03-08-2008, 07:05 PM
Based on research done at UH-H (Dr Juvik - 'Atlas of Hawaii' and others) Hawaii Island had a larger population before 'Western' contact than it currently does today. This was a very industrious agricultural society, and most early reports have very extensive land modifications to support the population.
Interesting note, even prior to contact, Hawaii had a couple of unusaul things. Yams were a common ag. product even though they are from South America. There were some metal objects already on this island prior to Cook's initial landing...
If you look at many of the Kapus on society, many were in place to maintain sustainablity of the land.... That may be the problem with going back.... how many of us would be willing to allow a death sentence for breaking a kapu on something like a lower class person eating a fish of the upper class? Seems harsh, but hierarchial food distribution allowed the wild areas to replenish & allowed everyone to survive.
Interesting note, even prior to contact, Hawaii had a couple of unusaul things. Yams were a common ag. product even though they are from South America. There were some metal objects already on this island prior to Cook's initial landing...
If you look at many of the Kapus on society, many were in place to maintain sustainablity of the land.... That may be the problem with going back.... how many of us would be willing to allow a death sentence for breaking a kapu on something like a lower class person eating a fish of the upper class? Seems harsh, but hierarchial food distribution allowed the wild areas to replenish & allowed everyone to survive.