Brothers Cazimero Pupu A'o 'Ewa (Shells of 'Ewa)

One of the most famous Hawaiian traditional songs as performed by the Brothers Cazimero. I've provided a translation of the song along with the Hawaiian lyrics. "The news of the land" was the discovery of pearl oysters at Pu`uloa, the Hawaiian name for Pearl Harbor, that was protected by Ka`ahupahau, the shark goddess. Ka`ala is the highest mountain on O`ahu and Polea is located in `Ewa. Moa`e is the name of a tradewind. In 1909, the Navy issued a $1.7 million contract for construction of the first Pearl Harbor dry dock. Kapuna Kanakeawe, a Hawaiian fisherman, told the contractor to build it in another location as the spot they selected was the home of Ka`ahupähau. Work stopped after 3 months as things kept going wrong. Cement would not pour and the contractor could not pump water out of the dry dock. February 17, 1913, 2 years behind schedule, opening ceremonies were held. Then it exploded. One man was killed, $4,000,000 lost and 4 years of work demolished. Another contract was issued in November, 1914. As work progressed, the early warning given by Kanakeawe was remembered. Mrs. Puahi, a kahuna, was called, and instructed the foreman, David Richards, in the necessary rituals to appease Ka`ahupähau and safeguard the project. After sacrifices were made, prayers chanted and rituals performed, the project was declared safe. When the bottom was pumped out, the skeleton of a 14-foot shark was discovered. Pearl Harbor was also the site of ancient Hawaiian fishponds.