Prehistoric and early historic land use in the Kilauea Middle East Rift Zone (KMERZ) and anticipated historic sites

Abstract

"Archaeological Consultants of Hawaii, Inc. has conducted an inventory survey at the site of the proposed Kilauea Middle East Rift Zone (KMERZ), Well site #2, TMK: 1-2-10:3. This proposed well site is located in the Wao Kele O Puna Natural Area Reserve, Island of Hawaii (see maps #1 and 2). The subject property features an extremely rugged topography and an unusually thick vegetatative profile which combine to present some of the most difficult survey areas in the state. A thick mat of stony muck rests on mostly recent a'a and is covered with very dense uluhe, 'ie' ie, hapu'u, guava, ohi'a and a number of additional plants, vines and grasses. The reader may wish to reter to the numerous and recently completed botanical studies of this area for a more complete listing."