POLLEN INVESTIGATION IN MOKUHINIA FISHPOND, MAUI

Pollen samples were examined from Core 7, which was extracted from the base of the excavations at backhoe Trench 1, in the central portion of Mokuhinia Pond. Sediments recovered from this core between the ground water table at approximately 110 cm below the present ground surface, and 175 cm below the surface, were examined for pollen. Radiocarbon ages that may be associated with these sediments range from 290 +60 BP (AD 1459-1681) through 3020 +60 BP(BC 1406-1111). Pollen analysis of the sediments was undertaken to answer three research questions. First, the pollen seeks to identify the first appearance of Polynesian-introduced plants. Second, the pollen record seeks to address whether sedimentation from the upland areas began priorto Hawaiian colonization of the area or afterwards. Third, the post-Contact (AD 1778-1850) portion of the stratigraphic record was of particular interest in identifying the first evidence of plant introduction. Evidence of pre-Contact period environmental changes or shifts in the plant communities that may be related to upland clearing of forests for indigenous agriculture was also of interest.