Aloha FridayAloha Friday

-E KOMO MAI--E KOMO MAI-

Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka ponoUa mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono"The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in"The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in

Righteousness."Righteousness."

By Don M.Wall By Don M.Wall May 20, 2005May 20, 2005O`ahu, USAO`ahu, USA

Listen to the music of the islands while viewing Aloha Friday.Listen to the music of the islands while viewing Aloha Friday.Simply minimize this page, go to Simply minimize this page, go to www.breezeofhawaii.comwww.breezeofhawaii.com

Then click-on” Listen now.” After you click on the play button,Then click-on” Listen now.” After you click on the play button,Minimize their page and maximize the Aloha Friday page again.Minimize their page and maximize the Aloha Friday page again.

“Once Upon A Time In Kahuku”“Once Upon A Time In Kahuku”by D.M.Wallby D.M.Wall

Historical contributors: David Parker and Von LoganHistorical contributors: David Parker and Von Logan

The Shaka Hand Gesture.

I thought this week I would research and discuss the subject of the Shaka hand gesture. Everyone has probably seen or used this gesture at one time or another. It is certainly prevalent here on the islands, and it should be. It has been my experience that this hand gesture, the Shaka, is used virtually everywhere in Hawaii. The bus drivers flash this sign to each other when they cross paths on the roadway, people in cars use it as an acknowledgement that they recognize a friend in traffic, and neighbors use it to greet each other from across the street. Friends use it with a “Hey!” when calling out to get someone’s attention. Shaka is virtually used everywhere, and for every purpose.

Just the other day while I was on the bus, a child no more than several months old was snuggled into his mother’s bosom while busily trying to create the Shaka hand gesture with his fingers. The mother seemed to be trying to prevent him from accomplishing this feat. Because this century old gesture is ingrained amongst the Hawaiian peoples, I doubt mother will have any success in stopping the child. During this past week I have surveyed a number of people as to what the above hand gesture is, or means, and I was simply told: “Shaka!” or given some response like: “I don’t know what it means, exactly. It’s just a Shaka.”

Others told me some story or another, one of them being about a man who lost his fingers to leprosy, and then used the hand to wave to people. The leprosy theory was the closest story I have heard which juxtaposes my research. The leper theory probably originates from the historical Father Damien, the Belgian priest who came to the island of Molakai years ago to help the local Hawaiians exiled from neighboring islands who were afflicted with leprosy (brought by the haole) and who established a leper colony there. Though father Damien’s humanitarian efforts are endeared by all, I do not subscribe to belief that this was intrinsic to the origin of the Shaka. The following story is the best account I have found and all fingers point to this being the most plausible origin. No pun intended.

The Shaka is by far the most well-known and used gesture by Hawaiian locals. Most Hawaiians learn the Shaka before they can even walk. Mothers have been seen all over Hawaii saying to their babies, “make shaka, make shaka.”As much as it is a part of the Hawaiian life and culture, not many people including the Hawaiians even know how it started.

“Kioki” is one of the first friends I made when I got to Hawaii.He’s as nutty as a brudduh can be, and has “No Clue” as to how the shaka began,

or exactly what it may suppose to mean. With more tattoos than common sense (just kidding) Kioki is a natural comedian.

There is nothing going to stop this guy from laughing or making you laugh.

Where did it come from and how did it become such a popular symbol over the years? Not only is the Shaka recognized as a commonly used everyday gesture in Hawaii, it’s also infamous in almost every surfing community around the world. Well, after several weeks of research, we finally have some answers for you.

Jeff. My neighbor from Wahiawa: “I have no clue.”The shaka was not his first gesture when I wanted to take his picture.

He’s got to be one of the nicest people I’ve met, as is his local born wife, “Ata.” (God is she pretty!)Jeff’s wife is about to pop with their second child,

meanwhile, their 3-year-old son “Anthony” seems to be “the boss.”

