Note 148 — CONTENTS. (continued 4)

Some people say that these trees are indigenous to Hawaii nei.148 Perhaps it is so, according to the ancient history of Hawaii nei; but there are some who say that these trees came by the mouth of Ukeke; a bird which came from Kahiki bringing them here to Hawaii. The bird, however, belonged to Hawaii nei. Some say that these trees were obtained by Koea from the throat of Waia; this tree, however, was hidden by Waia in his throat, but because Koea was provoked on account of the continual breaking of the wood that he would get, he turned to Kawau the oldest man and said: “Say, what are the oldest trees that you know of from your youth to your old age?” Kawau answered: “There is still a tree, but you can not get it, because Waia is a strong man though somewhat secretive.” “And how can it be obtained?” asked Koea. “Here is how you may get it: should you go and he should ask you, then you reply, ‘I came to get me some wood;’ that is how you must answer.” Koea went until he came into the presence of Waia, and Waia asked, “Why are you here?” Koea answered, “I came to get my wood, because I began to cut down all the other wood, but they do not last; so I asked Kawau, and he directed me to you, and that is why I came to you.” Waia said, “There is some wood if you will consent to my desire.” Koea answered, “I consent.” Waia then said to him, “Hold my throat. After you have held it for some time, should some women appear, catch hold of them and you will be benefited. If I should die, do you take care of my throat.” So he went and held fast to the throat of Waia for quite a while. The women appeared, so he grabbed them and held them fast; he also at the same time still held the throat of Waia. That was one of the methods of securing this plant: from the throat of Waia.