Peter T Young

August 3, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 081 – January 11, 1820

January 11, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 11th. What can I say to my sisters, this morning? I can tell them, could the eye glance across the great waters and catch the little bark, ascending and descending the mountainous waves, which contains their dear sister, their hands would be involuntarily extended for her relief, and their cry would be save her! The sea runs very high, while the wind roars through the naked riggings as you may have heard it, in a November’s day, through the leafless trees of a majestic forest. The dashing of the waves on deck, the frequent fall of something below, the violent motion of the vessel, going up and then down, would seem to conspire to terrify and distress; yet I feel my mind calm as if by a winter’s fire in my own happy land. Is it not of the mercy of GOD? I feel it is. But, 0, the poor returns I make! We are approaching Cape Horn. What terrific scenes await us there, we know not. Sufficient for us, our Pilot is divinely wise, divinely good. Sabbath was a peaceful day. me angry ocean, these many days enraged, seemed to regard its sacred hours. I think it was a day of more than usual enjoyment in my own mind. Brother T— preached from these words, “Other sheep have I which are not, etc.” We have no appearance of a revival at Sea. How does the Holy Spirit dispense his favors as he will, but, 0, to stand in a waiting posture! (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 11. – We are now experiencing another gale equal in violence to the one on the 7th. Surely there is a meaning in all this. I fear we are not prepared for the work of evangelizing the heathen. Stay thine hand O God we beseech thee: say unto the elements it is enough. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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August 2, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hōlualoa Royal Center

In the centuries prior to 1778, seven large and densely-populated Royal Centers were located along the shoreline between Kailua and Hōnaunau on the Island of Hawai‘i.

The compounds were areas selected by the ali‘i for their residences; ali‘i often moved between several residences throughout the year. The Royal Centers were selected for their abundance of resources and recreation opportunities, with good surfing and canoe-landing sites being favored.

Chiefly residences are known to have changed over time and an ali‘i would expand or modify a residential complex to meet his or her needs and desires.

Traditional histories record the lands at Hōlualoa as a chiefly residence and Royal Center.

Three major occupation sequences have been identified based on the association with various ali’i: AD 1300 (Keolonāhihi), AD 1600 (Keakamahana and Keākealaniwahine) and AD 1780 (Kamehameha I) – it appears very likely that the Hōlualoa Royal Center grew and changed over time.

Hōlualoa offered a wealth of agricultural products from the Kona Field system, offshore marine resources and the surf site off Kamoa Point in Hōlualoa Bay.

The Hōlualoa Royal Center was split into two archaeological complexes, Kamoa Point/Keolonāhihi Complex and Keākealaniwahine Residential Complex.

The Hōlualoa Royal Center contained a total of several heiau structures that were constructed and dedicated for a range of religious functions that are representative of Hawaiian cultural traditions and practices.

The functions of these heiau include surfing (Hale ‘A‘ama), warrior training (Kanekaheilani Heiau), medicine and healing (Hualani Heiau), fertility (Mo‘ipe Heiau) and preparation of ali‘i for burial (Burial Heiau and Haleokekupa).

Oral traditions suggest that the Hōlualoa Royal Center was constructed as early as A.D. 1300 by the Chiefess Keolonāhihi and her husband, Aka.

Keolonāhihi was either the daughter or niece of Pā‘ao. Pā‘ao brought the Kū religion, along with a highly stratified social system, to Hawai‘i from Tahiti, circa AD 1300.

These sites included the women’s features (Keolonāhihi Heiau, Hale Pe‘a and Palama), the sports heiau (Kanekaheilani) and the grandstand at Kamoa Point to view the surfing and canoeing events in Hōlualoa Bay.

Keākealaniwahine’s Residence, the 16-acre mauka parcel with its 28 recorded archaeological sites – this complex contains many religious sites, including three heiau.

Much of the site’s history relates to the occupation of the Royal Center by Chiefess Keakamahana and her daughter, Chiefess Keākealaniwahine, in the 17th Century. These two women were the highest-ranking Ali‘i of their dynastic line and generation – traditional histories suggest they expanded the compound mauka.

The residence of Keakamahana and Keākealaniwahine is believed to be the large walled enclosure on the mauka side of Ali‘i Drive.

