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John Papa Iʻi |
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Source:King's Hawaiian Melodies - Some credit this mele to George Allen, others to Charles Hopkins, but all agree Mekia Kealakai co-composed this mele. Written for Irene Kahalelauokekoa Holloway, the daughter of John Papa Iʻi, and the family home at Waipiʻo, Ewa, Oʻahu. John Iʻi was an attendent to Kauikeouli, son of Kamehameha Nui who became Kamehameha III. Verse I, stanza 4, Laulani is a place in Waipiʻo. Hui, stanza 2, Princess Victoria Kamamalu, sister of Kamehameha IV and Kamehameha V, was the foster child of John Iʻi. The princess once found shelter beneath a koa tree and John named his daughter Kahalelauokekoa to commemorate this event. Verse 2 stanza 1, pipi and oysters are fish that silence the voice because oyster hunters use hand gestures and do not speak. Speech causes ripples in the water and makes it harder to find oysters. ©1928, 43, Charles E. King Translated by Mary Pukui. Music clip by Lani Lee |