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Kēlā Mea, Kēia Mea
By Ronald Williams Jr.
Within the dozens of Hawaiian-language newspapers published during the 19th and early 20th centuries were often found engaging columns titled Kela Mea Keia Mea. These features carried small tidbits of news and interesting happenings from places throughout the islands. With that same mana'o, this modern-day column is published with the idea of bringing to the readers brief bits of interesting and sometimes lesser-known histories. These "news bites" have been collected during the course of research in newspaper, manuscript, correspondence and other archival collections around Hawai'i. The sources are both Hawaiian language and English. It is hoped that, like its many predecessors, this column might inform, entertain and perhaps even spark discussion. Me ka ha'aha'a no.
• Punahou. June 14, 1881. Making note of the upcoming 40th anniversary of O'ahu College at Punahou, the Anniversary Committee of Trustees of the College has written a letter discussing the Annual Examinations that are being held yesterday and today. The committee, consisting of Sanford B. Dole, W.R. Castle and Albert F. Judd print the order of examination. It contains among other notables: Zoology, Trigonometry, Conic Sections, Latin, Caesar, Homer, French, Virgil, Declamation and Hopkins' Outline of Man.
• Hilo. August 7, 1881. Pele flows on. Yesterday's Ko Hawaii Pae Aina published a letter of E.K. Wahinehuhu dated July 27 that brought the terrifying news that the recent flow of "Ka Pele ai Honua" had reached the edge of Homelani, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nāwahī, just outside Hilo. Some have sought the assistance of Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani and she has arrived in town. The flow appears ready to devour Hilo town in its awesome wrath.
• Honolulu. June 14, 1897. We, for one, at this paper are tired of seeing the disrespectful references by those who support the current illegal and unrepresentative government to our Queen as "Lil," "Mrs. Dominus," and "Ex-Queen." We applaud the important and purposeful actions that Mrs. Emma Nāwahī has taken over at her newspaper Ke Aloha Aina. That paper has been reporting correctly on the actions of Her Majesty Queen Lili'uokalani and even writes of "….Kona lahui."
• Lāhainā. November 11, 1900. Despite an extensive and expensive campaign by the Republican party throughout the islands, the vote totals from last Wednesday's first territorial election in Hawai'i saw the mostly Native Hawaiian Home Rule Party dominate the vote, especially here on Māui. Before we launch into a celebration party it needs to be remembered that the top elected official in the islands is indeed appointed from Washington, and that man, Governor Dole, holds veto power over any act the Legislature may pass.
• Lāhainā. November 9, 1908. "Ka Hoolewa o Mrs. Parker." With very heavy hearts we read last Friday's announcement of the passing of Mrs. Campbell-Parker at Queen's hospital from breast cancer on November 2. This native daughter of Lāhainā, Abigail Kuaihelani, was born here on August 22, 1858. One of the leading Hawaiian ladies of the land, Mrs. Parker was a benefactor to many and seemed always to have a special place in her heart for her hometown of Lāhainā.
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