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About nupepa

Just another place that posts random articles from the Hawaiian Newspapers! It would be awesome if this should become a space where open discussions happen on all topics written about in those papers!! And please note that these are definitely not polished translations, but are just drafts!!! [This blog is not affiliated with any organization and receives no funding. Statements made here should in now way be seen as a reflection on other organizations or people. All errors in interpretation are my own.]

Let the old men go forth and lie upon the roads… 1895.

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“LAW OF THE PADDLE BLOW.”
[“MAMALAHOE KANAWAI.”]

This above are the initial words of the very first law promulgated in the communities of Hawaii, and those words spoken by one in authority still remain. Here below is the the law in its entirety:

“MAMALAHOE KANAWAI—Let the old men go forth and lie upon the roads; let the old women go forth and lie upon the roads; let the children go forth and lie upon the roads.”

This first law was proclaimed by Paiea (Kamehameha I) after his head was struck by some fishermen at the seashore in Puna, Hawaii, because they mistakenly thought he was someone else. When his head was struck with the blow from a canoe paddle, the men fled, there being five of them; that was when Paiea rose, picked up a rock, and made to chase after them, however, his foot was caught in a rock crevice, and his chase was cut short. The rock in his hand fell, and there was no getting it back. And it was this disappointment which caused him to proclaim these famous and powerful words in our history. The place where Paiea’s foot was caught can be seen to this day.

Here, we take what is shown on pages 94 and 95 of “Ka Buke Lapaau me na Mea Pili Kaulana” which was published by Kamaki [Thomas P. Spencer]:¹

“Soon after this battle (Kepuwahaulaula), the fishermen who years earlier struck the head of Kamehameha with a paddle near the sea were brought before him by his officers. This shameful act of theirs was made known to Kamehameha face to face, for which his officers demanded that they be killed by stoning them to death.

“The aloha Kamehameha had for his fellow man was expressed for the first time in his famous pardon by announcing:

“‘Mamalahoe Kanawai: you are prisoners of war, but you are forgiven for unwittingly striking my head–I escaped, but nearly was in trouble.’

“Here, O Reader, do recognize–love for his fellow man was the cure² for which allowed for the release of these rebels of Puna by Kamehameha, and him not giving regard to the calls by his officers to put them to death. This is a fine comparison to President Dole of the Republic; he with his Executive Powers does not come close to a hundredth of the Kanawai Mamalahoe, in his treatment of the Hawaiian prisoners of the revolution of January 17, 1895 who continue to be imprisoned albeit the lahui are united in wanting them released. That was an uncivilized time when [the men] were triumphantly released by Kamehameha, and this is a knowledge and civilization, and yet Dole has not given clemency to the Hawaiian prisoners for the fame of his name and that of his Nation.”

Our elucidation of this famous story is not like that of Spencer’s, but the basis of his explanation of Kamehameha’s forgiving those who injured him, that is what we want to make clear at this time, so that true love of one’s fellow man is seen by them.

¹This book was republished in 2003 by Bishop Museum Press as: Buke ‘Oihana Lapa’au me na ‘Apu la’au Hawai’i (Book of Medical Practices and Hawaiian Prescriptions). See here for further description.

²”Laau lapaau” [medicinal cure] is the word chosen here because this story appears in a book of traditional medicinal practices.

(Makaainana, 11/25/1895, p. 4)

"MAMALAHOE KANAWAI."

Ka Makaainana, Buke IV—-Ano Hou. Helu 22, Aoao 4. Novemaba 25, 1895.

More on Nupepa Elele and its missing pages, 2013.

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Nupepa Elele. Missing Issues.

Nupepa Elele. Missing Issues.

I did a quick spreadsheet on the currently missing issues of Nupepa Elele. If we consider that each issue comprised of four pages, that would mean at this point, with approximately 561 issues missing of a total of 663 issues, that we are without information printed on 2,244 pages running from 1879 to 1892! These issues could be somewhere in these islands, or far, far away. Spread the word that we are looking for Hawaiian newspapers. More newspaper pages would give a clearer view of history/histories. Perhaps some day, i will complete one of these spreadsheets for each of the Hawaiian-Language Newspapers, showing what is available now, and what is missing.

