Although a state holiday, you would think that residents of the other 49 states would want to celebrate the birthday of the nations' King, Kamehameha.

Kamehameha I was born in 1758 and died on May 8, 1819. Many know him as Kamehameha the Great. He conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaiʻi's independence under his rule. Kamehameha is remembered for the Kanawai Mamalahoe, the "Law of the Splintered Paddle", which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle. (Wikipedia).

This law of the Splintered Paddle came about when (during fighting) Kamehameha was chasing 2 fishermen. His foot got caught in the reef and one of the fishermen hit him on the head with a paddle, splintering it. kamehameha got free but years later, the fisherman was brought to the King. The King allowed the fisherman to go free, saying that he was only protecting his family and property and was not involved in the war/fighting.

Kamehameha may have stayed on Captain Cooks boat one night at Kealakekua bay (a few miles from my house.

It is also reported that he ended human sacrifice and althouigh he entertained Christians, he stil held to Hawaiian religous beliefs. Those still included death to those who broke the kapu (laws). As with many religons, sin is sin. A kapu might be not lying down before the King (thus showing respect). Another kaapu was letting your shadow cross his (that means you were standing up and awlfully close - perhaps close enough to kill him). Men were not allowed to eat with women. In fact, the men cooked for themselves and then cooked a new mean for the women.

Although these may not sound very strict laws, breaking them meant death. Well, that is, unless you could run to a Place of Refuge and ask the priests for forgiveness. If they deemed you sorry, you might be taken in and you might work there for a long time. If granted to leave, you would not be killed by the King or his men. This sounds alot like Hide and Seek.

So although the U.S. was formed by breaking away from a Monarchy, it acquired an old ones history when it annexed and made a state out of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

While the holiday is celebrated ih Hawaii, it is recognized elsewhere. If you have been at the U.S. Capitol today, you would have been treated to traditional hula performances!

So, Happy King Kamehameha Day to all!