I found myself in a debate recently on the notion that myths are no longer relevant. I, of course, stood on my Joseph Campbell soap box and defended not only the story telling aspect of Myths, but also how we cannot, as a society function without them. Here is a passage I shared with the disputant.
Where do our myths come from? Do they mean anything?
Why do we continue to talk about Hercules, Thor, Pele, and Laka? Why are stories of Zeus, Moses, and Martin Luther King Jr so resonant?
When we bring up the Mahatma or Steve Jobs, are we talking about real people or the ideas behind them?
Joseph Campbell nailed it. Myths aren’t about gods (real ones or imagined). They are about us. They are about humans acting human and doing it while wearing the cloaks of gods, of legendary figures. Myths highlight the very best of ourselves (and sometimes the worst). These stories don’t spread because a king or despot insists that we hear them and memorize them. No, we engage with and remember and resonate with myths because they’re about our favorite person, our best possible self.
Myths aren’t myths at all. They are mirrors, paths to walk, and bars to be exceeded. The forgotten part of the original story of Icarus was a powerful talisman, a reminder to avoid selling ourselves short, a reminder to honor the opportunities in front of us.
In the old days people from Wahiawa side would meet those from Waianae at Kolekole and attempt to cross over. Each would challenge the other for the right to pass. The losing chief would then have to kneel before the big rock and place his head on it and be killed. His skin was then stripped form the flesh and bones (leaving it raw- Kolekole)*. The spoils of the battle and the bones were then brought to the heiau in Halona and offered in sacrifice. Below Kolekole and beyond Kailio is a hair-pin turn known as Hupe Loa for the retainers of the vanquished chief because of the weeping and blowing of noses.
As told to Tutu Ana Kahahawai of Waianae by Koanaeha, a relative and associate of Queen Emma,
1954
* Mrs, Pukii says “holehole” is to strip the flesh. She believes the name Kolekole most likely came because of the battles and the wounds the warriors received, leaving their flesh raw–“kolekole”. The idea of the chief kneeling before a rock to be killed seems modern.
A view of Ford Island from the Waimalu walking trail.
The Hawaiian name for Ford Island is Mokuumeume. Probably the first name attached to the island was Marin’s island, for Don Francisco de Paula Y Marin was no doubt its first real owner. Archibald Campbell, who visited it in 1810, wrote that it was an isle “belonging to Manina (Marin), the king’s interpreter, in which he keeps a numerous flocks of sheep and goat, hogs and rabbits. It was about two miles in circumference”. The year 1825 produced a new name. A map based on a survey of Pearl Harbor by Lieut, C.R Maiden in that year carries the name of Rabbit Island on the present Ford Island. The map is published in the Paradise of the Pacific of May, 1925.
Dr. Seth Porter Ford was born at Washington, Conn. He arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1851 aboard the ship R.B Forbes from Boston. He was a Physician in the United States Marine Hospital. He owned Mokuumeume or Marin’s Island or Rabbit Island and it at last received the name of Dr Ford. Dr Ford died at the age of 48 years on November 1866. His funeral took place on November 25. “The procession, which embraced the Masonic Brotherhood, numbering about sixty, moved to the Nuuanu Cemetary, where Judge Davis read the Masonic burial service.” Governer Dominis was appointed executor of the estate of Dr. Ford.
Somehow the Island of Ford became a possession of the John Li estate. It passed to Irene Li, daughter of John Li, She married C.A Brown, known familiarly as “Cabbie” or “Bandbox” brown. The Honolulu Plantation had extensive sugar cane fields on Mokuumeume but C.A Brown retained a part of the island near the Peninsula for his country home. There, on Mokuumeume the “Chiefs of Hawaii,” led by Prince Kuhio had many parties. A message dated Sept 26, 1917, was received at Honolulu on that date which read: “Secretary of War approved under date of Sept 16. purchase of entire Ford Island.”
Edwin North McClellan
“Fords Island – “Why the name”
Advertiser ” 1927
Bishop Museum Scrapbook
The great gods sometimes came to earth. They surfed in rolling waves and wandered over plain and mountain. They drank form bubbling springs and picked Hala fruit or Ohelo berries.
