Peter T Young

May 16, 2019 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Fort Vancouver

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was a fur trading company that started in Canada in 1670; its first century of operation found HBC firmly focused in a few forts and posts around the shores of James and Hudson Bays, Central Canada.

Within ten years after Captain Cook’s 1778 contact with Hawai‘i, the islands became a favorite port of call in the trade with China. The fur traders and merchant ships crossing the Pacific needed to replenish food supplies and water.

The maritime fur trade focused on acquiring furs of sea otters, seals and other animals from the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska. The furs were mostly sold in China in exchange for tea, silks, porcelain and other Chinese goods, which were then sold in Europe and the US.

In 1821, HBC merged with North West Company, its competitor; the resulting enterprise now spanned the continent – all the way to the Pacific Northwest (modern-day Oregon, Washington and British Columbia) and the North (Alaska, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.)

Fur traders working for the HBC traveled an area of more than 700,000 square miles that stretched from Russian Alaska to Mexican California and from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Ships sailed from London around Cape Horn around South America and then to forts and posts along the Pacific Coast via the Hawaiian Islands. Trappers crossing overland faced a journey of 2,000 miles that took three months.

In selecting a new fort and trading post site for the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) on the Columbia River in Oregon, they picked a location about 100-miles from the mouth at an opening in the forest called Jolie Prairie.

The new facility was to serve as the chief supply center for the company’s regional operation.

On March 19, 1825, the HBC opened Fort Vancouver on a bluff above the north bank of the Columbia River where the city of Vancouver, Clark County, is now located (named for British Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver (1757-1798.))

Yes, this is the same George Vancouver how first visited the islands as midshipman with Captain James Cook in 1778 and later led the expedition around the globe (and introduced the first cattle in Hawai‘i with a gift to Kamehameha I – he also discovered the Columbia River.)

Fort Vancouver became part of the expansion and establishment of forts and trading posts along the Pacific Northwest. Then, in 1829, HBC landed its first trading ship in Honolulu.

One of its primary ‘missions’ of that trip was that HBC was looking for a labor pool to help with its operations (they were also there to establish a trade business, as well as test the market for its primary products – lumber and salmon.)

A goal of the trip was to recruit a few seasoned seamen for HBC on the Northwest Coast, including “two good stout active Sandwich Islanders who have been to sea for 1, 2, or 3 years.”

At that time, Hawaiians had already played an important part in establishing the economic institutions of the Pacific Northwest. They provided the food and built the shelters of the fur traders and the early missionaries.

They had worked on many of the merchant ships plying between Hawaii, China, Europe and the Northwest. From the earliest Hawaiians who came as seamen or contract workers, to the ones who worked at Fort Vancouver and elsewhere along the Pacific Coast, they all made an important contribution to the development of the area.

As early as 1811, HBC had already hired twelve Hawaiians on three year contracts to work for them in the Pacific Northwest. By 1824, HBC employed thirty-five Hawaiians west of the Rocky Mountains.

Over the years, HBC’s Fort Vancouver had a unique relationship with the Hawaiian or “Sandwich” Islands, the nineteenth century trade hub of the Pacific.

During peak season, when the fur brigades returned to rest and re-supply, the settlement contained upwards of 600 inhabitants. For many years, the village was the largest settlement between Yerba Buena, (present day San Francisco, California) and New Archangel (Sitka, Alaska).

In the late-1830s Fort Vancouver became the terminus of the Oregon Trail. When American immigrants arrived in the Oregon Country during the 1830s and 1840s, and despite the instructions from the Hudson’s Bay Company that the fort should not help Americans, John McLoughlin, supervisor of the Columbia District, provided them with essential supplies to begin their new settlements.

Not only was the village one of the largest settlements in the West during the fur trade era, it was also unmatched in its diversity. The Hudson’s Bay Company purposefully hired people from different backgrounds, thus providing opportunities in the fur trade business to a variety of people from both the Old World and the New.

Few of the village spoke English, though French, Gaelic, Hawaiian and a variety of Native American languages were often heard. In order to communicate with one another, most villagers learned Chinook Jargon, a mix of Chinook, English and French.

