("Leta mai Kaupo, Maui", Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, August 20, 1887)
On Monday, August 8, 1887, M. P. Kaluna, a member of the Board of Electoral Inspectors, arrived to take signatures and oaths under the new constitution. I was eager to swear my oath and receive my right to vote. But strangely, many of the people in the bars1 complained greatly, saying the constitution was no good, that it would make Hawaiians slaves to foreigners, to be branded like negros. I responded to two of this foolish opinion that if foreigners thought like that, then the kingdom would have been enslaved long ago. I produced the new constitution and read to these two. A fight ensued, in which I delivered a blow to a man named L. Kau, and he tore my clothing. He asked the police to arrest me but there was not enough basis.
That afternoon, there was a big commotion at our property. I confronted my mother and Officer Nehemia2 for cohabitating. I tried to kick out that person who had no right to live with my family. I hit his feet with a stick. He said that he would not be leaving and that I was being charged for threatening him. Now I am here in Hana awaiting my trial date. My dear brother and I are the ones charged. But I am not afraid of this misfortune, because I fought against sin. I don’t want strife within my family or for this stranger to rule over us. I want this officer to go elsewhere. My mother should not be a party to sin. Let righteousness triumph over evil. May God help me.
KAWAIAEA JR.
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