Once the four great gods Kane, Ku, Lono and Kanaloa – came to Oahu. They walked through forests and fertile valleys and along the beaches. “This is good land,” Kane said. “There is fish for food and roots and berries. In the forest are great trees for canoes. There is rock and shell for tools. Let us make man to use these things and to rule them as their chief. Let us make him in our image.”
The other gods agreed. Then Kane took his staff and drew a man in the red earth of the mountainside. He made a handsome god-like figure while the other gods stood watching.
“I too shall make a man, “said Kanaloa. With his staff he drew a figure beside his brother’s.
“Make your man live,” challenged Kane, but Kanaloa could not.
“Make yours live!” he said at last, looking at his brother.
Then Kane turned to Ku and Lono who watched him silently. “Will you repeat the words I say?” he asked them. “We will”
Then Kane spoke to his rock drawing. “Live!” he commanded in a ringing voice.
“Live! Live!” the words of Ku and Lono rang like an echo.
The Rock figure stirred as if in sleep then woke to life. Slowly the man rose. looked about in wonder and knelt before his gods.
The gods built for him a house of strong timber thatched with grass. “The man has all things that he needs,” said Kane and the gods returned to their islands deep in the blue sky.
Now and then one or another visited the earth and watched their man. He drank form springs, he ate roots and shellfish. He prepared ‘awa ‘ drink and thanked the gods for their good gifts. He learned to swim and surf. He fashioned tools and made for himself bowls and garments.
The gods saw that he had one companion. When he surfed, dug for food or chipped stone tools his shadow played or worked beside him. The gods heard him talking to his shadow but the shadow did not answer. It surfed or dug beside him, it lay beside him on the sunny beach to sleep,but it never laughed and talking with him. “He is lonely,” Kane said. “Let us give him a companion.”
The man woke from a deep seep, beside him he saw a woman, perfectly formed. He greeted her and the woman smiled and answered “You have grown from my shadow!” the man cried joyfully. “I shall call you Shadow-made-of-heaven.”
As for the figure drawn by Kanaloa, it turned to rock and remained for many years on the mountain slope above Mokapu.
Translated by Mary Kawena Puku’i from a Hawaiian newspaper.
To be truly happy in life, you should spend as much free time as possible doing the activities you have enjoyed as a child. This can be represented by such activities as playing video games, bike racing, watching films, playing WAR/Army to just name a few…
What better way to portray combat than Airsoft? Airsoft games retain the blood roaring thrill of combat…without being taken home in a body bag.
I had privilege to interview Tyler Woo. Tyler is a Hawaii Airsoft veteran and the owner of Impact Games.
Tell me about your store how long you have been in business and what services you provide?
Impact Games has been in business over 9 years. We sell Airsoft guns and equipment, and offer services such as repairs, modifications and custom upgrades. We also host night games for the players twice a month at Hawaii All-Star field (Nimitz Hwy)Are you a Paint Ball and or Airsoft Shop? Could you explain the difference between the two?
Airsoft. Our guns use 6mm plastic balls. Paintballs are much larger and leave paint markings on impact.
Are there any leagues or Clubs in Hawaii? Is there much competitive play in Hawaii? Where are the games held? Is there also a dubbed champion?
AirSoft Hawaii (ASH) is the oldest airsoft club in the nation. It was founded in 1987. They hold games on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 4-9pm, at Hawaii All-Star field (Nimitz Hwy). They also hold an annual event called Summer Smash. The largest game so far had over 500 players.
What is the average startup cost and what is needed to start playing?
Expect roughly $250 for a pretty good airsoft gun and facemask. Then you only need to pay for the field fee and on average $10-20 worth of ammo for a whole day of playing.
Could you describe custom requests? From what I understand, you could replicate anything form Danny Glover’s Desert Eagle to Assault Rifles used in Ghost on the shell. Is true and are these weapons allow in events?
We can make almost anything you can think of. Custom builds, in the past, have involved hand painted camouflage, WWII and Vietnam reproductions, movie guns such as the Aliens Pulse Rifle, themed guns like a Yamaha R1 rifle or a Samurai rifle, possibilities are endless. All gun are allowed as long as they are below our max velocity rule (fps max is 400).
