provided their feedback on the flora, fauna and colors that represent these ahupuaʻa,” said Kalanikau. “Each ahupua‘a is unique and the community’s feedback was invaluable in helping to shape the design and location of these signs.”

According to Council Member Yukilei Sugimura “I was born and raised on Maui and have seen many changes to our island and our community through the years. What has kept me as well as many of other residents connected to the islands is our culture. Educational efforts like this Maui Nui Ahupua‘a Signage Project reminds us of our roots ¬and the importance of passing on stories about our islands’ history and unique sense of place to future generations.”

“This signage project will help to re-educate our community and those that are not aware of the significance and boundaries of where our island’s ahupua‘a and moku districts are situated,” said Hōkūao Pellegrino of Noho‘ana Farm in Waikapu. “The work that Vernon and Luana Mahi (of MFTC) are doing with this project, reaching out to our community to gather moʻolelo and insights is critical. Not just to us as kanaka and kupa of this mokupuni of Maui, but also for the next generation and those that now call Maui their home, who have the important responsibility of learning about this place.”

This Kula Uka signage project was supported by Council Member Yukilei Sugimura and a cultural heritage grant from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development. Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) assists Kalanikau with the administrative work, community outreach and marketing for the project.

For more information, visit www.mauinuiahupuaaproject.com.