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June 28, 2018 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Presentism

“One of the basic rules of historical scholarship is to avoid ‘anachronistic judgments.’ In simple terms, this means the following: the people who lived in the past, lived different lives with different values and different obligations then do we in the present.”

“Therefore, it would be wrong to judge them by standards that are outside the context of their lives, about which they might have known nothing, and which fails to grapple with the dynamics of the culture in which they actually lived.” (Nurse)

“Presentism besets us in two different ways: (1) the tendency to interpret the past in presentist terms; and (2) the shift of general historical interest toward the contemporary period and away from the more distant past.”

“Although the first propensity was implicit in Western historical writing from its beginnings, it took a more problematic turn when the notion of “the modern” began to take root in the 17th century.” (Hunt)

“Over time, modernity became the standard of judgment against which most of the past, even the Western past, could be found wanting. The second trend, the shift of interest toward the contemporary period, clearly has a connection to the invention of modernity, but it did not follow as much in lockstep as might be expected.”

“To sit in judgment on the past is not always advisable. It is easy, in the light of subsequent events, to perceive what would have been the wiser course.”

“But it is not always easy to put ourselves in the places of our predecessors; to realize what difficulties may have beset them, and what obstacles may have prevented the carrying out of their own conceptions of what should have been done.” (Lyons; Island, 1875)

“Another kind of bad moral luck is being born at a time when you’d need to be a moral genius to see that a certain view or practice is wrong, because all around you are people who accept that the practice is alright.” (Fricker)

“To pass moral judgements on the past is to fall into the fallacy of imagining that somewhere, behind the veil, the past is still happening … as if [it is] now being enacted in the next room and we ought to break open the door and stop it. These things have been; they are over; there is nothing to be done about them.” (Collingwood)

“Presentism, at its worst, encourages a kind of moral complacency and self-congratulation. Interpreting the past in terms of present concerns usually leads us to find ourselves morally superior; the Greeks had slavery, even David Hume was a racist, and European women endorsed imperial ventures.”

“Our forbears constantly fail to measure up to our present-day standards. This is not to say that any of these findings are irrelevant or that we should endorse an entirely relativist point of view.”

“It is to say that we must question the stance of temporal superiority that is implicit in the Western (and now probably worldwide) historical discipline.”

“In some ways, now that we have become very sensitive about Western interpretations of the non-Western past, this temporal feeling of superiority applies more to the Western past than it does to the non-Western one.” (Hunt)

“But it is possible to remind ourselves of the virtues of maintaining a fruitful tension between present concerns and respect for the past. Both are essential ingredients in good history.”

“Respect for the past, with its concomitant humility, curiosity, and even wonder (as Caroline Bynum reminded us in a memorable presidential address), enables us to see beyond our present-day concerns backward and forward at the same time. We are all caught up in the ripples of time, and we have no idea of where they are headed.” (Hunt)

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Presentism

June 27, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Nāpō‘opo‘o

“The Towns of the Natives are built along the Sea side. At Cari’ca’coo’ah [Kealakekua] Bay there were three, one [Kealakekua-Nāpō‘opo‘o] on the SE-tern side of the Bay which was very large extending near two miles along the shore, another [Kaawaloa] upon the NWtern side which was not so large, and a small Village [Palemano] in the cod or bottom of the Bay.”

“At the back of the villages upon the Brow of the Hill are their plantations of Plantains, Potatoes, Tarrow, Sugar Canes &c, each mans particular property is fenced in with a stone wall …”

“… they have a method of making the Sugar Cane grow about the walls so that the stones are not conspicuous at any distance, but the whole has the appearance of fine green fences. These Plantations in many places they carry six or seven miles up the side of the hill”. (Cook’s Journal, Clerke, March 1779)

At the time of Cook’s arrival in 1779, high chief Kalani‘ōpu‘u had his chiefly residence at Ka‘awaloa while the priests associated with this chiefly complex had their residences across the bay at Kekua (Nāpō‘opo‘o). Kamehameha I was also residing at Nāpō‘opo‘o in 1779.

