Note 20 — Introductory material

The old men then began their homeward journey, and on the sixth day they arrived at Waipio and proceeded to make a call on Hakau. When Hakau saw them, he said: “The Hilo travelers have returned.” The old men replied: “Yes,” and they then paid their respects to the king, greeting him. After a while Hakau asked the old men: “Have you two seen Umi?” They replied: “Yes, we have seen him.” Hakau again asked: “How is he getting along?” “He is still living with his guardian, Kaoleioku.” The old men then continued: “That is the reason of our return; a kapu for your god must be declared and feathers procured.”20 Hakau then said: “Why so? Isn’t such a thing done only when war is expected? I see no prospects of a coming conflict, so why declare a kapu for the god?” The old men replied: “We have seen your younger brother’s men; they are too many for your comfort. He is likely to come some day and fight you while our eyes are weak; therefore, this is the proper time, while his men are yet few.”