Hawaiians worked as trappers, laborers, millers, sailors, gardeners and cooks; however HBC employed more people at agriculture than any other activity. The daily routine was work from sun up to sun down, with only Sundays off.

In 1840, Kamehameha III, faced with the seeming threat of racial extinction due to depopulation by both emigration and disease, enacted a law that required captains of vessels desiring to hire Hawaiians to obtain the written consent of the island governor and sign a $200 bond to return the Hawaiian back to Hawai‘i within a specified time.

HBC Governor Simpson, on a visit to Hawaii in 1841, reported, “About a thousand males in the very prime of life are estimated annually to leave the islands, some going to California, others to the Columbia, and many on long and dangerous voyages, particularly in whaling vessels …”

“… while a considerable number of them are said to be permanently lost to their country, either dying during their engagements, or settling in other parts of the world.”

In December 1845, the Oregon Government considered an act providing, “that all persons who shall hereafter introduce into the Oregon Territory any Sandwich Islanders … for a term of service shall pay a tax of five dollars for each person introduced.”

By 1849, the Hawaiian population at Fort Vancouver exceeded that of the French Canadians, due to the declining importance of furs and the rising export business of Fort Vancouver’s agricultural production and the consequent larger use of Hawaiian workers.

The number of Hawaiians working as contract laborers for the Company grew steadily. The large number of Hawaiian workers in the village led to the name “Kanaka Town” in the early 1850s – “Kanaka” is the word for “person” in the Native Hawaiian language. (At its peak, the village was home to around 535 men, 254 Indian women and 301 children.)

Several circumstances combined to bring an end to HBC’s activities at Fort Vancouver. The decline of the fur trade, the arrival of numerous American settlers to the newly organized Oregon Territory, the settlement of the boundary dispute with Great Britain which put the area under American sovereignty, all combined to hasten the decision to move the headquarters to Victoria, British Columbia.

In 1859, Hudson’s Bay Company withdrew from Fort Vancouver, the same year the decision was made to close the HBC trading facility in Honolulu.

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Fort_Vancouver-LOC-1850

Fort_Vancouver_and_Village-1846

Fort_Vancouver_1825

Fort_Vancouver_1841

Fort_Vancouver_1845

George Gibbs’ illustration of Kanaka Village and stockade, 1851

Fort_Vancouver_1855_Covington_illustration

Fort Vancouver by H. Warre (1848)

Detail of map of Fort Vancouver-Columbia River,

Detail of map of Fort Vancouver-Columbia River, Surveyed 1825

May 16, 2019 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Day 160 – March 30, 1820

March 30, 1820 – Let us thank God and take courage. Early this morning the long looked for Owahyee and the cloud capt and snow spt Mauna Keah appear full in view to the joy of the animated multitude on board (11 o’clock A.M.) We are now coasting along the noth-east part of the Island, so near the shore as to see the numerous habitations, cultivated fields, smoke rising in different parts, fresh vegetation, rocks, rivulets, cascades, trees &c. and with the help of glasses men and women, immortal beings purchased with redeeming blood. We are much pleased, not to say delighted with the scene and long to be on shore. (4 o’clock – P.M.) Pass Mowe on the right. Having turned the Northern extremity of O. Capt. B. this afternoon sent off a boat to make inquiries respecting the king &c. Mr. Hunnewell, a mate, Thos. Hopoo, J. Tamoree and others, went nearly to the shore and fell in with 10 or 12 native fishermen in their canoes, who readily gave the important information that the aged King Tameamaah is dead – that Reehoreeho his son succeeds him – that the images of his Gods are burned – that the men eat with the women in all the Islands, – that one chief only was killed in settling the affirs of government, and he for refusing to destroy his Gods. – that Reehoreeho the young king, and Kiimokoo the first chief, sometimes called Billy Pitt, both reside at Owhyhee. If these are facts they are interesting facts, and seem to show that Christ is overturning in order to take possession and that these Isles are waiting for his law, while the old and decaying pillars of idolatry are falling to the ground. The moment seems favorable for the introduction of Christianity and the customs of civilized life, and our hopes are strengthened that there will be welcome. Whatever be the moral character and habits of the young king, we believe that these important particulars may with some confidence be rested on ; 1st that he is specially desirous for improvement in learning; 2nd that he has long been indifferent to Idol worship, that he is not unfriendly to the whites. Our hearts do rejoice, though we are disappointed in not being allowed to preach Christ to that venerable Chief, – and tho’ we believe we shall have trials enough to give exercise to faith and patience, yet our hearts do rejoice to hear the voices of one crying, “In the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for your God”. (Thaddeus Journal)