Nāpō‘opo‘o and Ka‘awaloa represent the two major settlements along the northern and southern sides of Kealakekua Bay with continuity in occupation from the pre-contact period, around 1600 and earlier, into the 20th Century.

Ka‘awaloa and Nāpō‘opo‘o are situated on gently sloping land around the base of the cliff called Pali Kapu o Keōua. Beyond the pali, the land slopes upward in a moderately steep fashion toward the summit of Mauna Loa, about 20 miles due east of Kealakekua Bay.

The pali is a steep, 600-foot-high sea cliff, approximately 1.5 miles long, and the most imposing geological feature in Kealakekua Bay. Above the bay, the vertical cliff edge of the northern portion of the pali above Ka‘awaloa is marked by numerous lava tubes. As the pali turns inland at the south end, it is less steep and is referred to as Pali o Manuahi.

Nāpō‘opo‘o Beach is covered entirely with basalt boulders and coral cobbles during most tide conditions. Up to and during much of the twentieth century, the beach was sand-covered. The transformation of the beach may have been due to multiple factors, including subsidence, tsunami, and earthquake events.

The priestly compound at Nāpō‘opo‘o consists of Hikiau Heiau, Helehelekalani Heiau, the Great Wall, the brackish pond to the north of Hikiau Heiau, and the housesites of the priests, including Hewahewa, high priest to Kamehameha I.

Hikiau Heiau was the state-level religious center for this chiefly complex at Kealakekua Bay. The Great Wall marks the mauka (eastern) boundary of this priestly compound. The annual tour of the island associated with the Makahiki season began and ended at Hikiau Heiau. (DLNR)

Vancouver arrived at Kealakekua in 1793 and also noted the priest’s settlement around Hikiau Heiau and the pond. He recorded 200 houses along the ½-mile of beach at Nāpō‘opo‘o, as well as, the residence of Kamehameha I located behind the pond.

The missionaries arrived at Kealakekua Bay in 1824 and established a mission at Ka‘awaloa Flat. Because of the heat, the missionaries moved the mission upslope to Kuapehu in 1827. (DLNR)

“Besides my schools and all the concerns – you see I have but little time to make tours with out neglecting important work… The consequence is I seldom get as far as Honaunau, which I might visit and return the same day …”

“… nor do I get so much among the people at Napopo & Kei [Napoopoo and Keei] as I wish. I suppose there are, something like 2000 inhabitants on that side of the bay in the villages of Kealakekua, Napopo–Keii [Napoopoo & Keei].” Forbes; Maly, 1835)

Many of the Hawaiians continued to live along the coast and Rev. Forbes decided to move the mission station to Nāpō‘opo‘o in 1838 and constructed the first Kahikolu Church in 1840. (DLNR)

In 1852 the Rev. John Paris, who had been at Waiohinu for ten years, was assigned to the Kealakekua district. He wrote that the name Ka‘awaloa was used, by the Hawaiians, more often than Kealakekua. Ka‘awaloa means the long landing place, and this bay does afford more landing space than others on the Kona coast.

In the mid-1860s, Mr. Logan purchased the ahupua‘a and developed a sugar plantation while the makai lands and 5 coconut trees were leased by S. Kekumano, the jailer. Pineapple and sugarcane were planted and cultivated by the prisoners. The prison was used until around 1875. (Restarick)

By 1875, the ahupua‘a had been bought and sold a number of times. JD Paris, Jr was the owner of the ahupua‘a, leasing the flat around the bay, the pali, and coconut trees to H. Haili, grandson of konohiki Nunole. Jailer Kekumano still held the pond lease, even though the prison was seldom used by this time.

