UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Archaeological survey and testing for the Saddle Road improvement project, Pohakuloa area, Island of Hawaii

Author:
Welch, David J., International Archaeological Research Institute,
Title:
Archaeological survey and testing for the Saddle Road improvement project, Pohakuloa area, Island of Hawaii
Year:
1993
Pages:
xii, 119 p.
Subject:
Archaeological surveying Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) Pohakuloa antiquities Mauna Kea Adzes Quarry
Summary:
An intensive archaeological survey of a corridor at least 200 ft wide on each side of a 14.5 mile section of the Saddle Road in the Pohakuloa area on the Island of Hawaii resulted in the identification of 3 previously recorded sites within the project area. These sites consist of two historic rock walls (Sites 50-10-31-5002 and 50-10-32-7119) and a lava tube shelter (Site 50-10-31-5003). One new site (50-10-31-14638), a lithic scatter, was found at the edge of but outside the survey corridor. Three 50 x 50 cm test pits, excavated inside the Site 5003 lava tube cave, uncovered deposits dated to the late prehistoric through modern periods and indicated the potential presence of earlier deposits., which were rich in charcoal; basalt flakes, apparently of material from the Mauna Kea adze quarry; volcanic glass; and bone, including pig and numerous birds, among them dark-rumped petrel, small songbirds, and several large indigenous species. The site appears to have been used as a temporary shelter by Hawaiians transporting materials from the Mauna Kea adze quarry and procuring local resources, such as volcanic glass and birds. All four sites are evaluated as significant for their information content. No further work is recommended for Sites 5002 and 7119, but it is recommended that Site 5003 be avoided during construction activities or data recovery be conducted to mitigate potential adverse impacts. Intensive survey and further evaluation are recommended for Site 14638.
Collection:
Monographs