Note 209 — CONTENTS. (continued 4)

When the house is trimmed erect the halakea, the upright in the middle supporting the ridge. When the halakea is in place construct the door. The proper woods generally used for a door frame are the ulu (breadfruit) and ohia. When this is completed the woman braids a mat for covering for the door, because that was the door of the houses of Hawaii nei in the olden time. Sometimes, however, a door is constructed like a net, and the place to which this door is attached is over the passage way: when closing, lower it, and when opening, roll it up. When the door frames are placed in position that is the time to cut the piko209 of the house; that is, trim those ragged lauhala leaves which hang over the doorway. During cutting, however, it is well to bring an aholehole (fish) and some young sugar-cane and also cut them; at the same time say: “Here I am a house-builder; I am cutting the piko of the house; therefore, ward off the evil influences from the house. Amen.”