While Ka‘awaloa remained a fishing community with a small wharf for loading cattle, Nāpō‘opo‘o was part of the larger market economy because of the more substantial landing/wharf built at Nāpō‘opo‘o in 1912. (DLNR)

“(It) is a regular steamer landing, and the village is quite a large and important one, with the largest store in South Kona. At the north end of the village is one of the very finest sand bathing beaches on the island.”

“Hackfeld & Co. branch moved into the largest and finest business block in Hilo …Hackfeld & Co., Ltd., also have branch stores at Kailua and Nāpō‘opo‘o, in the Kona district.” (Kinney, 1913)

Ships arrived here regularly to both load and unload goods. Coffee and ranching were integral to this economy in the early-1900s with coffee beans and cattle being shipped out from the Nāpō‘opo‘o landing. Unloaded at Nāpō‘opo‘o were lumber, gasoline, mail, and other goods for the Kealakekua area.

There were 3 coffee mills in the Nāpō‘opo‘o area. One was the Hackfeld/Amfac Coffee Mill operated by John Gaspar. This mill was along the lower portion of the Nāpō‘opo‘o (Government) Road and the foundation is still present within Kealakekua Bay.

The Hawaii Coffee Mill was built along the Nāpō‘opo‘o Beach Road to the south of the landing. The Captain Cook Coffee Mill is located mauka on the Nāpō‘opo‘o Road. This mill is said to have started as a pineapple cannery. The Captain Cook Coffee Mill is still operating with a museum and visitor’s center.

There were at least 3 stores in the area. One store was located on the southeast corner at the intersection of the Nāpō‘opo‘o (Government) Road and the Nāpō‘opo‘o Beach Access Road.

This store was first owned and run by a Japanese family named Arima. The store was later bought by Machado. Another store was in the vicinity of the former County park. This store was converted to a bar owned by a Korean man in the 1950s. The third store was owned by Hackfeld and located at the landing. These latter 2 stores were destroyed by the 1960 tsunami.

There were also 2 churches in the town, one Catholic and one Protestant. The Catholic church and cemetery, called St. Joseph’s, were located to the east (mauka) of the Amfac Coffee Mill.

This church was torn down sometime after 1970. The Protestant church is Kahikolu, which was first built in 1840 and built again in 1854 by Reverend Paris when the original structure was destroyed by an earthquake.

The Nāpō‘opo‘o schoolhouse is located just makai of Kahikolu Church. This one-room stone masonry structure still remains but was replaced by Konawaena School in Kealakekua town in the early 1900s. (DLNR)

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Kealakekua Bay-Henry Roberts with Cook expedition-1779-portion

Cattle Pens-Napoopoo-early 1900s-DLNR

Loading Cattle-Napoopoo-early 1900s-DLNR

Lumber floated ashore at Napoopoo-1920s-DLNR

Aerial view of Napoopoo-PP-30-5-027-1935

Ukulele player on the beach at Napoopoo-PP-30-5-028-1935

Napoopoo-PP-30-5-010-1931

Napoopoo-PP-29-11-021

Aerial view of Napoopoo-PP-30-5-021-Jan 24, 1925

Gaspar Coffee Mill-1930-DLNR

Lauhala weavers, Napoopoo, Hawaii-PP-33-6-003-1935

Napoopoo-Stoke’s Map-early-1900s-DLNR

June 26, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Pantheon Saloon

“If you want to eat go to a restaurant. If you want to drink go to a saloon, and if you want a good drink of the best beer on the market go to the Pantheon. No silver mugs (glass is good enough for a thirsty man), no clam chowder. In fact no Chinese hash house in ours.”

“Just plain Enterprise beer. No first awards or medals needed. If you got one glass you want two and you don’t care whether you drink it out of a silver mug or a pail. The quantity of Enterprise beer consumed in Honolulu equals that of all other beers combined. Call at the Pantheon. James Dodd, Prop.” (Evening Bulletin, October 8, 1896)

Dodd opened the Pantheon in 1878 … ”Mr. James Dodd has leased the premises known as the Bartlett House, at the corner of Hotel and Fort streets, to be called hereafter the Pantheon Hotel.”

