Makua Album

These images were made on 4X5 black-and-white film between 2002 and 2007 on 40-50 cultural accesses negotiated with the US Army by Malama Makua, an organization advocating the return of ancestral lands to Kanaka Maoli, native Hawaiians. The valley was appropriated for military target practice and its native inhabitants evicted soon after the beginning of WWII. Like Vieques in Puerto Rico and Kaho’olawe, Makua is now heavily contaminated with unexploded ordinance, including mortar rounds and 500-lb bombs that work their way to the surface after heavy rains. Those entering must sign legal releases and remain on roads and pathways cleared for safe passage.