MAUNALUA RESURFACES: A CULTURAL RECLAMATION IN HAWAIʻI KAI
MAUNALUA, HAWAII (KHON2) — A new sign entering Hawaiʻi Kai proudly announces "Maunalua," a name revitalizing not just a location, but a deep connection to Native Hawaiian identity and heritage. Malia Lum-Kawaihoa Marquez, a local activist and native of Maunalua, is spearheading this initiative.
Marquez, who was born in Maunalua and later adopted, recalls her journey of reconnection with her heritage after being raised outside of Hawaiian culture. Inspired by her mother’s environmental advocacy, she embraced activism, focusing on restoring the significance of Native Hawaiian place names as a tool to combat cultural erasure. "When we reclaim our place names, we reclaim our stories," Marquez passionately states.
Historically rich, Maunalua was once brimming with resources, including the renowned Keahupuaʻo Maunalua fishpond, essential for sustaining local communities. However, colonization and development have transformed the area into an affluent residential neighborhood, overshadowing its cultural significance.
Marquez emphasizes that the fight for Maunalua’s recognition is symbolic of a broader struggle for indigenous rights amid systemic neglect faced by Native Hawaiians. Personal experiences, including the loss of family to health issues, fuel her advocacy. The upcoming blessing of the new sign on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, will celebrate this cultural reclamation, marked by music and community participation.
"This fight is not just for a name; it’s for our existence," Marquez declares. By celebrating place names like Maunalua, the community aims to preserve their rich history and ensure that future generations understand their roots. Marquez’s resolute activism is a clarion call, urging others to recognize their heritage and stand firmly against cultural erasure.
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