09-27-2014, 12:14 PM
In thinking about the idea some have put forth that what happens in our lifetime is somehow different when compared to another.. past or future.. and that renewal of the land with a fresh layer of rock is somehow able to change the significance of a place... the story of Keliikuku comes to mind and how it so graphically puts what is happening in Puna in the long run, and Pahoa right now, in historical perspective.
The Legend of Keliikuku, as published in 1979 in "The Kalapana Extension of the 1800s: A research of the historical records" which itself was quoting the 1868 publication of "Contributions of a Venerable Savage to the Ancient History of the Hawaiian Islands" by Jules Remy, and is also recounted in Aloha O Kalapana, goes as follows:
"According to common tradition the district of Puna was, until two centuries ago, a magnificent country, possessing a sandy soil it is true, but one very favorable to vegetation, and with smooth even roads. The Hawaiians of our day hold tradition from their ancestors, that their great grandparents beheld the advent of volcanic floods in Puna. Here in brief is the tradition as it was told by islanders in Jules Remy's Contributions of a Venerable Savage to the Ancient History of the Hawaiian Islands.
"This high chief who reigned in Puna journeyed to the island of Oahu. There he met a prophet from Kauai, named Kaneakalau, who asked him who he was. 'I am,' replied the chief, 'Keliikuku of Puna.'
"The prophet then asks him what sort of country he possessed. The chief said: 'My country is charming, everything is found there in abundance, everywhere are sandy plains which produce marvelously.' 'Alas!' replied the prophet, 'Go, return to your beautiful country. You will find it overthrown, abominable, Pele has made of it a heap of ruins; the trees of the mountains have descended towards the sea, the ohia and pandanus are on the shore. Your country is no longer habitable.'
"The chief made [an] answer: 'Prophet of evil, if what you now tell me is true you shall live; but if, when I return to my country, I prove the falsity of your predictions, I will come back on purpose and you shall die by my hand.'
"Unable, in spite of his incredulity, to forget this terrible prophecy, Keliikuku set sail for Hawaii. He reached Hamakua and, landing, travelled home by short stages. From the heights of Hilo at the village of Makahanaloa, he beheld in the distance all his province overwhelmed in chaotic ruin, a prey to fire and smoke. In despair, the unfortunate chief hung himself on the very spot where he first discovered this sad spectacle."
This legend has always given me chicken skin.. to see in my mind.. to feel in my heart.. the fertile land described and the upheaval of the time. I have never tried to actually overlay the story on the geological record, instead I appreciate it for the door it opens into that sense of being there having the experience myself. Puna covered in lush sandy soil. Imagine that.
The Legend of Keliikuku, as published in 1979 in "The Kalapana Extension of the 1800s: A research of the historical records" which itself was quoting the 1868 publication of "Contributions of a Venerable Savage to the Ancient History of the Hawaiian Islands" by Jules Remy, and is also recounted in Aloha O Kalapana, goes as follows:
"According to common tradition the district of Puna was, until two centuries ago, a magnificent country, possessing a sandy soil it is true, but one very favorable to vegetation, and with smooth even roads. The Hawaiians of our day hold tradition from their ancestors, that their great grandparents beheld the advent of volcanic floods in Puna. Here in brief is the tradition as it was told by islanders in Jules Remy's Contributions of a Venerable Savage to the Ancient History of the Hawaiian Islands.
"This high chief who reigned in Puna journeyed to the island of Oahu. There he met a prophet from Kauai, named Kaneakalau, who asked him who he was. 'I am,' replied the chief, 'Keliikuku of Puna.'
"The prophet then asks him what sort of country he possessed. The chief said: 'My country is charming, everything is found there in abundance, everywhere are sandy plains which produce marvelously.' 'Alas!' replied the prophet, 'Go, return to your beautiful country. You will find it overthrown, abominable, Pele has made of it a heap of ruins; the trees of the mountains have descended towards the sea, the ohia and pandanus are on the shore. Your country is no longer habitable.'
"The chief made [an] answer: 'Prophet of evil, if what you now tell me is true you shall live; but if, when I return to my country, I prove the falsity of your predictions, I will come back on purpose and you shall die by my hand.'
"Unable, in spite of his incredulity, to forget this terrible prophecy, Keliikuku set sail for Hawaii. He reached Hamakua and, landing, travelled home by short stages. From the heights of Hilo at the village of Makahanaloa, he beheld in the distance all his province overwhelmed in chaotic ruin, a prey to fire and smoke. In despair, the unfortunate chief hung himself on the very spot where he first discovered this sad spectacle."
This legend has always given me chicken skin.. to see in my mind.. to feel in my heart.. the fertile land described and the upheaval of the time. I have never tried to actually overlay the story on the geological record, instead I appreciate it for the door it opens into that sense of being there having the experience myself. Puna covered in lush sandy soil. Imagine that.