Rice — Hazvaiian Legends 75 



Among the old Hawaiians it was the law of the land that only his own 

 child could sit on his father's lap. So Kua-anuanu asked the name of 

 this boy who had dared to break the kapit. When he heard the name, 

 Paakaa, he knew that this was his son, born to the beloved wife he had 

 left on Kauai and named by her as he had ordered. He pressed the boy 

 to his heart and wept bitterly for the absent mother. 



Then he told the king of his marriage on Kauai. The king was de- 

 lighted with Paakaa and said, "You must teach your son all you know so 

 that if you sleep the long sleep before I do he can care for me." Messengers 

 were sent to order the people to bring gifts for Paakaa, the king's new 

 steward. They came with great rejoicing, carrying many presents of food 

 and clothing. 



When Paiea and his followers saw into what a position Paakaa had 

 fallen, they were afraid, for they recalled their unkind treatment of the 

 boy. But Paakaa was forgiving and gladly divided all his gifts among 

 the king and his retainers, according to the social standing of each person. 



So the son of Laamaomao had come into his own. As he grew in 

 stature be became very handsome. In cultivation of the land, in navigation, 

 in fishing, in astrology, Paakaa excelled all others. This skill brought 

 him great favor with the king who gave him lands. Many of Paiea's 

 retainers preferred to stay with him when their king returned to Kauai, and 

 so he became next to the highest chief on Hawaii. 



In his good fortune Paakaa did not forget his mother and when Paiea 

 went home he sent canoes loaded with gifts to her. Many times after- 

 wards he sent canoe loads of presents to her, so that her days of want 

 were ended. In adversity Laamaomao had had no friends. In prosperity 

 many claimed relationship with her and attached themselves to her house- 

 hold. 



\\'hen Paakaa had reached his twenty-fifth year his father fell ill. The 

 kahuna who were summoned said that nothing could be done for him. 

 Knowing that death was near, the faithful old chief called his son to his 

 side and said, "My days on earth on growing few. I leave my king in 

 your care. Listen to his commands at all times. Care for the food which 

 is not eaten. Dry it and place it in calabashes. Care for the fish and the 

 growing a<iva. Care for the king's subjects, high and low." 



After death had claimed Kua-anuanu there was great mourning in the 

 land. The king and all his subjects wept bitterly for him, the most beloved 

 of all on Hawaii. When the days of mourning were over Paakaa took his 

 father's place. He was made head chamberlain, diviner, treasurer and navi- 

 gator. He became the izvi-kiia-nioo, the backbone of the king. 



