Bits of News from Lāʻie, Those Passed On and Kūlolo Peddled from Kauaʻi.
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa published on April 5, 1918.
Aloha Nūhou Monday!
In many of the Hawaiian language newspapers, there was a column of short, random news items sent in by local correspondents: descriptions of neighborhood parties, extreme weather, fundraiser announcements, and so forth.
The columns would come under titles like, “Kela ame Keia” [This and That], “Na Hunahuna Mea Hou” [Bits of News], “Nuhou Kuloko” [Local News], “Nuhou Kuloko Pokole” [Short Local News], “Nuhou Hope Loa” [Latest News], “Na Anoai” [News], and “Hunahuna Kuloko” [Local Bits]. The following is one such column.
Image: Lāʻie Town, Oʻahu, ca. 1922. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 115927.
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org
Image: “Na Hunahuna Meahou o Laie.” Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, April 5, 1918, p. 8.
Bits of News from Lāʻie.
Mr. Sol. Hanohano, Aloha:—With your good will and patience please insert this in an empty space of our beloved [paper], that is prized by numerous friends from the rising sun to the setting sun at the surface of the sea:
On Wednesday, the 6th of March 1918, Mrs. Kulia gave up breathing the chilling air of this life. She departed her family and left her body behind in the soil. She was 51 years old when she passed away.
At seven o’clock sharp in the morning of March 22, Mrs. Kini Pele Kaio grew weary of this life, leaving behind her husband, children, and grandchildren, and went peacefully upon the path of no return, leaving behind a bundle of sorrow and sadness for the family to grieve after. Fondly remembered is that woman of the famous land.
Tumultuous is ʻEwa for the pearl oyster was taken away; she was gracious, friendly, welcoming strangers and natives alike coming to visit. She was 55 years old when she returned to the soil.
On the morning of this past Saturday, the 23rd of March 1918, Mr. Iosua Manoha peddled his kūlolo tins atop his hand-pulled cart, at the doorways here in Lāʻie, calling out, “Kūlolo! Kūlolo! Half off!” Its richness was like that of pig fat when it oozes out. It was made beautifully by the kūlolo-baking youth of Kauaʻi.
That is a little of the new happenings of the Koʻolau cliffs, and it is up to you, the captain, along with your sailors, to quickly insert this in an empty column.
Yours truly, the scout who sniffs out news, sincerely,
W. K. Apuakehau.
Lāʻie, March 24, 1918.
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.