Dominion Tank Police Rifle.
Samurai 16 by Grant Woo
Camo Paint
Could you describe the gear used during a game and the type of guns there pros and cons to using them. For example pump action verses non pump action.
Mandatory protective equipment needed will be a paintball mask and covered shoes. Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, typically, long pants and either long sleeve t-shirts or a light jacket. Surplus military camo is perfect for this, it’s inexpensive, and you won’t mind it getting beat up.
We have players decked out like Seal Teams, Delta, SWAT, PMC (Private Military Contractor), and snipers in ghillie suits, right next to players in street clothes and tank-tops and board shorts.
Most of the players that come out to the games will be using an AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) that uses a rechargeable battery pack, just like an RC Car. They tend to be the easiest to take care of. You can select either semi or full-automatic fire and have magazines that hold lots and lots of ammo for the game.
Pistols tend to use a compressed gas for them to work. They are more realistic with the guns actually recoiling, however they have a shorter range, and less capacity for ammunition.
The Spring powered guns tend to be found with pump-action shotguns, bolt-action sniper rifles and simple pistols. All of them require a manual action to ready and load a bb for it to fire a single shot. They can be quite accurate, but do not have the firepower of the electric guns.
Could you walk me through a round . From start to finish. What are some scenario’s used.
We play all types of games, from simple elimination, capture the flag, protect the VIP, attack/ defend games, and ones with a medic to heal you back in the game. Just to name a few.
It’s basically like a FPS game, but you are actually running around, and not sitting on the couch.
What are some best practices used by the champs. Can you give away any tips for new players/seasoned vets?
New players just need to play, run out there and mix it up with everyone. Have a good attitude, you won’t get EVERYBODY on your first game, but you might get a couple! And everyone will get shot sometime during the game, no one is immortal. No matter how much they may think so.
Communication is key. When you know what your players are doing and calling out the baddie’s positions, you have an easier time winning games. Going at it yourself can be done, but you have to work a lot harder at it to achieve victory.
But the best players all do this: A good attitude to players, call all their hits, and have fun.
What’s the best way of contacting you for questions requests and more information?
After the rout of the army of Kalanikuple, the king of Oahu at Nuuanu, April 29,1795 by the invading army of Kamehameha Nui, the conquered Oahuans were driven from their homes, their lands seized and divided amongst the friends of Kamehameha. The despoiled people in large numbers fled to Waianae and settled there.
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This part of Oahu being hot, arid isolated, with little water, was not coveted by the invaders; the sea off the coast of Waianae has always supplied abundance of fish, hence the name Wai-water, anae-large mullet.
The Kilokilo Hoku, or astrologers. To preserve the folk-lore of their homeland, Oahu, the exiled high class priests or Kahunas founded a school at Pokai bay for instructing the youth of both sexes in history, astronomy, navigation, and the genealogies of their ancient chiefs and kings; romance and sentiment hovers round Mount Kaala (the mount of Fragrance), and three valleys extending from its western base to the Waianae shore, Makaha, the valley of robbery; Po-kai, the valley of the dark sea; Lualualei, the valley of the flexible wreath, is the meaning given in Hawaiian dictionaries. This is a vague definition, the true meaning is cryptical allegory relating to the clever strategy of the famous Maile-kukahi, a high chief of Oahu, whose flexible flanks of warriors surrounded four invading armies from Hawaii and Maui at the great battle of Kipapa(Kipapa, paved). Where the corpses of the slain paved the bottom of the ravine, about A.D 1410.
Kaala, is adored and named–Kaala nani O! ahu melemele a Kane, Beautifull Kaala, Oh! (with) the golden cloak of Kane, the sun Kane was the first deity of the Hawaiian panthenon. Kaala was the guardian or sentinel of the Komohana or west–Kaala was a resting place on the great road of Death, Ke Ala nui o ka make, along which the spirits of the dead returned to their former homeland.
