HONOLULU (KHON2) - In the ahupuaʻa of Honolulu, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a roadway given the same name as what became the first official law across Hawaiʻi.
We are speaking of Māmalahoa Pl.
Kamehameha, prior to becoming king, famously proclaimed Kānāwai Māmalahoa, the Law of the Splintered Paddle.
Stories share, while in search for a human sacrifice, Kamehameha spotted and pursued innocent fishermen along a Puna coast.
In fear for their lives, the fishermen began to run away until they realized their chaser got his foot stuck in the rocks.
One of the fishermen turned around, threw a net over Kamehameha and struck him over the head with a paddle, splintering it.
The fisherman refrained from striking again which ultimately allowed Kamehameha to survive the incident.
Learning from his near-death experience, Kamehameha proclaimed his most famous decree: “Let old men, women and children be free to lie by the roadside without fear of harm.”
But, as stories may vary, one highlights the name Māmalahoa.
Māmala pertaining to the broken paddle over Kamehameha’s head, and hoa referring to the death of his dear companion.
Following the dazing blow, Kamehameha’s steersman arrived to help free him when spears began to fly their way.
The steersman was struck and hid behind Kamehameha who warded off the remaining spears bare handed.
After freeing his foot, Kamehameha and his companion fled to their canoe and returned to their base.
Once the chief’s council learned of the danger Kamehameha was in, they needlessly killed his steersman.
Saddened by the innocent death of his friend, Kamehameha proclaimed the Law of Māmalahoa which remains in Hawaiʻi’s constitution today.
Did you know? Now you do!