March 30 – … at early morning, March 30th, to the joy of our expectin little company, the long looked for Hawaii appeared in the West. The lofty Mauna Kea lifted its snow crowned summit above the dark and heavy clouds that begirt its waist.
Our natives eagerly watching, had descried it in the night, at the distance of eighty miles. As we approached, we had a fine view of about sixty. miles of the N. E. coast of the island-the districts of Hilo, Hamakua, and part of Kohala; and as the sun shining in his strength dissipated the clouds, we had a more impressive view of the stupendous pyramidal Mauna Kea, having a base of some thirty miles, and a height of nearly three miles.
Its several terminal peaks rise so near each other, as scarcely to be distinguished at a distance. These, resting on the shoulders of this vast Atlas of the Pacific, prove their great elevation by having their bases environed with ice, and their summits covered with snow, in this tropical region, and heighten the grandeur and beauty of the scene, by exhibiting in miniature, a northern winter, in contrast with the perpetual summer of the temperate and torrid zones below the snow and ice. The shores along this coast
appeared very bold, rising almost perpendicularly, several hundred feet, being furrowed with many ravines and streams.
From these bluffs, the country rises gradually, for a few miles presenting a grassy appearance, with a sprinkling of trees and shrubs. Then, midway from the sea to the summit of the mountain, appeared a dark forest, principally of the koa and ohia, forming a sort of belt, some ten miles in breadth – the temperate zone of the mountain.
As we approached the northern extremity of Hawaii, we gazed successively, upon the verdant hills, and deep ravines, the habitations of the islanders, the rising columns of smoke, the streams, cascades, trees, and vestiges of volcanic agency: then, with glasses, stretching our vision, we descried the objects of our solicitude, moving along the shore-immortal beings, purchased with redeeming blood, and here and there, the monuments of their superstition. Animated with the novel and changeful scene, we longed to spring. on shore, to shake hands with the people, and commence our work by telling them of the great salvation by Jesus Christ. As we passed round the northern extremity of Hawaii, Maui rose on our right, at the distance of twenty-five or thirty miles.
Having gained the lee, or western side of Kohala, an officer with Hopu and Honolii, was sent by a boat, at 4 P. M., to make inquiry of the inhabitants respecting the state of the islands, and the residence of the king. Waiting nearly three hours, we hailed their return, eager to catch the sound of the first intelligence; and how were our ears astonished to hear, as it were, the voice divine, proclaiming on their hills and plains,
‘In the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord,
Make straight in the desert, a highway for our God.’
How were our hearts surprised, agitated, and encouraged beyond every expectation, to hear the report ‘ ‘Kamehameha is dead – His son Liholiko is king – the tabus are abolished – the images are destroyed, – the heiaus of idolatrous worship are burned, and the party that attempted to restore them by force of arms has recently been vanquished!’ The hand of God! how visible in thus beginning to answer the prayer of his people, for the Hawaiian race! (Hiram Bingham)

March 30th, 1820. —–Memorable day—a day which brings us in full view of that dark pagan land so long the object of our most interested thoughts. Between twelve and one this morning, the word was from Thomas who was up watching, ‘land appears*. When the watch at four was called, Honoree came down saying, ‘Owhyhee sight!’ There was but little sleep. When the day afforded more light than the moon we were all out, and judge you, if possible, what sensation filled our breasts as we fixed our eyes upon the lofty mountains of Owhyhee!I O! it would be in vain to paint them. I attempt it not. A fair wind carried us by different parts of the island near enough to discern its verdure, here and there a cataract rushing down the bold precipice—some huts, natives and smoke. I would I could put my feelings, for a little season, into your bosoms. Fo boats coming off as usual, Capt. B— thought it advisable to send ashore to inquire into the state of things, and where he might find the king. Our good Thomas and Honoree, with Mr. Hunnewell and a few hands, set off. Our hearts beat high, and each countenance spoke the deep interest felt as we crowded around our messengers at their return. With almost breathless impatience to make the communication, they leap on board and say, Tamaahmaah is dead! The government is settled in the hands of his son Keehoreeho-Krimokoo is principal chief—the taboo system is no more–men and women eat together;—the idol gods are burned!! How did we listen! What could we say? The Lord has gone before us and we wait to see what He has for us to do. (Sybil Bingham)

