Pūʻali Kalo I Ka Wai ʻOle – Taro, for Lack of Water, Grows Misshapen: A Story of Water and Colonialism in Lahaina

Abstract

Pūʻali Kalo I Ka Wai ʻOle – Taro, for Lack of Water, Grows Misshapen: A Story of Water and Colonialism in Lahaina investigates the conditions that led to wildfire vulnerability in West Maui, culminating in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Through interviews and archival research, this thesis finds that there was no singular cause of the Lahaina wildfire, and rather a combination of political shifts, capitalist pursuits, infrastructural developments, and behavioral changes—factors all rooted in the legacy of colonialism—degraded Lahaina’s environment and made the region susceptible to such a disaster. This study highlights three main themes relevant to Lahaina’s evolution from a historically verdant food basket of Maui into a dry-arid landscape that had a heightened risk of catching fire: Colonialism and Expansion of Western Ideals, Deterioration of the Ability to Perform Traditional Indigenous Practices, and Evolution of Infrastructure, ʻĀina, and Worldview. The widespread adoption of Western ideals, the evolution of water systems and management practices, and the inaction to carefully protect traditional ecosystems all led to the slow decay of Lahaina into a wildfire-prone region. Drawing on interviews with water specialists, cultural experts, and conservationists, this thesis also presents various methods to better protect the land and water resources in Lahaina, across Hawaiʻi, and all over the globe. This study reveals three main themes that can guide the reform of the current natural resource management practices: Education and Engagement, Recalling Traditional Values, and Building Reciprocity and Being Proactive. Fostering communities with a strong sense of place-based knowledge, perpetuating cultural traditions, and taking proactive steps in environmental stewardship can strengthen ecosystems and their ability to endure in an ever-changing world. More than a historical analysis and environmental protection resource guide, this study highlights the long-lasting effects of colonization and the need to rethink current natural resource management frameworks. While this thesis focuses on the events that led to the transformation of Lahaina’s landscape and potential steps to ensure effective regulation of natural resources in Hawaiʻi, this research can offer insights that are applicable to regions around the world that suffer from environmental degradation. This research makes valuable contributions to the ongoing dialogues on climate change, ecological restoration, and cultural preservation, urging decision-makers to more carefully consider the initiatives that will affect the finite resources necessary to sustain current and future generations. Beyond a call to action, this thesis also encourages community members to reflect on their responsibility to care for each other, as well as the land and water that nurtures all living things.