Front matter and Editorial

Abstract

Archaeological research on prehistoric and historic Hawai'i proceeds at a rapid, even accelerating pace. Despite global recession, development throughout the islands continues to generate a substantial amount of archaeological field work, reporting of primary data, and areal syntheses. Other research, in­ dependent of contract archaeology, also appears to be increasing. Public organizations involved in ar­ chaeological research, such as the University of Hawai'i, the State Historic Preservation Division, and the Bishop Museum (now designated the State Museum of Natural and Cultural History), now employ more professional, Ph.D. and M.A. level archaeologists than ever before. Undergraduate and graduate stu­ dent enrolment in archaeology at the University of Hawai'i has also grown significantly in recent years. Recent publications reflect not only this growth, but also the prominence of Hawaiian archaeology to a national and international audience (e.g., recent issues of Asian Perspectives and recent symposia at na­ tional and international meetings).