March 30. Lat. 20d Long. 155 W. The long wished for Owhyhee is now in full view on our left. We made the snow topt mountain of Mauna-Noa about 2 Oc. this morning. You may well suppose that after a voyage of 160 days, we were not a little glad. Our feelings cannot be realized but by those in like situation. The joy manifested by the native youth, is such as we should any of us feel to behold the land of our birth, after so long an absence.
9 Oc. We are now 8 miles from shore, and can see streams and rivulets of fresh water issuing from the mountain. Empty themselves into the sea. The country before us is beautiful, wearing the appearance of a cultivated place – with houses and huts. and plantations of sugar cane and Tarrow.
2 Oc. Sent off a boat to make discoveries. and hope they will return bearing an ‘Olive branch in their mouth.’
4 Oc .P.M . boat returned with news of King Tamahamaah’s death; that the worship of Idolatry and other heathenish customs are entirely abolished. Such glad news we were not prepared to receive. Truly the Lord hath gone before us in mercy.
We have not yet ascertained whether we may be permitted to land. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

March 30
March 30th. Last night about 1 o’clock brother Hopoo came to my room almost in an ecstasy of joy and told me to get up and see Owhyhee (Hawaii); I-went on deck and by the bright moonlight could just discover it 60 miles from us. At daylight we could see plainly the high mountain Mahoon- ah Kaah (Mauna Kea) clothed in a thick mantle of snow. I will leave it to my friends to imagine what our feelings are at the sight of land, that land which we have long wished to see, and in which we hope to plant the standard of the cross and labour for Christ.
This afternoon we sent a boat for the shore, but it was met by some canoes of natives, who gave us information that Tamahamaha (Kamehameha) the King* was dead; Oreoreo (Li ho liho) his eldest son succeeded him to the throne. They also informed, us that their Taboos were all broken their Harais burnt to ashes and their idols destroyed. They had been at war, but now, all was peace and prosperity; and the men and women ate together and enjoyed equal privileges.’ We could, hardly credit all this, but were constrained to exclaim in the language of our hearts, “What hath God wrought.” (Samuel Ruggles)

After sailing one hundred and fifty-seven days, we beheld, looming up before us, March 30, 1820, the long looked-for island of Hawaii. As we approached the northern shore, joy sparkled in every eye, gratitude and hope seemed to fill every heart. The native youths were all animation, scarcely seeking the refreshment of either sleep or food. Hopu, though he was up all night that he might enjoy a glimmering view of Mauna Kea, after eating half a meal at breakfast table, begged to be excused, that he might go and see where his father lived.

Thursday Noon. We are now approaching the shores, & are permitted to gaze on the island of Owhyhee. Joy sparkles in every eye, gratitude & animating hopes seem to fill every heart. The dear native youth particularly Thomas & Honora are all animation, scarcely seeking the refreshment either of sleep or food. Good brother Thomas, although he sat up all night that he might enjoy a glimmering view of his native country, at breakfast after eating half a meal, begged to be excused “that he might go & see where his father lived.” We have now a full view of Mount Mowno Roa. Its top being covered with snow produces a novel appearance in this equatorial region. It is some of the highest land in the world, & can be seen forty or fifty leagues at sea, in clear weather. It is a volcano, which sometimes burns with incredible fury. — As we have been pleasantly sailing, round within two or three miles of the northern shores of the island, with mingled emotions & an inexpressible interest, have we gazed on their villages & fields.

