In 1871, King David Kalakaua proclaimed June 11 at King Kamehameha Day to honor his great-grandfather:
Kalani Pai‘ea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali‘ikui Kamehameha o ‘Iolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea
Known as the "Napoleon of the Pacific," King Kamehameha rose to power on his home island of Hawaii. He conquered six other islands and signed a peace treaty with Kauai to create the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. His action probably saved the islands from being taken as European colonies following Captain Cooke's arrival in Waimea Bay (on Kauai) in 1778. After creating his kingdom, he "retired" to the Big Island of Hawaii and lead a quiet life.
King Kamehameha Day is a state holiday that is celebrated with festivals on all six major islands. So let's celebrate here at SOS Aloha!
In honor of King Kamehameha Day, I am giving away a Hawaiian Gift Pack to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about a local hero in your home town - an explorer, founder, or public servant such as a politician, policeman, or fireman.
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, June 18, 10 pm in Tampa. I'll post the winners on Sunday, June 19.
Mahalo,
Kim in Tampa
One of King Kamehameha's legacy is the "Law of the Splintered Paddle" - a model for human rights to protect civilian populations from military crossfire.
In 1797, Kamehameha raided a neighbor island and chased two fisherman. His leg was caught in the read and one fisherman, Keleleiki, hit him on the head with a paddle. The paddled splintered.
Years, later, the same fisherman faced the new King. Instead of a death sentence, Kamehameha ruled that Keleleiki was protecting his land and family. Thus, Kamehameha created the Law of the Splintered Paddle which is now a part of the Hawaiian State Constitution:
Kānāwai Māmalahoe
E nā kānaka,
E mālama ‘oukou i ke akua
A e māmala ho‘i ke kanaka nui a me kanaka iki;
E hele ka ‘elemakule, ka luahine, a me ke kama
A moe i ke ala
‘A‘ohe mea nāna e ho‘opilikia.
Hewa nō. Make.
Law of the Splintered Paddle
O my people,
Honor thy god;
respect alike [the rights of] men great and humble;
See to it that our aged, our women, and our children
Lie down to sleep by the roadside
Without fear or harm.
Disobey, and die.
Honor thy god;
respect alike [the rights of] men great and humble;
See to it that our aged, our women, and our children
Lie down to sleep by the roadside
Without fear or harm.
Disobey, and die.
Good morning everyone!
ReplyDeleteKim, I love to learn more about the Hawaiian history and culture on your blog.
I don't have to look far for a local hero, because my dad is my hero. He has been a firefighter for over 35 years and he just retired last September. He will always be my hero not only because he is my dad.
Well since I was born and raised in Chicago there could be a lot of local heroes. But if I had to chose I would say the police officers and firemens. I now live in Wheaton which is where Mr. Charles Montgomery Barnes from the Barnes and Noble fame opened his first second-hand textbooks out of his home.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birth King Kamehameha!
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I wanted to let you know I got the package you sent to me. Thanks you so much. :)
I just recently learned that my hubby visited Hawaii when he was 16, he and his family stayed for 2 weeks and he said it was beautiful and wants to go back.
My younger brother was a firefighter for 15 years and was also a paramedic. He recently retired because of a back problem. I know how hard their jobs are and am so proud of him.
Happy Kamehameha Day. We honor Henry Hudson here for discovering exploring NY and the Hudson River is named after him.
ReplyDeleteHappy Kamehameha Day!
ReplyDeleteLove the Law of the Splintered Paddle!
My area is big on Sir Francis Drake. He was supposed to have landed the Golden Hinde nearby.
I'm from PA and it was colonized by William Penn who preached religious tolerance. Pennsylvania or Penn's woods for our many forrests.
ReplyDeleteHappy King Kamehameha Day.
catslady
I love Hawaiian history. It is so fascinating. Thomas Hooker was one of the founding fathers of Connecticut. A strict Puritan, I find his last name to be intriguing debby236 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteHmm, I can't think of a local, hometown hero. But one that is known as a state hero is the Swamp Fox, Francis Marion. He helped defeat the English during the American Revolution. He was somewhat portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie THE PATRIOT.
ReplyDeleteI live in Pittsburgh, PA. It was named after William Pitt. As leader of the British government, Pitt led Britain to victory over France in the French and Indian War.
ReplyDelete