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The Komohana or west is where the tired sun lies down to sleep. The west is Kane ne’e ne’e the departing son. The west is the much traveled road to Kanaloa, Ke ala nui maa-we-ula a Kanaloa (The second deity of the Hawaiian pantheon).
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A Mouritz,
Thermal Terrene Waters in Hawaii Nei,
July 5,1934, p128
Bishop Museum Scrap Book VOL 1931
It was Kanui, a native woman of Wai’anae who told him why this place was so named. In the olden days, this place was sparsely inhabited because of the scarcity of water. The fishing was good but planting very poor. When it rained, some sweet potatoes would be put into the ground, but the crops were always poor and miserable.
There were a few brackish pools from which they obtained their drinking water and it is only when they went to the upland of Wai’anae that they were able to get fresh water. They carried the water home in large calabashes hung on mamaka or carrying sticks and used their water very carefully after they got it home. They spent most of their time fishing and most of the fish they caught were dried as gifts for friends and relatives in the upland. Sometimes they carried dried and fresh fish to these people in the upland in exchange received poi and other vegetable foods. And as often as not it was the people of the upland who came with their products and went home with fish.
Because of the great scarcity of water and vegetable food, they were ashamed to greet passing strangers. They remained out of sight as much as possible. Sometimes they met people before they were able to hide, so they just looked at strangers with expressionless faces and acted as though they were stone deaf and did not hear the greeting. This was so that the strangers would not ask for water which they did not have in the locality.
The strangers would go on to other places and mention the peculiar, deaf people who just stared and they would be told that the people were not deaf but ashamed of their inability to be hospitable. So the place they lived was called Nana, or look, and Kuli, dead. Deaf mutes who just look.
Ku – Stand
Nana – looking
Kuli – Deafening
Mary Pukui, as told to her by Simeona Nwaa
March 6 1945
HEN, p 2740
Are comics a valid representation of Art? This has been argued throughout the decades of the last century. I had a chance to discuss this very question and more with who I like to dub “Hawaii’s Socratic Artisan,” Allen Wilson.
Tell me about your art style and how long you have been doing it?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had some form of art or at least exuberant expression in my life. My parents are from the “Baby Boomer” generation and I take pride in the fact that (unlike other generations) most of what they passed down from their pop culture was inspirational, soulful and ground breaking for its time. Between my early exposure to The Beatles, classic rock, soul music, blues and amazing animations like heavy metal, and fire and ice, and my “comic books galore”, I had a multitude of sources for my foray into expressing myself.
All these influences are responsible for my love of art that doesn’t need to cater to a society to be beautiful. The art I enjoy the most comes from a place of counter culture and thought provocation, but also doesn’t shy away from what’s fantastic and “cool” for the sake being “artsy.” These are the underlining inspirations that push my hand in times of creation. As I developed my talent and ability to perceive and translate my expressions, I find it’s like a “snowball effect.” The search for beauty keeps me almost enamored with wonder, my mind soaks it up like a sponge, and sometimes it overflows on to paper, on a screen, or in a sculpture.
What are your feelings regarding the local Hawaii art scene? How does it differ from other states/countries?
I’m Oahu grown, so I’ve had the blessing of living in Hawaii my whole life. Growing up in such a vivid environment, you can’t help but have an appreciation for art. Likewise, the people I tend to meet are in touch with their inner artist; I might be biased, but I think Hawaii produces some of the finest artists. Creativity is deeply entrenched in the culture of my home state.
As for other places I can only speculate, yet I keep my ears and eyes open. I hear Austin, Texas is the live music capitol of the world. I’ve been to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA. The beautiful thing about art is it transcends boarders.
Who are some of your influencing artists? Have these heroes changed through the years? If so, how?
My Mother has artistic talent. I always had outlets as a child; like Light Brite, and Echaskech, Mini chalk boards, Legos and video games. I’ve had my share of “one for the fridge moments”. I would say the first style that had an influence on my art was Anime. Dragon Ball-Z…I got good enough to sell my drawings to the other kids at school. I remember the first time I felt like I had made one of the characters appear on the page in front of me. Krillin, a round head with no nose, and six dots up his forehead. From then on I was hooked.