“The premises have been renovated, repaired, painted and papered throughout, making them look almost as good as new. Mr Dodd has had experience in the hotel business, and from his urbanity of manner and good business habits we doubt not but the new place will be well kept.”

“He intends to have, in connection with the hotel, a finely arranged livery stable with a full complement of carriages and saddle horse for the accommodation of the public.”

“This latter arrangement will be a great convenience, and we hope Mr. D. will be well supported in both undertakings.” (Hawaiian Gazette, October 30, 1878) (An associated advertisement in the same paper noted, “The best ales, wines and liquors constantly on hand.”)

He later replaced the building … “The old Pantheon building that has stood on the corner of Fort and Hotel streets for so many years is a thing of the past.”

“Mr. James Dodd has caused it to be torn down, and on its site he intends erecting a building with a fifty feet front on each street.”

“The new building will be one story in height with a seventeen foot ceiling, and will be opened as a billiard and bar room when completed.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, March 24, 1883) “Mr James Dodd’s Pantheon Saloon is nearly finished building. It is very handsomely designed.” (Daily Bulletin, May 23, 1883)

Then, “Disastrous Conflagration. Last Tuesday night witnessed one of the most disastrous fires that has ever occurred in this city. … In a few moments, … at 12:35 am, the bells pealed forth their alarm, but several minutes elapsed before the engines were started on their way to the fire.”

“Engine No. 1 was manned by only Jim Ward and 3 or 4 boys until Mr. Evans assisted, and although there were from 20 to 30 men running alongside of the engine, on the sidewalk, scarcely any of them could be prevailed upon to assist in dragging the engine, which unnecessarily delayed its arrival at the fire. …”

“By the time the first alarm was sounded from the Bell Tower, Mr. J. B. Warner watchman at Dodd’s Stables assisted by Joe Wiseman and Jim Sherwood, had connected the 2-inch private hose, belonging to the Pantheon Stables, with their water pipe …”

“… and mounting a ladder entered the second floor of Fishel’s building and played on the fire for nearly twenty minutes before any of the engines could get a stream of water on the building.”

“This doubtless saved Dodd’s Stables from catching fire by keeping the fire from making rapid headway until the engines got fairly to work, as It was not until 12:58 am – 23 minutes after – the first stream of water was started. …”

“It was only after frequent attempts, during which several bystanders were thoroughly drenched with water, that they finally succeeded in getting ready for operations …”

“… and their first performance was to play from their station opposite the Parisian restaurant on Hotel street, over the rear of Dodd’s stables and Pantheon saloon, drenching many of the lookers-on of both sexes who were on the side walk hemmed by ropes stretched across the street and along the sidewalk, so they were unable to escape in time.”

“This proceeding was totally unnecessary, as by this time the upper portion of Fishel’s building had fallen in and Dodd’s stables were past all danger of taking fire. The Pacific Hose Co. No. 1 and Protection Hook and Ladder Co were stationed on Hotel street opposite the Pantheon saloon and did effective service. …” (Saturday Press, January 24, 1885)

Then, later that year, “About half-past 2 o’clock yesterday morning, Mr. James Dodd, who was sleeping in a room in the second story of Campbell’s block, Hotel street, immediately opposite his extensive stables, was awakened by the crackling sound of fire and the pungent smell of smoke.”

“Looking out of the window, he saw a bright flame rising from near the northwest corner of the large building known as Bertleman’s mill on Fort street.”

“As this locality adjoined his stables and was on their windward side, Mr. Dodd knew that for the third time his property was in danger from fire, and made all speed to the stables. …”

“The night was clear and bright, and, fortunately, there was but little wind, so although the Pantheon stables on the side next the fire were deeply charred, they were saved from destruction.”

