A New Year Message of Appreciation
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa published on January 17, 1924.
Mrs. Kaapuwai Kanealii writes to the newspaper Ka Nupepa Kuokoa to publicly show her appreciation for the hospitality she received during the new year from the people of Kamalō, Molokaʻi.
Image: “He Hoomaikai ia Mrs. Kam Chee o Kamalo, Molokai,” Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, January 17, 1924, p. 2.
THANK YOU TO MRS. KAM CHEE OF KAMALŌ, MOLOKAʻI.
While visiting Great Molokaʻi of Hina, I stayed at Kamalō for a number of days and became acquainted with Mrs. Kam Chee, Mrs. Dan Kahoili, and Mr. Kahooili. There I saw the Christian deeds of Mrs. Kam Chee, as she gave assistance to those in trouble.
While at home on Houghtaling Street, I received a letter telling me to go to the pier and to see the Leleiona.1 [The letter said:] I sent my husband with a barrel of pork and a tin of seaweed done up skillfully, and it is terribly delicious.
I had a fine New Year, being that I was sent all sorts of Molokaʻi delicacies like octopus, pipipi, and the delectably smooth sweet potato of ʻUalapuʻe.
Therefore, I give my highest praise to you all, the kamaʻāina of Molokaʻi; so too did the Almighty pour out blessings until enough and overflowing.
I conclude here with my great thanks to you all. Hape Nuia!3
Yours,
MRS. KANEALII. [Naapuwai Kanealii]2
1Gasoline engine schooner servicing route between Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.
2David and Naapuwai Kanelii supplied Ka Nupepa Kuokoa with a number of descriptions of their interisland travels.
3The phrase “Hauoli Makahiki Hou” is regularly seen in the Hawaiian language newspapers to mean “Happy New Year,” and can still be heard and seen today. “Hapenuia” (also “Hape nuia” and “Hape nu ia”) appears earlier, but its use seems to dwindle.
Image: Kam Chee family (from left to right): Wong Wun, Yim Kam Chee holding child, Ivy Kam Chee, Hattie P. Kam Chee; Kamalō, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Photo by Louis R. Sullivan, 1920–1921. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 5021
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org.
Image: Mr. and Mrs. (Daniel and Kaluna) Hooili; Kamalō, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Photo by Louis R. Sullivan, 1920–1921. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 5022
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org.
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
