Interior Department, Appendix 1, to Surveyor General's Report (Classic Reprint)

Hawaiian Islands Surveyor General

ISBN 10: 1333253915 / ISBN 13: 9781333253912

Published by Forgotten Books, 2017

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the intricate history of land ownership in the Hawaiian Kingdom, offering a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of land titles from ancient times to the mid-19th century. The author meticulously traces the transformation of the traditional Hawaiian land system, which bore striking similarities to European feudalism, into a more structured and defined system of ownership. The narrative delves into the complexities of the ancient Hawaiian land division, where districts (moku) were subdivided into smaller units (ahupua'a) and further into even smaller parcels (ili). The author sheds light on the intricate relationships between the King, chiefs, and commoners in the context of land ownership, highlighting the gradual shift from a communal system to individual ownership. The book explores the pivotal role of the Land Commission in resolving land disputes and establishing a framework for land titles, detailing the processes of awarding lands, issuing patents, and defining boundaries. The author also delves into the significance of the 'Mahele', the Great Division of lands, which marked a turning point in Hawaiian land ownership history. This insightful exploration of Hawaiian land titles provides a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and political factors that shaped land ownership in the Hawaiian Kingdom. The book's insights into the evolution of land tenure offer valuable perspectives on the complexities of property rights and the ongoing legacy of the Hawaiian land system. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781333253912_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Interior Department, Appendix 1, to Surveyor General's Report (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1333253915
• ISBN 13: 9781333253912
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • General Administrative Records

About this title

Synopsis

How land titles shaped Hawaii’s history, from ancient divisions to modern deeds.

This concise history explains how land in the Hawaiian Kingdom was divided, managed, and transferred. It covers the old systems that split land into districts and ahupuaʻa, the roles of chiefs and tenants, and the change from feudal-style control to government oversight and private titles.

The book traces key developments, including the Mahele division led by Kamehameha III, the creation of Crown and Government Lands, and the processes that granted fee simple titles and royal patents. It also explains the rights of common people, such as water access and building lots, and how awards and commutations shaped land ownership.

• How ancient land divisions like Moku, Ahupuaʻa, and Hi operated and why they mattered.
• What the Mahele did for chiefs, tenants, and the government, and how titles were created.
• How Crown Lands and Government Lands were managed, and what “royal patents” and “grants” signified.
• Which rights stayed with tenants, including access to water, building sites, and certain uses.

Ideal for readers of Hawaiian history, land law, and anyone curious about how land titles evolved in the kingdom.