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Ka Mamalahoe..."The Law of the Splintered Paddle"
History. . . Ke Ali'i Kanawai Mamalahoe Ma Papa'i paena Ali'i (The Kings Law of the Splintered Paddle) at Papa'i, Kings Landing is one of the most historical events in Hawaiian history during the the time of Kamehameha I. This event took place at Papa'i, a tiny fishing village just South of the Hilo/Puna District boundary which is located about a half hour from Hilo. However, many Kama'aina (locals) and Malihini (newcomers), have never seen or visited this Wahi Pana (sacred/important place). Why is this so and what are the circumstances that make it one of the most important, yet seldom known or visited Wahi Pana in Hawaiian History? In order to learn more about this special place, one must know the mo'olelo (story or legend) that goes with it and has been passed down from generation to generation among the Hawaiian people. In the 1780's, Kamehameha, while attempting to become the ruler of the entire island of Hawai'i, and thus battle with Keawemauhili, the great chief of Hilo was camped with his forces at Laupahoehoe. Being impatient, yet daring at the same time, he set out early one morning in a canoe with his steersman Kahaku'i and a few of his warriors to capture prisoners for sacrifice. As the practice durning time of war, they headed out to sea and then turned straight into land so as not to be seen until the very last moment. That brought his canoe into Papa'i where there was a "papa" (flat surface) that the canoe could be easily landed on. Jumping off the canoe, Kamehameha began chasing some fishermen of that area. While doing so, his foot became caught in a crevice. Seeing that the attacker could not move, the two fishermen Ku'iniki and Kaleikini turned on Kamehameha with Kaleikini throwing a net over him while Ku'iniki hit him over the head with a paddle that shattered. In the mean time, Kamehameha's trusted warriors came to his aid and they retreated back to Laupahoehoe. A few years later after successfully bringing all of Hawai'i under his control and while visiting Hilo, some of the very same fishermen from the village of Papa'i, that had unknowingly attacked Kamehameha were brought before him to be punished. At a place on the shore of Hilo Bay called Kaipalaoa, Kamehameha pardoned these men and declared the Ali'i Kanawai Mamalahoe (Kings Law of the Splintered Paddle). E' na kanaka, My people, E' malama 'oukou i ke akua Honor thy god A e' malama ho'i ke Kanaka nui a me kanaka iki; Indeed respect men great and small E' hele ka 'elemakule, ka luahine, a me ke kama Where old men, old women, and children go A moe i ke ala And lie down on the roadway, 'A ohe mea nana e' ho'opilikia Let no man cause harm. Hewa no, make. Disobey, and die As you can see, this mo'olelo tells you some of the reasons for this wahi pana (sacred place) to be so little known. One reason is that Papa'i or Kings Landing as it is known today is private property with no main roadway or any modern-day conveniences. With the exception of heavy vegetation growth and a grass like area, Papa'i is pretty much as it was in Kamehameha's time over two hundred years ago.
Papa'i Village (Kings Landing), Big Island. The area of the incident which prompted Ka Mamalahoe
Area believed to be where Kamehameha came ashore to chase the fishermen of Papa'i village. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How Ka Mamalahoe was formed... In 2002, Scotty Thompson and Russ Swaney decided to form a new canoe club. In seeking out a name for the club, the two sought the assistance of Kahu (priest) Leolani Pratt. Kahu Pratt accepted the offer and told Russ and Scotty she would pray on the matter. A week later Kahu Pratt informed Scott and Russ she envisioned a name and must meet with them right away. Kahu Pratt informed them she had a vision. In the vision, a Hawaiian man who appeared to be of Ali'i Class (Hawaiian Royalty) wearing a helmet, cloaked in red and yellow came to her. It was clear that this man was Kamehameha "The Great", for the colors of red and yellow amongst ancient Ali'i were reserved for Kamehameha. Kamehameha gazed at her for a moment and then turned to walk away. While turning away, Kamehameha raised his right hand which took the form of a splintered paddle. It was clear, that Ka Mamalahoe was the name intended for the new canoe club. Scott and Russ had their reservations about the name, for this name was spiritually powerful amongst Hawaiians and carried with it a great responsibility for all associated with it to live up to. Kahu Pratt reassured them that this name was "pono" (appropriate and righteous) to which both men accepted. Today, Ka Mamalahoe has grown into a thriving club of more than one hundred members with programs for everyone from children to senior adults and people from all walks of life. More importantly, especially for Scotty and Russ, the members and it's leadership has kept their responsibility to the great name for which they bare. The principles of Ohana (family), lokomaika'i (sharing) while perpetuating the Hawaiian culture can be witnessed at every practice session and race. It would seem Kahu Pratt was right on target. "E ola mau O' Ka Mamalahoe!" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imi`ike – to seek knowledge Pono – to be moral and proper
Laulima – to work cooperatively Lokomaika`i – to share Ha`aha`a – to be humble Na`au pono – to possess a deep sense of justice If we take these principles and incorporate them into our everyday lives, we can then look at ourselves and say that we live as Hawaiians.
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