At Night. This afternoon the Captain sent ashore to learn where the king was. The messengers soon returned, bringing the following interesting facts; that Tammahamaah was dead; that the idols of the Sandwich islands were no more; that men & women ate together. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

March 30th. I awoke this morning at an early hour, and heard one of the officers say, “Owhyhee is to be seen.” I arose though but half past 2, & by moonlight could plainly see the Island. It was about 40 miles distant. When the morning came and the sun dispelled the shades of night, we saw the mountain of which you have heard much said. Its appearance was truly sublime reaching even above the clouds. Streams of water were seen running from it in torrents while its top was covered with perpetual snow. This mountain is Volcanic. As we sailed along and came near to the shore, green grass and cultivated land appeared. About 12 o’clock we saw several persons on the shore and not far distant a Morai, or Idol Temple.
4 o’clock. We have been sailing today within a few miles of the Island expecting to see the natives come paddling in their canoes; but none have yet visited us. Thomas Hopoo and John Honoree with several of the ship’s crew, have been near the shore in a boat, but did not land. Several of the natives were out a fishing, of whom they enquired for King Tamaahamaaha, who informed them he was dead, and his son Rehoreho had succeeded him and burnt all his Father’s idols. They likewise informed them that they had now no Taboos or religious laws, & that men & women eat together. I understand that a few years since it was thought such a disgrace for a man to eat with a woman, no one would ever eat with him afterwards; and for the woman the punishment was death. Well may we exclaim “what hath God wrought.” It seems as if the Lord had verily gone before us, and that the Isles are even now waiting for his law. Have we not occasion to rejoice we do indeed rejoice, but it is with trembling. Though the idols of Owhyhee are burnt we do not expect that idolatry is utterly abolished. We probably shall have to struggle with many difficulties and meet with much opposition before the standard of the cross will be erected in this heathen land. I am much fatigued with the labors of packing my things today and must bid you good night. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

30. – Last night at 3 o’clock I was awakened to look at the long expected island of Owhyhee. Joy again fills my heart. At 9 we were opposite Mouna-Keah said to be one of the highest mountains and the world. Its top is covered with snow which descends apparently about half of the way. Beautiful cascades are seen poring over its cliffs, & the clouds float along its sides. At 12 we were off the northern point. This is said to be the pleasantest part of the island. The boat was has now gone ashore & we are waiting to hear the news. 4 o’clock. The boat has returned. King Tamaamaha is dead, his son Rehoreho has succeeded to the throne, idolatry is destroyed & both sexes eat together. We are now about 50 miles farther to go in order to see the King. Eternal thanks to God the Lord of the whole universe. He hath broken down with his own hand the greatest barriers to our work. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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May 15, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail

Māhā‘ulepū is an ahupua‘a (historic Hawaiian land division) and watershed running from the Hā‘upu mountain range to the shoreline on Kauai’s southeast coast.

The whole coast was populated by native Hawaiians when the first westerner, explorer Captain James Cook, sailed through Kauai waters to land in Waimea in 1778.

Cook’s arrival set the stage for an influx of newcomers from around the world and catalyzed a dramatic transformation of Hawai‘i’s land use and demographics.

By 1850, American entrepreneurs launched large-scale sugar plantations in southeast Kauai. Their efforts heralded the beginning of Hawai‘i’s plantation era, which lasted into the late 20th century.

Kauai’s South Shore coastline features a fascinating hike along the Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail, a 4-mile round trip stretching from Keoneloa Bay to Kawailoa Bay.

A range of natural and cultural resources reflect the state’s evolution through the periods of Hawaiian settlement and expansion, Western contact, and plantation life. The following summarizes some of them.

1. Keoneloa Bay – “Long Sand, Long Beach”

This is a long stretch of sandy beach on the far eastern end of the Po‘ipū resort area, fronted by The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and a county park facility.

It is also known as Shipwreck Beach, named for the wreckage an old, wooden fishing boat on the beach back in the 1970s (that has long since disappeared.)

2. Makahuena – “Rough Face” & Makawehi – “Calm Face”

The unusual cliff formations were formed from sand dunes that have been weathered by wind and surf over the centuries. These ancient limestone sea cliffs have been virtually sandblasted by a combination of wind, salt and water.

Today Makawehi point is being undercut by continual wave erosion. The huge blocks of limestone that lie at the base of these cliffs are examples of that erosion.

3. Pā‘ā Dunes – “Fence of Lava Rock” or “Dry and Rocky”

About 8,000 years ago, dunes began forming atop Makawehi as sections of the sandy shoreline accumulated a reddish fossil soil overlay.