Later, Kamehameha lived with his mother Kekuiapoiwa II and his guardians, Keaka and Luluka, at Pu‘u in Hōlualoa during the rule of Kalani‘ōpu’u.

At Hōlualoa, Kamehameha learned to excel in board and canoe surfing (circa 1760s to early 1770s.) “Lyman’s” at Hōlualoa Bay remains a popular surf spot, today.

Later, Kalani‘ōpu’u took Kamehameha to Ka‘u and there is no evidence that Kamehameha maintained a residence at Hōlualoa during his reign.

Kamehameha used the Keolonāhihi complex for religious purposes; after his rise to power, he stored his war god, Kūkaʻilimoku, at Hale O Kaili in the Hōlualoa Royal Center.

While I was at DLNR, we submitted nomination (and received) designation of the Hōlualoa Historic District and expanded the site through the purchase of an adjoining property.

In addition, we were involved in discussions that ultimately led to the BLNR approval of a Curator Agreement for the Keolonāhihi Complex with the Betty Kanuha Foundation.

The Hōlualoa Royal Center was one of the important Points of Interest in the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan that we prepared.

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Holualoa_Bay-Looking_At_Keolohahihi-1890

Holualoa_Bay-Across_to_Keolonahihi

Coastal frontage at Keohonahihi (Andy Bohlander)

Clearing of invasive kiawe trees at Keolonahihi (Andy Bohlander)

Ruins of perimeter wall at Hōlualoa Royal Center

Holualoa-Keolonahihi-coastal wall formation

Keolonahihi_Complex-site_layout-1300s

Keolonahihi_Complex-site_layout-1600s

Keolonahihi_Complex-site_layout-1780

Keolonahihi_Complex-site_layout-1890

Keakealaniwahine_Complex-site_layout

Holualoa_Royal_Center-Kekahuna_Map-Bishop_Museum

Holualoa-Historic-District-location-map

August 2, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 082- January 12, 1820

January 12, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 12th. We were called on deck to look at something new to us among the numberless works of the great Creator. A whale had made its appearance, lying along side of the vessel. It sported about in the water, one side and the other, presenting, at short intervals, its huge back upon the surface, for a considerable time. We were as much amused as children, while it spoke that entreating hand, By whom supported still, we stand.” The commotion of the sea is a little subsided, tho’ yet very rough, and the wind piercing. (Sybil Bingham)

“Cold, stormy day, off the coast of Patagonia, opposite Cape St. Joseph’s Lat. 42°-40”. Begin to feel the effects of C. Horn.
Cold. blustering winds and high seas which seem as if they would throw poor Thaddeus on her “beam-ends” as the sailors say. Not unfrequently a sea takes her broadside, and breaking, overflows the whole deck, sweeping all before it – and one time came well-nigh taking our Captain overboard. It might be called a hairbreadth escape. The report is “like the thundering cannon of the day of judgment.”
I sometimes feel a little afraid because there is danger of our masts being taken away- but generally feel composed, and as safe as on Terra-Firma. He “who holds the seas in his fist and taketh up the Islands as a very small thing,” can, and will surely protect all such as put their trust in him.
My health is better to-day than it has been in a month past. I am consequently very happy – I have learned 6 sentences in Owhyhee, read 2 pages in the “Materia-Medica,” written 3 pages in my journal, drank a toast with Capt. Blanchard, besides spending a half hour in idle chit-chat with Mr. Loomis about our want of room and convenient accommodations, as our neighbors have, our station being in the cabin where all the commotion and news of the day is passing. I have accomplished all this since breakfast and is the greatest day’s work done since I came on board. Dined on baked pork and beans – nothing wanting but a good appetite and a thankful heart.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

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August 1, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Honorary Member of the Mission

In 1840, a land dispute between Mr. Richard Charlton, the first British ambassador to Hawaiʻi, and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi would spark the infamous “Paulet episode” which led to the forced cession of the Hawaiian Islands to Britain in 1843. (KSBE)

“Admiral Thomas, immediately on hearing of the usurpation by his inferior officer, without waiting for instructions from his government, hastened to the Islands, resolved to atone for the indignity done to the king and his people as effectually and speedily as possible.”