There are several theories about the shakas origins. Among the leper theory, some say it started with local Hawaiian boys while playing marbles. The technique of holding a marble in the creases of the pointing finger and flicking it with your thumb as your pinkie sticks out creates the shaka sign. Go ahead, try it, I did. Okay so that works.

Kenny. Another one of the first friends I made:“Have no clue, brah.”

As we can see from this photo, Kenny also has no clue as to which alternator belt he needs to fix his van.

Kenny’s always working on his van or motorcycle, or busy driving them around.He’s a man of few words, quiet, and soft spoken. But a good friend to have.

Our common friend, Jeff from the previous photo led us to Kenny, and asked him: “Where’s all those girls you had in da back of da van last night?”

Kenny just smiles: “Went back beach brah.”

A few also swear it originated in Southern California between local surfers as a way to let each other know if the waves were up or down. Thumbs up, pinkie down meant the waves were good and thumbs down, pinkie up meant the waves were flat. Turning your wrist back and forth rotating the sign meant that the waves were so so.

Just thought I’d toss this one in.Hawaiians enjoy a pretty law-less society.

Photo taken at Kahuku.

It has also been said that it originated as a compliment from a well-known Hawaiian elder, Hamana Kalili. The elder would make a fist with his thumb and pinkie extended forming the shape of a hammerhead shark. It was considered a compliment when he gave you the shaka sign because a shark has eyes of sharpness

“AJ” My little Hawaiian buddy from Wahiawa.Probably the most well-spoken and well-mannered kid I’ve met in a long time.

I still drop by to see him and the rest of the Wahiawa gang whenever I hit the north shore.Such was the case of the time of this writing for the Kahuku story.

Though these theories sound possible, the most prevailing story of the shaka sign I found was that of Hamana Kalili from Laie. Around the beginning of the century in the early 1900’s, Kahuku was a booming sugar plantation community. The sugar mill employed many people in the neighboring areas of Laie and Hauula.

Young island girls of Wahiawa.They just automatically made shaka when I said: “1-2-3!” CLICK!

Apparently, Mr. Kalili, a local resident and employee of the mill, lost his three middle fingers on his right hand during an accident at the old Kahuku Sugar Mill. While pushing stalks of cane through a roller that was used to extract the sugar, his fingers got caught in the rollers and were crushed. So, I went to Kakuku!

We’ve arrived at the Kahuku sugar mill to hunt down the legend of shaka.

Because he could no longer work in the mill, he became a security guard on the sugar train that traveled between Sunset Beach and Ka`a`awa. His job was to keep the local kids from jumping on trains as they slowed down to enter or leave Kahuku. He would yell and wave at them with his right hand in an effort to keep them off the train.

A photo of the old sugar train that Kalili probably began the shaka on.

He would also wave his right hand as a way to signal the other security guards and train engineers that everything was clear. As he waved, all they could see was the silhouette of his fist with his thumb and pinkie sticking out.

Another photo I found hanging around the mill of old sugar magnates and workers.

Eventually the kids and security guards adopted his wave, or what we now call the Shaka sign, and used it as an ‘all clear’ or ‘go for it’ sign. When the kids used this gesture, it meant that Kalili wasn’t around and it was okay to jump the train. The kids would also use the sign to taunt and tease him. .

An old mill gear stands erect as an artifact.This gear could have been use to turn the roller-press that caught Mr. Kalili’s’ fingers.

There’s also stories of a Hawaiian king who was said to be responsible for starting the shaka sign. Well after some more research I found out that Hamana Kalili, our fingerless friend from the sugar mill was also a choir leader for his church.

Here’s me next to the roller press assembly. Perhaps Mr. Kalili’s fingers were lost in this one.

Kalili was also the “mo ` i (king) of the festivities” at the famed Hukilau that was held annually in Laie as a fundraiser for his church. It was a huge community event that attracted Hawaiians from several other islands. This is obviously where the rumor of a king starting the Shaka sign originated. I was told from my sources at the time of this writing, that there is actually an old photo (somewhere in Kahuku) of Kalili dressed as a king as he waved to everyone at the festival, the wave that we now know, as the Shaka. Being the Indiana Jones of Hawaii, I’ll continue to hunt for this lost treasure.