The tradewinds blowing from the northeast or mauka (mountain) side of this area have had the most dominant influence determining the shape of the dunes along this section of coast, with kona winds from the southwest having a minor influence.

4. Pinnacles

Sandstone-limestone pinnacles are usually formed by rain-water washing down along vertical fractures in the limestone. Pinnacles can be seen in stark formation to the right of a small bay just before the climb to the golf course.

5. Heiau Ho‘ouluia – “Fishing Temple”

This site is thought to have been a place of worship where fish were offered to the god of the sea, to ensure good fishing.

6. Punahoa – “To Bind or Lash”

Punahoa is composed of a very thick accumulation of coastal sand dunes that formed around 350,000 years ago. They are the oldest sand dunes of this region, carved by the tradewinds which formed all the dunes of this coast.

Along this area are short pieces of pipe anchored into the lava rock to hold fishing poles. This shoreline has been popular for centuries among local fishermen, catching primarily shoreline game fish such as ulua, papio (juvenile ulua) and oio.

7. Makauwahi Sinkhole – “Fear, Break Through”

The Makauwahi Sinkhole is a small portion of the largest limestone cave found in Hawaii. Paleoecological and archaeological excavations of the sediment that has filled the pond in the sinkhole put its age at some 10,000 years, and have revealed at least 45 species of bird life.

More importantly, the findings of this study show how the first humans that inhabited Kauai affected the pre-human natural environment. It is one of only a handful of sites in the world that show such impact.

8. Māhā‘ulepū Beach-“And Falling Together”

Māhā‘ulepū’s name comes from a legendary battle that occurred in the 1300s when Kalaunuio Hua, a Big Island ruler, made an attempt to take over all the Hawaiian islands.

By nightfall, it was evident that Kalaunuio Hua had lost the battle and became a prisoner to Kukona. Thus began the historical distinction of Kauai as an island that was never conquered.

9. Wai‘ōpili Petroglyphs – “Water Against”

In 1887, Kauai resident JK Farley discovered carved drawings or petroglyphs on a rock at Māhā‘ulepū Beach near the mouth of the Wai‘ōpili Stream. The carvings are normally covered by beach sand, but if tides and ocean conditions are right the petroglyphs can occasionally be seen.

North of Māhā‘ulepū Beach is a large petroglyph boulder which contains two cup-like carvings at the top. One of the carvings contains a pecked out groove from the cup and runs along the edge of the boulder.

The Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail is a project of the Po‘ipū Beach Foundation.

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Māhā‘ulepū Village as drawn by Hiram Bingham-1824

1-Keoneloa Bay

2-Makawehi

3-Paa Dunes

4-Pinnacles

5-Heiau Hoouluia

6-Punahoa

7-Makauwahi Sinkhole

8-Mahaulepu Beach

9-Waiopli Petroglyphs

Mahaulepu_Heritage_Trail-Map

May 15, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 161 – March 31, 1820

The Thaddeus stays around Kawaihae – some missionaries and members of the crew of the Thaddeus go ashore there. The Thaddeus drifts and apparently does not anchor there.

March 31, 1820 – The interesting intelligence of yesterday is confirmed today by a visit of Mr. Ruggles, Tho. H. and Tamoree to the residence of Krimokoo where they were kindly received and entertained. The widow of Tamh. sent us a present of fresh fish, cocoanuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, sugar-cane, breadfruit, &c., expressing much satisfaction that we had come to teach them good things.

Several natives came off to the Brig in the canoes, with some little articles of provisions, of their own manufacture, shells, &c. for the purpose of traffic. of them we inquired whether they had learned anything about Jehovah who had made Owhyhee and all things. They replied, that Reehoreeho the King had heard of the great God of the white people, and had spoken of him, that all the chiefs but one had agreed to destroy their Idols, because they were convinced that they could do no good since they could not even save their King. idol worship is therefore prohibited and the priesthood entirely abolished. – Sing, O Heavens for the Lord hath done it. (Thaddeus Journal)

