Science & Ike Hawaii

Integration of Western & Indigenous Knowledge

Hawaiian Science in just 5 minutes

Imi loa = far seeking

Ike o ka poe imi loa
Knowledge of a far-seeking people

What is Science?
An approach to learning marked by: Empiricism / Observation Manipulation / Experimentation Prediction / Modeling Testing / Replication / Proof Transmission / Publication

Empirical observation

Pua ka wiliwili, nanahu ka man

The wiliwili blooms, the shark bites

Pua wiliwili

Llani Kalalea

Pua ke k, ku mai ka hee

The sugarcane are blooming, the octopus are appearing

Pua k

Hee

Pala ka hala, momona ka wana

The hala fruit are ripening, the sea urchins are fat

Hua hala pala

Hukeuke

Manipulation/Experimentation
Loi (terraced fields), auwai (irrigation channels), loko ia (fishponds)

Hand pollination

Testing and Transmission

He lohe pepeiao, he ike maka hoi A piece of hearsay [or] seen personally O ka mea pono, kpaa, o ka mea hewa, kpae ae The correct: retain, the flawed: set aside Selective oral transmission We pass on only what we accept as true

Contrasting World Views

Western
Land as commodity,

Hawaiian
Land as conscious entity. Ecosystems semi-wild.

Life domesticated.
People as labor. Living things as objects manipulated.

People connected spiritually.

Living things as conscious individuals.

Living things are sacred Biological elements kinolau of kini akua and are not cultural part of cultural landscape. (man-made) elements.

What Hawaiian tradition offers conservation ethic:

Hawaiian tradition holds that we are direct kin with the living elements of native ecosystems.

aumakua

kinolau

People are the youngest siblings in the genealogy of creation The youngest are charged with caring for the family

Validation of Gut Feelings

The enteric nervous system contains billions of neurons, distributed diffusely along the digestive system, and provides the majority of the moodaltering chemical serotonin. There is a complex feedback system between the enteric nervous system and the CNS.
--Gershon 2008 To the wise, what "feels pono" in the naau is what fits best with a lifetime of learning

Reconciliation of Western and Hawaiian approaches

BOTH SYSTEMS:
Recognize ecological zones Conduct experiments Transplant species

Rely on experts
Show concern for the future Impose & lift restrictions

Value of Ike Hawaii

Haka au i ka hale uluhe o Lauhaka
The Hawaiian petrels nest in the fern house of Lauhaka

The arrangment of ahupuaa on the island of Oahu demonstrates amazing optimization of access to ecosystem resources.

Hawaiian psychology & social science

Dispute resolution (hooponopono) Protocol for unification & joint effort Life is comprise of physical & spiritual aspects Moral conduct vital for success in life

Rebuilding a Sustainable Hawaiian Society

reestablishment of knowledge and values could rebuild a sustainable society that again values and maintains its unique island legacy

MAHALO!