Kamilonui Valley is the last remaining undeveloped valley in East Honolulu. An agricultural heiau called Pahua remains at the base of Kamilonui Valley. This heiau could be a symbol for what the valley can become again.
Why does Kamehameha Schools not explore the possibility of keeping the valley in agricultural use by making the land available for interested Hawaiians who want to farm? Farmers played an important role in Hawaiian culture. The valley could be used for traditional Hawaiian dry land crops such as sweet potatoes, which this area was known for in the old days, or other viable agricultural ventures and programs.
Kamehameha Schools says the Kamilonui farms aren't meeting the five mandates of the trust's land-holdings. Perhaps with planning and investment, the valley could meet these criteria once the leases expire or the current farmers decide they don't wish to stay. Everyone could learn by observing and practicing traditional Hawaiian land use, which offers advanced methods of conservation and preservation.
Keeping the valley open and undeveloped, but at the same time productive, would help keep this community balanced. Provide Hawaiians with land to work. Once the land is gone, no amount of money will get it back.
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