Terrible Death
("Make Weliweli", Ka Hoku o ka Pakipika, April 10, 1862)
On March 18, 1862, Keawe died at Waipuhia, in Puuala, Kaupo, East Maui.
On the 17th, there was a ti-drinking party1 at Davida’s house in Waiha. That night is when Keawe died. There are two theories: that he died because he was drunk from the ti liquor and jumped from a cliff, or alternately that he was killed by his fellow drinking partners.
These reasons are why I am addressing you. If in truth Keawe died from due to being drunk on ti, I warn you all against distilling ti into liquor and focusing on this temporary life. If his blood was spilled by the force of one’s hand, then the one who spilled blood should have his own blood spilled.
D. P. AUMAI
News of Hawaii
("Na Mea Hou o Hawaii Nei", Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, April 12, 1862)
We have received a letter from D. P. Aumai reporting of a man who suffered a terrible death.
Here are the contents: On March 17, there was a ti-drinking party at Davida Kaili’s house at Waiha, Kaupo, East Maui. At nighttime he disappeared. There are two theories: he died because he was drunk and fell from a cliff, or he was killed by his ti-drinking companions.
On the night that Keawe died, his wife, Makuakane, went to collect water because the land was dry. Water was what the residents there needed the most.
On the morning of the 18th, Kahalewai found Keawe’s body at the bottom of the cliff at Wahipoho. Keawe’s head was battered. His malo was wrapped around his neck, which was blue. His body was bruised. Kahalewai took the body back home.
I have two admonitions to all of you considering distilling ti to use for parties: This is the reason that Keawe died. Secondly, to the one whose hand spilled blood: In time, the one who spills blood will have his own blood spilled.
The death of our friend Keawe in this horrible manner is a lesson for all residents of that district of our kingdom and something that should quell the hubris of men, women and children alike.
- That is, drinking okolehao, or distilled liquor from the root of ti plants.