“On the north side of the burning mill, however, the flames communicated with a dwelling-house standing but a few feet distant, and it, with a smaller building in the rear, was totally consumed.”

“This dwelling was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. McShane and some lodgers. None of the occupants of this house or of Rose Cottage succeeded in saving anything but a little clothing and a few trifles….”

“A noticeable feature of the fire was the admirable order preserved by all. Though there was the Pantheon Saloon standing unprotected, and in such imminent danger of being burned that in many cities the crowd would have felt themselves justified in trying to save its contents …”

“… and secure unlimited drinks at the same time the place was not touched, and even when the suggestion was made that the firemen and sailors might have a bottle or two of whisky distributed among them, the idea found no supporters and nobody got drunk.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, May 4, 1885)

Dodd died … “There are many a poor fellow who will miss ‘Jim’ because the hand of our late fellow citizen was always in his purse, and ready to help some who deserved help and very many who did not deserve it.”

“Mr Dodd was born in Ireland in 1848 and was Irish to the backbone. He had live an adventurous life and finally settled in Honolulu in the early 70s. As owner of the Pantheon saloon he became very popular and through his excellent business and successful operations in stocks and real estate he made considerable money.” (The Independent, January 22, 1900)

Later that year, the Pantheon faced fire again … “The Pantheon saloon block will be destroyed by fire this morning. Orders were Issued last night by Chief Hunt to have everything in readiness for the application of the torch by 6:30 o’clock.”

“The condemned area extends from Ed Williams’ undertaking parlors to Hotel street, thence to the lanai of the New England Bakery, taking in the whole block which Includes the Uncle Sam restaurant, the Owl lunch rooms, the Pantheon livery stables, the saloon and barber shop and John Phillips’ plumbing establishment.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 7, 1900)

The Pantheon was brought back, again … “Yesterday afternoon workmen commenced breaking ground for a new building to be erected on the old Pantheon site, comer of Fort and Hotel streets. The ground is owned by the Widemann estate. LC Ables, David Dayton and the estate of James Dodd have an unexpired five-years’ lease on the property.” (Honolulu Republican, June 27, 1900)

“Like the Phoenix the Pantheon arose from its ashes. Although it is not on the same spot it is so near It that one looking for the favorite drinking place cannot go far astray.”

“Ever since the old Pantheon was started many years ago by the late James Dodd it has been noted for the good cheer obtainable there. Now that Its old proprietor Is no more, the reputation of the place is kept up to its former old standard and there is nothing to be desired in the way of refreshment for the inner man that cannot be obtained there.”

“The Pantheon is homelike and as an oasis in a desert to the tired and thirsty traveller. It is the place to drop in and take a drop. … The Pantheon Saloon is the whole name of the place. Everybody knows it by the name Pantheon.”

“The name of the saloon is over the door. It is on Hotel street. There the thirst may be refreshed and the weary rest.” (Honolulu Republican, June 16, 1901)

Later, Joe Silva took over the operation – he opened with a Luau at the Pantheon, “Tonight is opening night at the Pantheon saloon (late Jim Dodd), now under the management of Joe T Silva, assisted by Dick Sullivan. A big spread awaits the public and friend at the new managers. Don’t forget the location – Hotel and Fort Streets.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1906)

Silva was later “notified by the owners of the Pantheon block that he will he will have to vacate … the new place into which he expects to move will not be completed for about three months and during the interim her will be out of business.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, October 8, 1910) The marque at 1129 Nu‘uanu Avenue identifies the building as ‘1911 – JT Silva – Pantheon’.

