HI SCR68

Request the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Division to nominate Kawainui Marsh for designation as a National Historic Landmark.

Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining wetland and largest ancient freshwater fishpond in Hawaii, with significant Native Hawaiian cultural and agricultural heritage dating to early settlement periods.

The marsh historically functioned as a loko ia kalo (freshwater taro fishpond) where Native Hawaiians cultivated fish and taro, demonstrating advanced aquacultural and agricultural innovations.

Kawainui Marsh contains at least three significant heiau, including Ulupo heiau which is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and serves as critical habitat for endangered native water birds including aeo, alae ula, alae kea, and koloa.

National Historic Landmark designation would provide federal recognition, access to federal funding, and maintenance assistance to preserve the site's historical and ecological significance.