31^st. ” Soon after meridian, on the 31st, the brig lay to off Towaihae (Kawaihae) Bay, on the west coast of Kohala, the northern district of Hawaii. An officer, Mr. Hunnewell, was dispatched in a boat with two natives to learn the condition of affairs onland. His journal states that “at 2 p.m. I went to the shore for information. I was informed that the King Tamehameha [1st], was dead, that Rehurehu [Liholiho his son] was head chief, that Krimoku [Kalanimōku] was second in power, that they ‘had caused to be burned all their wooden gods,’ that all the chiefs and natives had become Inores, that one chief, [?] refusing to give up his wooden gods, had been put to death. I returned to the brig at 4 p.m., where the news was gratefully received by our missionary friends’ told them in the words he used, ‘Kamehameha is dead, the gods and temples are burned— Owyhee’s idols are no more.” (James Hunnewell)

March 31st. I need not say this is a deeply interesting season. For a moment my heart has failed me. I have been these five months, bringing these scenes to my view, so much that I thought I should in a measure stand unmoved. But I am obliged to seek my little room and let the tears flow. Canoes of the naked natives are along side of our vessel and coming on board. 0, my sisters, you cannot tell how the sight of these poor degraded creatures, both literally and spiritually naked, would affect you; I say naked. They have nothing but a narrow strip, which they term a marrow, tied around them. (Sybil Bingham)

31st. Thomas and I had been on shore at Toahie (Kawaihae); Larokrimakoo (Kalanimoku) the head chief, and two of Tamahamaha’s (Kamehameha) widows; all seemed pleased to see us, and treated us with kindness.

The news which we heard yesterday was confirmed by them. Yes, beloved friends, “Owhyhee’s (Hawaii) idols are no more”. God has done a great work for us apparently without any human agency; a work to accomplish for which we expected to labour for years. Their high priests and now ranked among the lowest class of people. This revolution took place about the time we left our native shore, the time when so many prayers were offered up for us, and for this nation. They have now no worship but seem to be waiting for the law of Christ. While on shore I visited the ruins of the most celebrated Moral on the Island; saw the ashes of more than 300 human victims who had been offered in sacrifice to their dumb idols. The land on this side the Island is barren being almost entirely made of lava. The natives go naked except a narrow strip of cloth fastened round the middle. (Samuel Ruggles)

March 31. We have been becalmed near 24 hours. Early this morning one of the officers & several men went on shore, to invite the head chief and his lady, to come and see us. The men & boat have returned, and brought some of the productions of the Island, such as sweet potatoes, bread-fruit, plantains, cocoanuts, sugar-cane &c. I relish none except the coconut. Brother Ruggles was one who went ashore. They went to the house of the chief and were treated with great kindness and hospitality. The best of the house afforded was set before them. The natives cut their poe (or pudding) made of tarrow with their fingers; but perceiving Brother R chose not to eat in such a manner, they got him a spoon made of an elephant’s tooth. It was not customary for them to drink tea, but because they were white men, the Queen who was there, ordered some to be made it was poured into a China bowl and drank with a silver spoon; she taking a spoonful herself, then passing it around. When they first enter the house, the Queen was lying on a mat or the floor, with several attendants; some rubbing her, others keeping off the flies. They visited the Morai (heiau)& saw the ruins of idolatry. The bones of human victims with those of hogs and dogs, laid strewed upon the ground with the ashes of the idols. The reason they gave for burning their Gods was this, they said they could not save the life of Tamaahmaah (Kamehameha), nor of his father, therefore they were good for nothing. How surprising! That what we expected would be the labour of years, God has accomplished before our arrival. He orders all the events of providence in such a manner, that no flesh may glory in his presence. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

31. – Have this day sent a boat to invite on board a chief called Krimahoo (alias Billy Pitt.) who is prime minister of state: but as he had gone a fishing he did not come. (Several canoes came full of natives, naked except a small piece of tappa about the loins. Here is a picture of human depravity without the covering of a civilized education.) (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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May 14, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Out Of This World

Man landed on the Moon, remote rovers traversed portions of the Martian surface and now some folks are dreaming of, preparing for and testing opportunities of having humans landing on Mars.

Of course, the best way to study the Martian surface and its climate is to go there, and as a part of a necessary activity before humans travel to Mars, planetary scientists study places on the Earth that are like the Martian surface.

Before getting there, scientists need to test and experiment with terrestrial soils to best prepare for human occupation on Mars.