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Pantheon-Jim Dodd-advertisement on building-Fort & Hotel-and horse drawn keg-1900

The Pantheon Saloon and Stables far left, and Chas. J. Fishel clothing store on right-PPWD-8-8-008

Pantheon-business burned-(had Jim Dodd advertisement)

Pantheon-1911-Silva

Pantheon-Silva-1918

Pantheon Block Hawaii Gazette July 20 1909

039-Honolulu Sanford Fire Maps-1914-Honolulu

Honolulu and Vicinity-Dakin-Fire Insurance- 05-Map-1906

Downtown and Vicinity-Dakin-Fire Insurance- 5-Map-1891

June 25, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

John Meek

John Meek (Nov. 24, 1791 – Jan. 29, 1875) came to Hawaii from Massachusetts in 1809 along with his brother Captain Thomas Meek, who was engaged in the Northwest trade.

“A few year later he himself became captain, and continued in the same trade for many years. In 1830 or ’31, he became a resident of this port, occasionally making voyages to the Northwest Coast, China and other ports.” (Hawaiian Gazette, February 3, 1875)

“He sailed from this port in cant capacity on a number of voyages to China and the coast of Mexico, but has been a permanent resident of this Island for the past fifty years. The late John J. Astor thought so highly of Captain Meek that he built a ship specially for him.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1875)

“For more than twenty years he held a commission as pilot of this harbor, and for the past few years was also harbor master.” (Hawaiian Gazette, February 3, 1875)

“‘Vessels approaching Honolulu and desiring a Pilot, will set their national ensign and pilot signal, on which he will go on immediately.’ The great number of ships coming in from Lahaina, and intending to lie off and on, or to come to anchor without employing a pilot, renders attention to the above requirement of the Harbor Laws necessary.”

“The undersigned will give prompt attendance on all vessels that require his services, but he wishes it to be understood that he will not go off without being signalized as required in the above quoted law, a compliance with which will be necessary to justify
any future complaint against him for want of attention to duty.” (John Meek; Polynesian, July 6, 1844)

“He was the firm friend and often advisor of the chiefs and successive Kings of these Islands, from the days of the first Kamehameha to the present time”.

“He was the last surviving pioneer of the Order of Free Masons in the Pacific, having been one of the ten who were instituted as “Lodge le Progres de l’Oceanie,” No. 124, by Captain Le Tellier, in 1843.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1875)

“He engaged extensively in the grazing business, and took especial pains to introduce improved breeds of cattle and horses into the country. Combined with the plain and bluff manner of the true sailor, Capt. John Meek was noted for his probity of character, and a genial kindness of disposition.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1875)

“America is the home of the turkey …. In 1815 Queen Ka‘ahumanu went aboard a trading schooner and saw turkeys Capt. John Meek had obtained in Chile.”

“Never had she seen such large birds before. Upon going ashore she told the king. The king went to the vessel and asked for the birds. Upon refusal he seized the turkeys and went ashore.”

“The birds later escaped. On the slopes of the island’s volcanoes and even in the United States national park wild turkeys are fairly numerous, believed to be descendants of those brought to the islands by Captain Meek.” (Smithfield Times, February 25, 1937)

Meek is also credited with bringing the first documented mango into the islands in 1824. He had given some seedlings to Don Francisco de Marín, advisor to Kamehameha I; Marín is most often credited with planting the first mango tree in Hawai‘i soil, near what is now the corner of Vineyard Boulevard and River Street.

The fruit it bore became the progenitor of the “Hawaiian” mango – a strain that was dubbed “Manini” for the nickname Hawaiians gave Marín. The Manini is also known as the Common mango because, as its name suggests, it’s seen throughout the Islands. It’s a medium-size, juicy fruit with a large seed and skin that turns from light green to rosy-yellow as it ripens. (Lo; Hana Hou)

Meek was a defendant in one of the first landmark cases dealing with the rights of native tenants. (Oni v. Meek) In 1858, Oni, a tenant of the ahupua’a of Honouliuli, O’ahu, filed suit against John Meek, who had a lease over the entire ahupuaʻa. Oni brought suit when some of his horses, which had been pastured on Meek’s land, were impounded and sold.

