What is "Pilina Inoa?"
Parupeneus multifasciatus (Iʻa)
Image Credit: Keoki Stender
Saccharum officinarum 'Moano' (Kanu)
Image Credit: Noa Lincoln
Colocasia esculenta 'Moano' (Kanu)
Image Credit: Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiʻinohomoku
"Pilina" has many definitions, but in this context, it refers to a relationship, association, or connection. "Inoa" is the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi word for "name" or "title."
For the purposes of this project, pilina inoa refers to organisms that share the same name, extending past the traditionally studied mauka and makai "dualities."
An example of pilina inoa is "Moano," which is the inoa for Parupeneus multifasciatus, Saccharum officinarum 'Moano,' and Colocasia esculenta 'Moano." Moano refers to the pale red color in these organisms.
Why study pilina inoa?
Hawaiian nomenclatural taxonomy has been traditionally explored through the lens of "mauka" and "makai" dualities, emphasizing the significance of the relationships between mountainous (mauka) and coastal (makai) ecosystems. While this dichotomy has yielded valuable insights into the unique biodiversity of these regions, it has also created a narrow perspective, overlooking the interconnectedness and complexity of Hawaiian ecosystems. The existing literature predominantly focuses on these geographic zones, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of the broader ecological relationships that shape Hawaiian biodiversity.
This project seeks to address this limitation by adopting a holistic approach to examine the nomenclatural relationships within the Hawaiian taxonomy. By transcending the traditional "mauka" and "makai" framework, I aim to uncover the intricate connections between different ecosystems, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of Hawaiian biodiversity.