What where some of the obstacles you faced with your craft? How did you overcome them?
When I was beginning to get the hang of comic book drawings, I would bring them in to my high school art teacher and get a critique. He would tell me to stop taking short cuts. I had learned all the techniques for making art expedient for mass consumption. He made me slow down and comprehend what I was drawing. Realize that it was about process, not end product, and if I build foundations and worked on my elements I would be fine. Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten.
I am interested to hear your views on modern art style verses classical methods. Especially with digital verses
non. What are you opinions on this war? Or is it a war? Can modern /classical styles co-exist?
Another amazing thing about art is it gives a sort of emotional history that co exists with human history; bringing another perspective on how the social climate effects change. The art of the past is responsible for the modern and helps create a swirling effect that has the past influencing the future by association. Hence the battle between Retro and Neo, once one gets popular, the other rolls in to create change and progress is made; avoiding stagnation. For some strange reason an artist who uses the mediums or techniques of his day is considered less of an artist, and this is how the future effects the past. That’s how you get to be “before your time” like Jimi Hendrix, Vangoth, and Alan Moore.
To shift gears. Andy Warhol has once said “An artist is somebody who produces things that people don’t need to have”. I personally favor art as a function over form. Not just art for art’s sake. What is your opinion on this? Can art even exist without having a function? The subtlest Avant-garde piece could change someone’s mindset forever.
Nothing is more necessary than the superfluous. Andy had that “Mr. Glass” thing going on, so he’s kind of a Droopy Dog, but I see his point. That quote comes from a place all artist share. The uncertainty of translating something from your mind’s eye can be nerve wracking, and process is such a personal thing. Some artists are like raging conduits of creation, no stop, just constant flow. Some artists have to plan carefully and nothing is misplaced. I, for one have trouble working in front of people, I feel like a magician and someone is in my workshop, watching me craft my tricks, cheapening them somehow.
If you look up the first examples of art in human history you’ll find that the oldest forms we know of are pre-historic hand axes. The cavemen would carve a tool out of shale rock, a tool for cutting, chopping and pounding, and then he would make it an exquisite example of the tool, showing his keen ability for craftsmanship, and attention for detail. These master craftsmen tools where never used for labor, and some still survive till this day. It would seems that form, function and art all share a common genesis.
I understand your read a great deal of comics. What current artists /comics would you recommend?
Where do you think comics will be in the next 10 years?
Well, my beloved medium is in the hands of Disney, and Warner Bros. so I’m guessing a lot more movies? The culture will be affected. People will start to dress like superheroes. The age of the superman will begin, Dr Manhattan will unknowingly help Adrian Veidt summon foth dimensional, psychic cephalopods, faining an alien invasion, and tricking the world in to unadulterated peace, while I read about pirates and horror monsters, because superheroes are overplayed. Yeah, it’s gonna get crazy.
I find that having an actual comic in my hands seems to be a satisfactory tactile experience. Rather than reading the same comic on a computer screen or digital tablet. What are your opinions on Digital comics vers paper comics? Pros/cons?
If I have a book in my hand that I’m interested in, I tend to read it stem to stern. As if I might have missed something, but when I have a digital copy, I tend to skim. I’m not sure why. It might be habit or the fact that if I zoom in on a computer I get pixilation at some point, but I can put the comic up to my eye and see the stroke of the artists’ hand. Digital has always had the problem of carrying the same emotions and memories as its older counterparts.
Finally, do you feel formal training is needed for an artist to make a living at his trade?
Simply put…no. If you have a yearning in your soul to create something for the pure joy of seeing it exist, sharing it with others, and bringing creativity to the world, than you are an artist. Trust me, it’s gonna get out somehow.
How can you be contacted for commissioned work or mentor ship? I have a Facebook page under Allen Wilson, or you can e-mail me at my email
They (the Kahuna) use something that we have still to discover, this is something inestimably important. We simply must find it. It will revolutionize the world if we can find it. It will change the entire concept of science. It would bring order into conflicting religious beliefs.
D.R William Tufts Brightman,
Former Curator of the Bishop Museum, Honolulu