The ancient ruins of the Kahuku sugar mill.There’s a rumor of making a museum upon this site,

but the Hawaiians are in no hurry.

Now that we might know where the sign came from, what about the actual word Shaka?Where did it come from? There is no known definition of the word Shaka in the Hawaiian language.Most Hawaiians believe it started out as “Shark Eye.” Somewhere along the line the “r” and the “eye” got dropped and an “a” was added to make it easier for the Hawaiians to say. Because shark eye was a phrase used by the haole (white skinned man), it was difficult for the Hawaiians to pronounce. It seems that Shaka was an early form of slang.

I asked this local Kahuku boy if he knew what a shaka was.He immediately gave us this sign. After asking him if he knew what it meant or its origin,

He confessed: “Don’t know.” I went on to explain that it most likely started right here in Kahuku, his home town, he replied: “Cool.” I went on to tell him the story. His reply: “Cool.” Having

explained Aloha Friday and what I was doing, he concluded: “Cool.” Of course, we now call him “Cool Kevin from Kahuku.”

Actually, he was a very intelligible, articulate 14-year old who went on to say that now he could tell the story to his family and friends.

Here’s where it gets good. Remember the story of the Hawaiian elder who would make a fist with his thumb and pinkie extended to form the shape of a hammerhead shark in a way of complimenting someone? Well once again our fingerless friend Hamana Kalili from the sugar mill is the man behind the myth. . .

“Cool” Kevin writing down his e-mail address in my composition book.

Apparently, Mr. Kalili was also an avid fisherman who loved sharks. He would tell stories to the children of his church about the open seas and how sharks had eyes of sharpness. To play with the kids he would chase and try to grab them while repeatedly yelling, “Shaka! Shaka!” (Shark eye! Shark eye!”)

If you ever come to Kahuku and want to find the old sugar mill, It’s right across the street from Kahuku High and Intermediate schools.From Waikiki, you can take a free trolley to Ala Moana shopping center

Then board the number 52 Circle Island bus to “Wahiawa.”Kahuku is about half way around the other side of the northern most tip of Oahu.

I asked some more Kahuku school kids about the shaka.Well, they all knew what it was called and instantly gave me the gesture, but they knew little more

about it.

“Blue Water Shrimp” in Kahuku.My friend Tina had the garlic shrimp, I had the ½ pound burger.

Below: Souvenir shops near the shrimp stop (same small dirt lot). Also pictures of our meals before we devoured them.

Ginger and Ti. Two of this small shrimp stops employees.Ginger and Ti gave us their backgrounds. Ginger is pretty much and old surfer gal from Sunset

Beach (just down the road) and when I asked Ti about himself, he said: “I’m Hawaiian, brahdah.” Enough said!

These were two very nice people who came and sat with us during the lunch they brought out to us under canopy shade, and heard the shaka story. It’s almost an automatic reflex on the islands.

Ginger has been with the shrimp stand for 28 years.

Under the canopy’s shade. “Blue Water Shrimp” in Kahuku.

I have personally investigated this legend to the best of my ability, and it is undoubtedly as close to the truth as we may ever come to the origin of the shaka. I would like to thank David and Von for all there assistance in this historical undertaking. Von Logan is Hamana Kalili’s great nephew. And, thanks to Mr. Kalili we have another form of communication amongst us, one that shall no doubt echo throughout the schoolrooms of time. I can’t help but to think how proud Hamana Kalili would be today if he was around to see the abundance of happiness he has instilled in the Hawaiian people by providing them with such a symbol of pride and culture that lives on today.

“Aloha, and hang loose!”