“The king was at once, in the most formal and honorable manner, reinstated in his authority. This was on the 31st of July, 1843. The king and chiefs then repaired to the great Stone Church to offer thanks for the gracious interposition of Providence.”

“The deportment of Admiral Thomas toward all parties, while at the Islands, was honorable to his character, and he has ever since been gratefully remembered.” (Anderson)

“The restoration of the Hawaiian Monarchy in July 1843 – ending the five-months-long illegal seizure and occupation by the Englishman, Lord George Paulet – created the chief, and indeed the only, notable site in Kulaokahu‘a.” (Greer)

It was later (1850) named Thomas Square.

“The king made a short address, stating that according to the hope expressed by him when he ceded the Islands, ‘the life of the land’ had been restored to him…”

“… that now they – the people of his Islands – should look to him, and his rule over them should be exercised according to the constitution and laws.”

“This address was followed by the interpretation of Admiral Thomas’s declaration; after which John Ii delivered an animated address suited to the joyful occasion.”

“He referred to the gloom which had shrouded the nation, and the despondency which had brooded over many minds; these were now dispelled; joyful hope had sprung up, making every thing around bright and smiling.”

“He referred to the auspicious event of the restoration as of the Lord, who had been mindful of the nation in its low estate, and as demanding from all grateful thanks and praise.”

“The whole deportment of Admiral Thomas while at the Isl. ands, towards the king and his people, and the mission, was of the most courteous and honorable character …”

“…and his example, counsels, and influence will long be gratefully remembered. Law and order were restored, the nation has been inspired with new courage, and all measures for its improvement have received a fresh impulse.” (ABCFM, Report 1844)

“Hawaii’s sovereignty had been restored.” (Greer)

“‘Her Majesty’s Government, we learn in a letter from the Earl of Aberdeen, ‘viewed with the highest approbation, the whole of his proceedings at the Sandwich Islands, as marked by a great propriety and an admirable judgment throughout …’”

“‘… and as calculated to raise the character of British authorities for justice, moderation, and courtesy of demeanor, in the estimation of the natives of those remote countries, and of the world.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“Richard (Darton) Thomas was born at Saltash, county of Cornwall. … This officer entered the navy the 26th of May, 1790, on board the Cumberland 74, Captain John M. Brule, and sailed in the course of the same year with a squadron under Rear Admiral Cornish, for the West Indies”. (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“The King too, Kamehameha III, moved by gratitude, intimated a wish that the Rear Admiral would sit for his portrait in full uniform, that His Majesty ‘might have and preserve in his palace the likeness of a British officer who …’”

“‘… in restoring to him his kingdom, dared to act on his own sense of right, counting upon the approval of his magnanimous, Queen, in which he was not disappointed.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

“No nobler men ever touched those Islands, than some of the officers of the American and English navies.” (Richard Armstrong)

“(Armstrong’s) home ‘Stone House’ was named after the English residence of Admiral Thomas, of the British Navy, who restored the national flag which his subordinate, Lord George Paulet, had, in his absence, hauled down, taking possession of the Islands in the name of the Queen.”

“Lord George was compelled by the Admiral to restore the flag and salute it with his own guns. The day was thereafter kept as a national holiday, and the name of Admiral Thomas is held in grateful remembrance.” (Richard Armstrong)

“(T)he Rear Admiral (Richard Thomas) received the thanks of the Government of the United States for his conduct relative to the American residents in the Sandwich Islands; and that he was elected an ‘honorary member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.’” (Polynesian, August 3, 1850)

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August 1, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 083 – January 13, 1820

January 13, 1820 – A school of whales appeared, extending along two miles, sporting and spouting and making the deep to boil like a pot. Heavy gales from the S.W. have given several of the family severe colds.
Lat. 42 (Thaddeus Journal)

13. – Yesterday the store moderated, but today we are threatened with another. This morning I was much amused by the sport of whales. After breakfast I went aloft & on looking to the windward, saw 50 or 60 of the huge creatures drawn up in a line so if for battle. They spout the water into the air several yards, which at a distance resembles smoke from a cannon. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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