William H. Folk, Rodney Chiogioji, Matthew J. McDermott and Hallett H. Hammatt.
Cultural Surveys Hawai'i for Klaus Kunter
March 1991
During the week of September 24, 1990 Cultural Surveys Hawai'i conducted an archaeological surface survey and subsurface testing of a 12.66 acre parcel (TMK 4-3-08:1) for Mr. Klaus Kunter in Waipouli, Kaua'i. In the surface survey an historic cesspool was located and prehistoric basalt flake tools were collected from the land surface and from the northern bank of the Waipouli Drainage Canal where a buried cultural layer was observed.
The subsurface testing consisted of the excavation of 46 backhoe trenches ranging in length from 2 m. (7 ft.) to 47 m. (155 ft.) comprising a total of about 490 m. or 1609 linear feet of trench. The excavations located 8 human burials; an early historic cultural deposit associated with two Land Commission Awards of the 1850s; a more recent cultural deposit associated with an early 20 th century residence and veterinarians office; a prehistoric cultural layer in the southern half of the parcel; and an old marsh deposit of a former stream buried under modern fill in the northern half of the parcel. Four of the burials postdate the prehistoric layer, one predates it, and three are contemporaneous with it. Upon encountering each burial, excavations ceased and disturbed portions of the interred remains were collected and returned to the burial. Locations of each burial were recorded on the survey map, markers protruding above the ground surface were placed next to the remains and the burials were then covered over again. Items believed to be grave goods were reburied with the human remains.
Radiocarbon dating of four charcoal samples suggests the prehistoric layer dates back to at least the early 16th century. Large areas of this layer were found to be relatively undisturbed and to contain a significant number of traditional Hawaiian tools that suggest the site was utilized in the pursuit of occupational endeavors rather than for permanent habitation. A unique cache of sling stones provides the first meaningful, although provisional sequence of manufacture of these notable artifacts.
Historical research brings together a diverse body of obscure resource material that has given rebirth to old place names and cultural and geographical features in Waipouli ahupua'a. This provides the first comprehensive outline of the history of the native land division and reflects the close affinity of Hawaiians to the land.
Recommendations include the formulation of an archaeological data recovery plan to include accessioning of artifacts and guidelines for monitoring, as well as a burial treatment plan. The southeastern portion of the project area is recommended for preservation after archaeological sampling.