“Hi Don. As always, thank you for the Aloha Friday. You didn’t say how to get to Makaha on the bus. Can you tell me (just in case) how to catch a bus from Waikiki to the leeward side?”Ray F. Dallas, TX

Hey Ray! Long time! Okay. Take the Waikiki Trolley to Ala Moana shopping center (it’s a free ride). Then, look for the bus signs that say Leeward, or number 40 Makaha Beach, or the “C” Country Express to Makaha. It’ll cost you $2.00, and is about an hour’s ride.You will pass such towns as Pearl Ridge, Waipahu, and Kapolei before you start heading up the Leeward Coast. Then you will pass Nanakuli, Ma`ili (don’t blink!), and Waianae proper. The 40 and the Country Express (“C”) will take you to the end of the line, Makaha!You will feel like you are on a different planet. The leeward coast does continue up further, but it is inaccessible by public transportation. Mahalo.

Aloha Don. Wow, you’ve been doing this for some time as far as I know. I keep saving these all on disk. The life you’re living, the places you’ve been, and the photos you send to me are just mind- boggling. I have never gotten out of Kansas! Thanks to your Aloha Fridays, I’m pretty much got my trip planned for summer. See you then.

Marcy D., Kansas City, Kansas.

Mahalo, Marcy. I’m glad you like the stuff and that it’s been helpful to you. Wow! You’ve never been out of Kansas? I can hear you now: “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!” You’re in for a treat.

Aloha Don:Thanks for all the great stories and pictures of Paradise. My husband and myself have been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation for years.

We’ve been to the Virgin Islands, but we really been wanting to go to Hawaii. I finally got Paul to look into your Aloha Friday pages, now he’s dead set on it. Is there anything special we should bring or leave behind? Teri J., Las Vegas, NV

Hey Teri. Don’t wear anything “black.” Also, if you can do without it, leave your cell phone behind! Also, forget the umbrellas. If it rains when you’re here, be free, lift your face to the island skies and get wet! And oh yeah, stay out of the sun between 11am and 2pm.

Hello Don. I was sitting on my computer listening to the Breeze of Hawaii radio station. Very cool. I always expected it to be mostly ukuleles and stuff. I didn’t know how contemporary the music was, or could be. Glad your digging it there. Keep them coming.Brad P., Los Angeles, CA

Brad, It’s about time I heard from you again. Yeah I like that station too. I usually have it on. I particularly like the chant type stuff because it sounds so tribal. The Hawaiians seem to have a way of taking a classic mainland song and turning it into something very special. Face it, the Hawaiians have been doing their music for like 1600 years compared to the mainland’s 200 years of history. They (the Hawaiians) play better guitar than most I’ve ever heard.

Aloha, Don:Are you married?Jayne, Billings, MT

Hello Jane. I get this frequently enough and have some fun responding to it and putting it out there. I don’t print every email I get, but this one always intrigues me. The answer to your question is “No.” I sort of have fun with it because my common reply is: Nobody wants me! But really, seriously, married to the sea is about it. I’ve been living with a female friend of mine, Tina, who is 33 for the last three years. We are the best of friends and she chose to accompany me to Hawaii. Not a romantic thing at all. More like bother and little sister.

Hi Don W.,Hey, if you ever need some help playing Indiana Jones out there let me know. I’d love to live there, research ancient Hawaiian history, go around taking pictures and experience all that the splendor the islands have to offer!Lori M., MA

Mahalo, Lori. Hmmm. I’m not sure how to respond to this one. My first response to when people ask me if I need help is: “I was born this way!” But I never thought I needed help in what I’m currently doing. I mean it’s not like a job or anything. Write me and tell me what’s on your mind. I welcome anyone who would like to come and join me in my island adventures. I anticipate a long, warm Polynesian summer.

Hello Don, Questions: First, have you had anyone come and visit you that you know from the mainland, and secondly, do you ever get bored and if so what do you do if you do get bored?Sandy M., Saratoga, CA

Aloha nui loa, Sandy,Yes, some friends from the mainland visited just weeks ago. It was part of the time I was quite busy. We had a great time.As for your question as to whether or not I get bored. I don’t think I would call it ‘boredom,’ but I sometimes find myself not knowing what I want to do next at times. It is in these indecisive moments I just go out and try to do something nice for someone without getting caught.