Soils are used in testing rover vehicles, food production and equipment maintenance.

Since voyagers will not be able to transport sufficient amounts of food on their flight, they will need to grow their own food – kind of like ET Agriculture (the ultimate in subsistence, self-sufficient farming.)

Based on soil evaluation and testing, scientists believe it is possible to grow plants on Mars in technologically advanced, controlled environments that could keep the plants warm and give the plants enough atmosphere, light and water to live.

It turns out Mauna Kea Volcano is one of the few places on the Earth that is similar to what scientists currently know about the surface and soil make-up of Mars.

Scientists have made extensive worldwide searches for naturally-occurring equivalents for Martian surface materials and have concluded that weathered volcanic ash from the Island of Hawai‘i are uniquely suitable for Martian simulants.

Mauna Kea has color (a reddish-brown,) mineralogy, chemical composition, particle size, density and magnetic properties similar to the oxidized soil of Mars.

Samples of volcanic ash from Iceland, Alaska, Antarctica, Mexico, New Mexico and Hawai‘i were collected and investigated by NASA since the 1970s.

While Mauna Kea summit has the best examples of volcanic ash similar to the Martian soils, due to sensitivity of extracting from the summit, a cinder cone (Pu‘u Nene) adjacent to the old section of Saddle Road was selected (now bypassed, due to the recent realignment between Mauna Kea Access Road and Mauna Kea State Park.)

It was found that material from Pu‘u Nene on the lower part of Mauka Kea matched Martian characteristics better than any other site tested. The material found on Pu‘u Nene has a particular composition of “palagonite” and may be unique in the world.

The ash is used by various agencies, including NASA, and also schools and private firms conducting experiments (primarily for rover studies and to determine if the palagonite ash could support plant growth) or teaching about Mars.

While I was at DLNR, after a Contested Case Hearing on the matter, we issued a Conservation Use Permit to hand quarry (using shovels) volcanic ash from Pu‘u Nene cinder cone for these scientific studies.

The Property is located in the Resource subzone of the Conservation District. Mining is an expressly identified use in the Resource subzone of the Conservation District.

Pu‘u Nene has been extensively quarried for cinders that were used, among other things, to pave Saddle Road in the 1940s; it is dominated by alien vegetation, has no archaeological or cultural sites, and there is very little native vegetation at the site.
Although the Humu‘ula saddle area itself has a storied past, there is no known Hawaiian name for Pu‘u Nene. It was, therefore, concluded that it was a modern term, perhaps given by L. “Bill” Bryan who served as manager of the Civilian Conservation Corps and as Territorial Forester on the Island of Hawai‘i between the 1930s to the 1960s.

Native Hawaiian testimonies, survey records and cartographic resources reveal that this general area of pu‘u, or cinder cone hills, are known as ‘Oma‘okoili (literally, “resting in the saddle.”)

In the hand quarrying operation, rather than extract directly from the surface, researchers extract the ash about 2-3 feet below the soil layer.

After it is quarried, it is processed by passing it through a series of stainless steel sieves to separate it by granule size into fine-grade and medium-grade ash. It is then distributed to research and educational projects and facilities.

This isn’t the first time NASA looked to Hawai‘i, and Mauna Kea in particular, for extra-terrestrial travel preparations.

During the Apollo lunar landing series, astronauts were trained on Mauna Kea and regarded the area as the most lunarlike that they had observed. (Apollo 11 was the spaceflight in which American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first to land on the Moon, on July 20, 1969.)

NASA teams have operated tools, instruments and systems on Mauna Kea; each one aimed to better understand potential space resources, limit the amount of resources humans would have to carry with them beyond low Earth orbit and also protect hardware once is gets there.

Different rovers were tested on Mauna Kea. In 2011, ‘Curiosity’ was launched and eventually landed on Mars on August 5, 2012, carrying laboratory instruments to analyze samples of rocks, soil and atmosphere, and investigate whether Mars has ever offered environmental conditions favorable for microbial life.

“When NASA’s Curiosity rover began using its on-board instrument to analyze the chemical composition of the rocks and soil on Mars, the results bore a striking resemblance to those obtained during previous tests of the Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument on Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano.” (SpaceNews)

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