[It is also unfortunate that a number of the issues of Nupepa Elele that do exist today are torn and taped, and in general are badly digitized, so if you are looking at them online, they are difficult (or simply impossible) to read!]

Click below for an overview of what issues of Nupepa Elele are currently extant (in black), and what is not (in red).

Nupepa Elele

Missing newspapers leave holes in histories, 1881.

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[Found under: “LOCAL NEWS”]

We have received from P. R. Holi of Kauai, a response to the Elele, and what it published about him; this is his response which we accepted with great import: It is true, it was my friend and I who brought Kamahueeu, a person inflicted with leprosy [mai pake], and some other sick ones from Hanapepe without any problem to Lihue to the Sheriff [Makai nui], and then after completing this duty for him, I returned home; it was not me who caused him harm, it was some other officer; therefore, the Elele was totally misdirected in its publishing this, and the one who wrote the story was mistaken.

[Hopefully the missing years of the newspaper “Ka Nupepa Elele” (1879–1885), which includes the year the article referred to here appears, will not be missing forever! Might anyone have any ideas where these might be found?

It also should be noted that responding to a news article appearing in one newspaper in another paper like the response above, was a very common practice.]

(Kuokoa, 11/26/1881, p. 3)

Ua loaa mai ia makou mai a P. R. Holi...

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XX, Helu 48, Aoao 3. Novemaba 26, 1881.

Ia oe e ka la e alohi nei… 1874.

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The Birthday of the King.

Monday, the 16th of November, is the birthday of our beloved King Kalakaua. He was born in the year 1833, and he will be making forty-three years old. In the column ‘Ma ke Kauoha’ [By Authority], seen is the Government notice that the birthday of our King will be held as a Day of Thanks to the Almighty God, for the blessings received by our lahui this past year; He has kindly assisted our King and His People in progressive endeavors and in things that will benefit our homeland, and may He watch over the King during His time away from his Kingdom of Islands on His travels.

Therefore, we ask the lahui from Hawaii to Niihau to heed the good announcement of the Government, that this day shall be a day of prayer, and that meetings will be held to kneel and give appreciation to the Almighty Father; and let us not forget to ask of the Heavens to watch over the King who He in his benevolence has placed as a Father to the lahui of these islands in the Pacific Ocean, while He will be travelling to seek blessings for us all.

On Tuesday, November 17th, our King and the Governor of Oahu, J. O. Dominis, along with the Governor of Maui, J. M. Kapena, will go on a trip to Washington to meet with the President of the United States of America.

(Kuokoa, 11/7/1874, p. 2)

Ka la Hanau o ka Moi.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XIII, Helu 5, Aoao 2. Novemaba 7, 1874.

Kamehamalu dies in far away London, 1824.

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DEATHS.

At London, 8th July, Her Majesty TAMEHAMALU, Queen of the Sandwich Islands. The cause of her death was inflammation of the lungs.—She was sensible she was dying, and was quite resigned. The separation of the King and Queen was very affecting.—”We are,” adds the London paragraphist, “in the the less grief for his Majesty’s loss, as we understand he has four more wives at home.” Unfortunately for this unfeeling attempt at wit, there is no truth in it. Since the conversion of the Sandwich Islanders to Christianity, polygamy has been abolished.—The Queen lay in state two days before her interment. Her coffin was covered with her ornaments, intermixed with bouquets of flowers, and the floor was strewed with rose leaves. The body was wrapped tightly in waxed linen. The coffin bore this inscription:—”Tamehamalu Eli—No Na aina o awahi—Make i Pelekani—22 Makaika Taitu—London 8 Kemahoe o ke Maikiki—1824.”—In English, “Tamehamalu, Queen of the Sandwich Islands, departed this life in London, on the 8th July, 1824, aged 22 years.” She could read English very well, and could speak it a little. The King sustained his loss like a Christian.—Raising his eyes from the body, he said, “She is gone to Heaven.” At the last date, the King was very ill, and could not, without difficulty, indite a despatch to his favorite minister “William Pitt,” announcing his loss. The British King, and Ministers, paid every mark of attention on this occasion.