Aloha, Don!You must have a lot of fun running around the islands and looking up histories, and chasing down their myths and legends. The pictures you send are spectacular, and the stories informative and just plain fun to read, especially when I considered that Hawaii is one of our states. It’s been a great history lesson for me and it’s nice to get these first-hand accounts. Just out of curiosity, can you tell me what else you do?

Kristee J., Oamaha, NE

About what? Just kidding! If you’re asking me what it is that I do other than Aloha Fridays, well, actually I’m pretty busy doing a lot of various things. About 7am every morning I go across to the beach and pick up the little tiny bits of litter there might be. It’s an impressively clean beach, but we party on it at night and even though we throw the rubbish away, or take it with us when we leave, the winds have a tendency to blow some of it around, or out of the rubbish containers on the beach. We refer to keeping the beauty of Hawaii maintained as “Aloha `aina,” which means: “love for the land.” One morning I was out there doing my aloha aina thing and one of the neighbors asked me: “Do you get paid for that?” I smiled and looked to the sea: “Yep, I sure do!”

I am also an on call chemical dependency counselor. I used to do this full time, but I wish to keep a more broad-spectrum life-style going. I am also in the process of writing three manuscripts of various genres. I play my guitar a lot, and there’s been some interests floating around that this little Aloha Friday which started as a simple e-page for a couple of my mainland friends, may become a hard-copy weekly magazine for the mainland tourism industry sponsored by several advertisers. Who knows? Perhaps by next year you can pick up Aloha Friday at the local newsstand or magazine rack. But if you’re already on my email list, you’ll get them for fun and for free, just the way I originally intended them to be. Any contract agreements I might enter into with advertisers or publishers would have to include my exclusive right to e-mail whatever, whenever, and to whom ever I choose.

Most recently, I came up with the idea (maybe) to perhaps have a commemorative coin made for the state of Hawaii. Soon it will be Hawaii’s 50th statehood anniversary. Since Hawaii is the 50th state soon to be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, I wrote Linda Lingle, our governor, as well as a few other government agencies concerning the idea of establishing a fifty-cent piece: A “King Kamehameha half-dollar.” They have a couple of years to develop any approved idea concerning this coin, but I think it would be a great idea. Think about it, wouldn’t you like to get your hands on a golden King Kamehemeha half-dollar? I’ve asked that the likeness of King Kamehameha, as well as the Hawaiian creed be placed upon the coin:"Ua mau ke ea o ka aina I ka pono." "The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness." Hey, if you ever see these coins in circulation, you know who started it. Since being in Hawaii I’d say the hardest work I’ve done is enunciate!

That’s it for the comments and questions for the week. Feel free to send them anytime. I enjoy hearing from you all.

“Fuzzy”

I was just finishing this AF when the following song came on. Memories, indeed!

Hey, maybe I’ll include a flashback song every week.

Remember this Bob Dylan number sung by the Turtles?

Go 'way from my windowLeave at your own chosen speedI'm not the one you want, babe

I'm not the one you needYou say you're lookin' for someone

Who's never weak but always strongTo protect you an' defend you

Whether you are right or wrongSomeone to open each and every door

But it ain't me, babeNo, no, no, it ain't me babe

It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.

Go lightly from the ledge, babeGo lightly on the ground

I'm not the one you want, babeI will only let your down

You say you're lookin' for someoneWho will promise never to part

Someone to close his eyes for youSomeone to close his heart

Someone who will die for you an' moreBut it ain't me, babe

No, no, no, it ain't me babeIt ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.

Go melt back into the nightEverything inside is made of stone

There's nothing in here moving

An' anyway I'm not aloneYou say you're looking for someoneWho'll pick you up each time you fall

To gather flowers constantlyAn' to come each time you call

A lover for you life an' nothing moreBut it ain't me, babe

No, no, no, it ain't me, babeIt ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.

Whew! I remember, a little bit!

“Aloha keia pule a`e(see you next week)