Between stories

Before launching a new story tomorrow, a few notes on the just-completed "Tubers."

The idea of a thriving native Hawaiian culture living in the lava tubes than run beneath and between the Hawaiian islands began while researching "Mauna Ala: Hawaii's Royal Mausoleum, Last Remnant of a Lost Kingdom," my book that was published by Mutual Publishing in November. It was Palani Vaughan, the singer-composer, who mentioned a story of an immense lava tube running from the Big Island to Maui.

When I mentioned this later to William Kaihe'ekai Mai'oho, the sixth-generation curator at Mauna Ala, he mentioned a story about another tube that is said to run from 'Iolani Palace to Kualoa Ranch.

I'd wanted to write a story involving the collection and sale of ancient Hawaiian artifacts and bones, as well as the greatest mystery in Hawaiian history: Where lie the bones of Kamehameha he Great? Turns out Bill is descended from one of the two chiefs who were asked by the king to hide his bones in an undersea cave. His middle name hints at the location.

Put all that together, shake well, and you get "Tubers."

While I have big ears when it comes to local lore and history, in this case special credit goes to "Hawaiian Mythology" by Martha Beckwith. Originally published in 1940, it details in 570 pages old stories and religious practices, and their many variants, including similar tales from which they grew in Polynesia. From Beckwith came Ka-lai-pahoa, the evil god of sorcery who in my telling poisoned a portion of The Tube; the god Lono's history as a wife-beater; Keko'ona, the Molokai chief come to life as a 300-foot eel; and the reason Menehune disappeared from Earth -- the rotten treatment they always received from man and god alike.

Also of value was " 'Olelo No 'Eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings," by Mary Kawena Pukui.

"Tubers," which began Nov. 1, in every way is a folk tale, but in a modern setting and just slightly twisted. Tomorrow we begin a more traditional story. It too will involve religion, this time Islam.

"Uncle Osama" involves an al-Qaeda plot to hit the U.S. government or military in Hawaii, ordered straight from the top; high times inside a syndicate strip/gambling club in Makiki; a beautiful young woman struggling with conflicted feelings about family, religion, self and duty; a handsome young Marine officer; and the return of HPD Detective Sherlock Gomes.

It will be the sixth book in the My Kind of Town series, following "Honolulu Soap Co.," "Hunt Club," "False Teeth," "Lama on The Lam" and "Tubers." I'm grateful for the supportive e-mails from faithful readers, and even the occasional criticism. Thanks for reading as we approach (in March) the fourth year of My Kind of Town.