Atlas of Hawaii
Sometimes it's good to look at the forest instead of the trees. This week and next, we'll skip the things-attached-to-phone-poles beat to focus on the big picture.Why are the Hawaiian Islands called that when there's already an island named Hawaii? It's confusing. We wind up calling Hawaii the "Big Island" to differentiate it.
In 1778, when James Cook bumped into Oahu and Kauai, he didn't know what to call the island chain, so he dubbed them the Sandwich Islands, after a British earl. What Cook didn't know was that the islands didn't have a common name. They were five separate sovereignties, but there was a chap named Kamehameha on the island known as Hawaii, and he was determined to expand his kingdom.
In 10 years of warfare on Hawaii, starting with the battle of Moku'ohai in 1782, Kamehameha created an empire of sorts. By 1791, Kamehameha ruled Hawaii, and by 1795 he virtually controlled Kaho'olawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and finally, Oahu after the Battle of Nuuanu Pali. Kamehamemeha's primary opponent at this time was Kahekili, who ruled Maui, Oahu and Molokai, but he died in Waikiki in 1794.
Kauai and Niihau later fell into Kamehameha's orbit by diplomatic means. For the first time, the islands were united, making it more difficult for foreigners to divide and conquer. They became known as the "Hawaiian" islands because they were conquered by the island of Hawaii.
Simple as that. If Kahekili had won, we'd be known as the Maui Islands, or maybe the Oahu Islands.
U.S. Navy Commander William Finch, visiting the island in 1829, noted that the islanders despised the appelation Sandwich Islands, "but adapt and use that of 'Hawaiian Islands'; in allusion to the fact that the whole group having been subjugated by the first Kamehameha, who was chief of the principal island Owhiee," or Hawaii. The royal Hawaiian government officially adopted "Hawaiian Islands" in the 1840 constitution.
What were the chain of islands called in pre-contact days? Historian Herb Kane feels they weren't called anything at all, each of the individual sovereignties being so distinct. A query to the Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii has not provided an answer yet.
Next week: The Hawaiian Islands are bigger than you think they are, maybe.
The Ovid Pictures production needs actors with significant television and film experience to fill principal roles as follows:
In "Ho'olawe," Ahia, who can no longer take from his "brothers and sisters," loses his edge as Oahu's toughest repo man. His office manager, Ishimoto, hires Souza to try to bring Ahia's fire back.Cliff Ahia -- Large local man in his 40s. Tall, with dark hair, kind eyes and deep voice. Leading man.
Call Jack Past at (310)-745-1556 to submit photos or schedule an audition time.
Casting for smaller roles and extras will take place at a later date.
The pidgin fairy tale musical written by Lisa Matsumoto with Roslyn, originally slated to end its run Aug. 1, now runs 8 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays, through Aug. 14 and 4 p.m. Aug. 8 and 15.
But this is the last extension for sure. After the 15th, the show mus close to allow the theater to prepare for its 1999-2000 season opener, "Cinderella," which starts its run Sept. 17.
Tickets for "Iso Peanut" range from $10 to $40, and are available at the DHT box office. Call 734-0274 for more information.
Carvalho has been playing slack-key guitar for more than 35 years. He regularly performs with Ho'omanalo. He will be performing with his apprentice Pamela Garza.
Kotani, also a master of slack key, has performed throughout Hawaii and the mainland, most recently at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. His apprentice is Lance Takamiya, who, like Kotani, teaches slack key at the University of Hawaii.
The concert is free.
Activities for keiki ages 8 to 13 will include Okinawan cooking, flower aranging, pottery, Okinawan and plantation games, Okinawan and Japanese arts and crafts and more. Children can also learn how to make a paranku drum or raku ikebana vase.
The registration fee of $40 for one child, $75 for two and $110 for three children (discounts apply only to children from the same household), includes supplies, excursion costs and a camp T-shirt.
Developed four years ago, the camp provides children with exposure to the Okinawan heritage in a fun learning environment. Spaces in the camp are limited.
The camp is also seeking adult and teen-age volunteer leaders. Training will be provided. Call Karen Kuba-Hori at 676-5400 for more information.
The Hawaii United Okinawan Association is at 94-587 Ukee St. in Waipahu.
Featured acts are: The Makaha Sons, Pure Heart with Lopaka and Jake, Hapa, Loyal Garner, Melveen Leed, Karen Keawehawai'i, Myra English and O'Brien Eselu.
There will be a pre-concert gathering at 5 p.m. in the foyer, with entertainment by Kanilau. Specially priced pupu and beverages will be available.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Funds raised will benefit the Waikiki Community Center. For information, call 931-8178.