[Mahalo to Ramona Ho by way of the Antonios for getting this great article to me!

It is important to note that although Chronicling America is a great site for looking up information, it does have its limitations. 1) It does not include all of the states. 2) All of the newspapers in a given state are not necessarily made accessible. 3) Even if a given newspaper is included, it does not necessarily mean that all issues of that paper are accessible. 4) The years included are only from 1836–1922.]

(New-Hampshire Patriot & State Gazette, 8/30/1824, p. 3)

DEATHS.

New-Hampshire Patriot & State Gazette, Volume XVI, Number 804, Page 3. August 30, 1824.

Kauai court records saved …by prisoners? 1911.

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RECORDS OF THE KAUAI DISTRICT COURT SAVED ONLY BECAUSE OF SOME PRISONERS.

In some news received from Kauai, it told of the saving of the records of the court of Kauai from being destroyed by fire on the night of the 14th, that being this past Friday, through the quick action of a prisoner sentenced for attempted murder.

At 11 o’clock that night, the desk of Judge C. S. Dole in the courthouse of Lihue was on fire; the cause of the fire is unknown. The courthouse and the court records within it were saved because of the quick action taken by some of the prisoners in the jail; if the jail was located far away, there would have just been a pile of ashes. The prisoner who noticed it and went to go save it was Jona Davis, a prisoner sentenced a day earlier for attempted murder; he was assisted by some other prisoners.

(Kuokoa, 7/21/1911, p. 6)

E OLE KEKAHI MAU PAAHAO PAKELE AI KA BUKE MOOLELO O KA AHA O KAUAI.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XLVII, Helu 29, Aoao 6. Iulai 21, 1911.

More on the state of taro, 1911.

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Don’t Neglect the Planting of Kalo

It is to you, O Hawaiians, who we strongly encourage in regard to this question about kalo here forward, for large kalo-growing lands here in Honolulu will be dried out and put an end to by those who own them. Should those lands where kalo is being grown today truly be left to dry out, by our estimation, nearly 300 acres of kalo lands will be lost here in Honolulu, or perhaps four hundred or more acres of kalo lands will not be planted anymore. Therefore, to make up for this lost acreage, it is for all of you people outside of Honolulu to plant dry-land taro in fields and small patches, or in large loi where taro can constantly be cultivated.

If you have an abundance of kalo, then feed the sows, the hens, the turkeys, the ducks, and animals from which a person who plants a lot of taro can benefit; for you can eat the kalo, and the animals can eat the stalks [haha kalo], the leaves [luau], the watery residue from poi making [kale ai]; all these things are of great help to the farmer of kalo. Therefore, O Hawaiians, don’t be weary to grow kalo, and don’t neglect this lively endeavor on the land.

(Kuokoa Home Rula, 8/18/1911, p. 2)

Mai Hoopalaleha i ke Kanu Kalo

Kuokoa Home Rula, Buke IX, Helu 33, Aoao 2. Augate 18, 1911.

Something to consider as more and more agricultural lands get covered over by concrete, 1911 / 2013.

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THE STIRRING AND FLUTTERING OF TARO LEAVES TO DISAPPEAR

 We are discussing this problem, that being the disappearance of the fluttering taro leaves from places where kalo farming was seen often before. This is clear should our speculation be true.

