Great Mahele

The Great Mahele, established in 1848 in Hawaii, was a significant land reform effort initiated by King Kamehameha III. It aimed to redistribute land ownership from the monarchy and chiefs to common Hawaiian people, adapting to increasing pressures from foreign settlers and economic changes. The reform allowed private land ownership and formalized land claims, but it ultimately favored wealthier haoles (non-Hawaiians), leading to significant loss of native land. Despite its intent to empower Hawaiians, the Great Mahele contributed to the decline of traditional land stewardship and increased foreign control over Hawaii's resources and economy.