Oni claimed that he had a right to pasture his horses on the land division as one of his traditional tenant rights (by custom and by language in the Kuleana Act.)

Oni notes, “We are hoaʻāina. We live on the land and grow our crops, and in return we work for the konohiki a few days a week. We call these labor days. The rest of the week, we have the right to use the lands for certain things, like gathering firewood, fishing, and pasturing animals. It’s our custom, our tradition.”

“I take care of the land on labor days, so I can use the land to pasture my horses. Mr. Meek uses the Chief’s land like we do. We all take care of things together, so we should share the land, just like before.” (Judiciary History Center)

On September 22, 1858 the Police Court of Honolulu rendered a judgment for Oni. Meek was ordered to pay $80.00 for two horses and $4.00 in court costs. At the request of the defendant (Meek,) the case was appealed to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.

Oni was the first Hawaiʻi Supreme Court case to discuss “the rights common people to go to the mountains, and the seas attached to their own particular land exclusively” in the 1850 Kuleana Act.

The Supreme Court noted, “the claim of a right of pasturage, put forward by the plaintiff, is made to rest upon far broader grounds than that just mentioned, which fact renders this case one of great importance, not only to the large landed proprietors throughout the Kingdom, but to thousands of the common people.”

“It is contended on behalf of the plaintiff that he, as a hoaʻāina of Honouliuli, has a right to pasture his animals on the kula land of that ahupua‘a, upon one or both of two grounds; first, by custom; or secondly, by statute law.”

“It appears by the evidence that horses were first introduced on the ahupua‘a of Honouliuli about the year 1833; that within ten years afterwards they had become numerous ; and that the horses belonging to the hoaʻāinas were allowed to pasture upon the kula land, in common with those of the konohiki.”

The Supreme Court was concerned with the right of a private property owner to use the land as he individually wished without having to share its use. The court said “the custom contended for is so unreasonable, so uncertain, and so repugnant to the spirit of the present laws, that it ought not to be sustained by judicial authority.”

The court also said “…it is perfectly clear that, if the plaintiff (Oni) is a hoaʻāina, holding his land by virtue of a fee simple award from the Land Commission, he has no pretense for claiming a right of pasturage by custom.” (Judicial History Center)

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Meek. For over a hundred years, the Oni v Meek case appeared to foreclose claims based on custom. (MacKenzie) The last fifty years of his life he was a resident of Honolulu and died January 29, 1875. (Kamakau)

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Captain-John_Meek-WC

Captain_John_Meek-WC

Oni v Meek-Judicial History Center

June 24, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Honolulu in the 1830s

“The plain of Honoruru exhibits, in a singular manner, the extent and effects of volcanic agency. It is not less than nine or ten miles in length; and, in some parts, two miles from the sea to the foot of the mountains.”

“The whole plain is covered with a rich alluvial soil, frequently two or three feet deep; beneath this, a layer of fine volcanic ashes and cinders extends to the depth of fourteen or sixteen feet …”

“… these ashes lie upon a stratum of solid rock, not volcanic, but calcareous, and apparently a kind of sediment deposited by the sea, in which branches of white coral, bones of fish and animals, and several varieties of shells are found.”

“The base of the mountains which bound the plain of the interior, appears to have formed the original line of coast on this side of the island; but probably, in some very remote period, an eruption took place from two broad-based, truncated mountains, called by foreigners, Diamond Hill and Punchbowl Hill, evidently extinguished craters …”

“… when the ashes and cinders thrown out, and wafted by the trade winds in a westerly direction, filled up the sea, and formed the present extensive plain; the soil of its surface having been subsequently produced either by the decomposition of lava, or by the mould and decayed vegetable matter washed down from the mountains during the rainy season of the year.”

“Across this plain, immediately opposite the harbour of Honoruru, lies the valley of Anuanu, leading to a pass in the mountains, called by the natives Ka Pari, ‘the precipice.’”

