konohiki

A konohiki was a land manager or chief in ancient Hawaii, responsible for overseeing a specific district or resource, such as taro patches or fishing grounds. They acted as intermediaries between the ruling aliʻi (chiefs) and the common people, regulating resource use, collecting tribute, and ensuring sustainable management of the land and resources. Often a trusted aide or noble, the konohiki played a vital role in maintaining social order and resource distribution within their community, balancing the needs of the people with the expectations of the aliʻi.