SCS Digs in Garapan, Saipan

Garapan
John Castro and Vanessa Cabrera work on a pre-contact burial site. Photo by Alexie Villegas Zotomayor, Marianas Variety
SCS is in the middle of the “biggest archaeological dig in Saipan’s history.” The site is about 40,000 sq. m. in size in downtown Garapan. Multiple burials have been discovered including remains of a indigenous pre-contact Chamorro burial. In the news: Archaeologists find pre-contact period settlement in Garapan (Marianas Variety, 14 April 2015) Former KHS student among archaeologists digging in Garapan (Marianas Variety 15 April 2015)  

SCS Archaeologists Survey Kuhio Hwy, Kauai, on Rappel

Rappel in Lower FallsSCS archaeologists performed an archaeological inventory survey (AIS) in Kalihiwai, Kauai, as part of the Kuhio Highway Invasive Species Management project. The purpose of the project was to remove invasive and dangerous vegetation, such as the albizia, from above the roadway. The Molucca albizia is considered an invasive species in Hawaii. The trees can grow very rapidly in disturbed and wet areas and shed large branches dangerous to houses and infrastructure (wiki). In order to complete their survey in steep and vertical terrain, SCS archaeologists performed several rappels. Kihei Heiau, Bennet site 137, was said to be located at the base of a waterfall on the east side of Kalihiwai Valley. No remnants of the heiau were discovered. According to Thrum, it was “a small heiau built by a chief of the same name. Its walls were 8 feet high, and at his death its paving was removed and he was buried in his canoe in the enclosure.”  Read more
Preservation Media Award from the Historic Hawaii Foundation

Preservation Media Award from the Historic Hawaii Foundation

SCS Hawaii will share an award from the Historic Hawaii Foundation for its work on the Puna Moku Coastal Trail. The Preservation Honor Awards are Hawaii’s highest recognition of preservation projects that perpetuate, rehabilitate, restore, or interpret the state’s architectural. archaeological, or cultural heritage. roundabout-830x554The Puna Moku Coastal Trail is a 17-mile route between Nawiliwili and Anahola for non motorized vehicles and pedestrian access. The trail is marked with interpretative signage about the region’s historical, ecological, archaeological, and cultural resources. Images from PBR Hawaii.  
Cub Scouts Explore Maui Archaeological Sites with SCS Archaeologists

Cub Scouts Explore Maui Archaeological Sites with SCS Archaeologists

Cub Scout Pack 55 of Kihei experienced a tour of historic Native Hawaiian home sites, religious shrines and farm terraces in the Honua’ula project area on Friday, Oct. 11. SCS documented the archaeological features of the site during fieldwork and recently completed an Archaeological Inventory Survey. 511859_1Archeologist Ian Bassford led the scouts. Bassford is a field archeologist who has documented over 500 archaeological sites found within the southern 190 acres of the proposed Honua’ula project. See the article at Maui Weekly for more.