“The mouth of the valley, which opens immediately behind the town of Honorary is a complete garden, care fully kept, by its respective proprietors, in a state of high cultivation, and remarkably productive.”

“The valley rises with a gradual ascent from the shore to the precipice, which is seven or eight miles from the town. After journeying through varied scenery, all exceedingly rich and beautiful, for about this distance, the valley becomes gradually narrower, and the mountains rise more steep on either side.”

“The scenery is romantic and delightful: the bottom of the valley is gently undulated; a rapid stream takes its serpentine way from one side of the valley to the other, sometimes meandering along with an unruffled surface, and at other times rushing down a fall of several feet, or dashing and foaming among rocks which interrupt its progress.”

“The sides of the hills are clothed with verdure; even the rocks that project from amongst the bushes are ornamented with pendulous or creeping plants of various kinds; and, in several places, beautiful cascades roll their silvery streams clown the steep mountain’s side into flowing rivulets beneath.”

“The beauty of the scenery around increases, until, at length, after walking some time oh a rising ground, more steep than usual, and through a thicket of hills, the traveller suddenly emerges into an. open space, and, turning round a small pile of volcanic rocks, the Pari all at once bursts upon him with an almost overwhelming effect.”

“Immense masses of black and ferruginous rock, many hundred feet in nearly perpendicular heights, are piled up on both sides; while, immediately before him, he looks down the fearful steep several hundred feet, and be holds hills and valleys, trees and cottages, streams and paths, cultivated plantations and untrodden thickets …”

“… in short, a varied landscape, many miles in extent, bounded by lofty mountains on the one side, and the white-crested waves of the ocean on the other.”

“From this lower level the ascent is at first gradual and easy, but, as the highest edge is approached, be comes more formidable, especially in two places, where the volcanic rocks appear to rise perpendicularly, and present an even and apparently projecting front, which it seems impossible to surmount.”

“The elevation of the upper ridge, over which the path leads, is from four to five hundred feet above the land below. Still the natives not only pass and repass without much difficulty, but often carry heavy burdens from one side to the other.”

“Within a few yards of the upper edge of the pass, under the shade of surrounding bushes and trees, two rude and shapeless stone idols were formerly fixed, one on each side of the path, which the natives called Akua no ka Pari, ‘gods of the precipice.’ …”

“Immediately south of the valley of Anuanu, are situated the town and harbour of Honoruru. The harbour is the best, and indeed the only secure one at all seasons, in the Sandwich Islands, and is more frequented by foreign vessels than any other; seldom having less than three or four, and sometimes upwards of thirty lying within it at the same time.”

“The town has, also, since the number of shipping has increased, become populous. It is one of the largest in the islands, usually containing six or seven thou sand inhabitants.”

“It is the frequent residence of the king and principal chiefs, who are much engaged in traffic with foreigners visiting the islands, or residing on shore for purposes of trade.”

“There are twelve or fourteen merchants, principally Americans, who have established ware houses on shore for foreign goods, principally piece goods, hardware, crockery, hats and shoes, naval stores, etc. which they retail to the natives for Spanish dollars, or sandal wood.”

“On the eastern side of the basin is a strong fort, one hundred yards square, mounting sixty guns. It was begun by some Russians, who were, however, expelled, and the fort finished by the natives, from an apprehension that these foreigners were in connexion with the Russian settlements on the north west coast of America, and were about to take possession of the island.”

“About six miles to the west of Honoruru, and nearly as far from the village of Eva, on the Pearl River, there is a singular natural curiosity – small circular lake, situated at a short distance from the seashore, so impregnated with salt, that twice in the year the natives take out between two and three hundred barrels of fine, clear, hard, crystalized salt.”

“This lake is not only an interesting natural curiosity, but an important appendage to the island. It belongs to the king, and is not only useful in curing large quantities of fish, but furnishes a valuable article of commerce. The population of Oahu is estimated at about twenty thousand.” (All from Mission Records, 1839)

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