The Bishop Trustees and those of Pauahi Bishop are considering putting an end for all time to the farming of kalo on lands owned by Bishop and Mrs. Pauahi Bishop here in Honolulu, or in all areas near Honolulu; there will be no more farming of kalo from now on. Should the reader take a look at the lands towards the ocean and towards the uplands of School Street, the majority of those kalo lands belong to Bishop and Pauahi, and should these large tracts of kalo-growing lands be put an end to, taro leaves growing there will no longer be seen, and two years hence, the leases with the Chinese taro farmers will come to an end; but these are not the only taro lands; in Manoa Valley, there are acres of kalo land. It can be said that most of the taro-farming lands in Manoa Valley belong to Bishop, and should the kalo farming be put to an end in that valley, then it is appropriate for us to say that taro leaves will disappear from the district of Kona, and when the leases are stopped, the lands will be dried up, and they will be made into lots to lease to those who have no homes, or they will be sold, like what is being considered by the Trustees of Bishop folks.

 One of the main reasons to end the farming of kalo on these lands is perhaps because if the farming of kalo continues, these areas will be places for infectious diseases to reside; through this, O Hawaiians, our end will come; if these kalo lands are dried out and kalo is not grown, then there will be no other lands for the Chinese to lease like these tracts of lands of many acres, and should they indeed be done away with, then the places where kalo is grown will decrease. As a result, the poi prices will increase, for where will kalo be readily obtained to supply this town and to get poi? For those who have taro fields, it is important that they continue to plant taro; there will not be the profits in that work like what we always speak of when talking of farming; and it is not just here that the leaves of the taro will no longer be seen, but it will disappear from Waikane, Waiahole, and Kahana, for the water there is going to the sugarcane plantations. Alas for us Hawaiians who hereafter will be left wandering, looking for kalo and poi. Rise O Hawaiians and continue to farm kalo lest you be left hungry, being that the stirring and fluttering of kalo leaves will disappear from Honolulu nei.

[This deserves to be retranslated nicely…]

(Kuokoa Home Rula, 8/18/1911, p. 2)

E NALOHIA ANA KA ONI AME KA LULI ANA O KA LAU KALO

Kuokoa Home Rula, Buke IX, Helu 33, Aoao 2. Augate 18, 1911.

More births, so many more, 1913.

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GAVE BIRTH TO TWINS THREE TIMES

It is not something new for twins to be born by all ethnicities, just as is seen in Hawaii nei; however, there perhaps has not been a woman who has given birth to twins three times like the wife of Joe Castro of Kakaako; and the amazing thing is that each time she has given birth to twins, they were always just girls.

This Tuesday, that woman gave birth for the third time her twins, but there has been other times which she has given birth to just a single child; and if you add up all of her children, they total up to twelve, and nine are still living at this time.

Some give birth to twins just one time, while others perhaps twice, but this Portuguese woman is known to have given birth three times to twins; and it would seem that being of her nature, there may come a time that she may give birth to twins once more.

(Kuokoa, 11/7/1913, p. 4)

HANAU MAHOE NO EKOLU MANAWA.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke LI, Helu 44, Aoao 4. Novemaba 7, 1913.

Vital Statistics, 1913.

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MARRIAGES.

George Wittrock to Piilani Kikaha, Oct. 13.

BIRTHS.

To Francis Keolanui and Abe Hatsuno, a daughter, Oct. 21.
To William Horner and Lydia Pahau, a son, Oct. 22.
To Even Skipau and Eliza Lono, a son, Oct. 25.

DEATHS.

Henry Watson, on Kawaiahao Street, Oct. 27.
Manu Hoa, on Pauoa Street, Oct. 28.
Hakuole A. Makaimi, on Jack Lane, Oct. 30.
Jacob Dudoit, on Peterson Lane, Oct. 30.
Mrs. Lydia R. Kahoohalahala, at Queen’s Hospital, Oct. 31.
Kelii Lokomaikai, on Vineyard Street, Nov. 1.
Mrs. Mary Kaaialii Koakanu, on Dement Street, Nov. 4.
Maile Akamu, on Wyllie Street, Nov. 5.
Robert Moiliili, on Kama Lane, Nov. 5.

(Kuokoa, 11/7/1913, p. 4)

NA MARE. / NA HANAU. / NA MAKE.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke LI, Helu 44, Aoao 4. Novemaba 7, 1913.