Ed Gilman & I entered Bear Claw vicinity today, to survey the only
remaining part of the Maunawili Ditch that we had not yet seen. (Unlike
Kailua Ditch, most of what is visible from Waikupunaha, Maunawili Ditch
must be searched out).
Entered Ditch right above Bear Claw Water-tank. Surprisingly, full
concrete walls and floor. (Originally, the Waimanalo Irrigation
system was mostly dirt floor and walls, with wooden flumes used for
crossing gulches.) There were much concrete improvements as we followed
the ditch in the Kailua direction. Eventually we were beyond these
improvements. It seems that at one time, money was allocated for
improving the Ditch starting at Bear Claw and working backwards ("they"
must have intended to reopen water use for the Ditch). Money apparently
ran out, and this portion of the Ditch was never used again anyway.
Most of the many miles of Maunawili Ditch (in Waimanalo) is dry, the
water having entered a pipe soon after going thru Anianinui Tunnel.
Somewhere in the vicinity of Bear Claw Right & Power-line, a
gamecock farmer has encroached on the ditch and (a significantly large
area) mauka of the ditch. Not wanting to intrude on anyones' farm,
legal or otherwise, we backtracked, and did a major mauka bypass.
After that, back to the ditch; continued on until properties are close
to Ditch on both sides.
Made another mauka bypass. Came across significant Hawaiian Rock
Mounds. Three or four total. Excellent condition. Have never heard
or read about these. Appear to be some type of "alters". May have been
for sacrifice. Human sacrifice?
Hiked thru the forest (tall trees of long ago re-forestation), on
another ditch(!) about 100 feet higher in elevation than main Ditch.
Where would this Ditch ( not seen on any maps that I have reviewed),
lead?
Gets to a major Board of Water Supply facility. Ditch blocked by
concrete. Must have been that this Mauka Ditch was feed by a tunnel
or spring which is now used by Board of Water. (Located mauka of
Kaulakanu).
We wanted to get to the Ditch Tunnels near Mahailua, but not via
the portion of the Ditch that now has properties close on both sides.
We would stay at the higher elevation and make our way over. Ended up
coming across old graded contour road. Some portions still used
occasionally by HECO. Roads must have been cut by Plantation long
time ago.
Got to the point were one map shows Pohakunui Heiau being makai of
Ditch. Does anyone know where Pohakunui actually is? I think it may
exist mauka of Ditch and road.
Anyway, descended target gulch, and found Ditch. We proceeded to
walk/crawl thru the two tunnels (only shown as one tunnel on map), in
the former flow direction. Then headed back thru the two tunnels
again. These are low tunnels, not very easy to go thru. Amazing, no
concrete re-enforcement, just dug out with dirt walls and ceiling, and
these tunnels still exist!
Back at the target gulch, followed the Ditch short way (other
direction) until tunnel that goes under Mahailua. Unfortunately,
Tunnel entrance there is totally blocked by debris, rubbish, slide,
etc.
The whole Ditch System was amazing. Tremendous labor went into the
construction. Many tunnels and springs were used. In the Maunawili
Side the formerly beautiful wooden flumes have been replaced with
siphons, in there areas where the Ditch is still used. Of that, most
water leaks out before reaching Anianinui Tunnel. The dam intakes still
exist.
The Maunawili Ditch System is "Qualified for National Historic
Status". But the powers that be never took the next step, so in
reality, almost no one sees any of it, and the elements are slowing
disintegrating the system...
Anyway, it was good fun exploring these areas, that virtually no
one today sees. But 100 years ago many Plantation workers toiled
there. And for 1000+ years before that, these areas were inhabited
and important to the Kanaka Maoli. Truth is, the Ditch would make an
excellent hiking trail for Na Ala Hele...
Aloha,
Scott
Author: Scott Villiger <kalioneke@yahoo.com>
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