Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 2, 1 February 2003 — Culprit puhi (eel) succumbs to tiny 'opihi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Culprit puhi (eel) succumbs to tiny 'opihi

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Mn'm fi n

Popular song illustrates lesson in tenacity, perseverance and creative thinking

By Claire Hughes, Dr. P.H., R.D. 'Umia ka hanu — Hold the breath Be patient, don 't give up too early Mo'oleo transmit cultural values in a way that helps us remember, internalize and live them. They give parents

a way to tell and retell stories to their keiki that confirm and

reconfirm traditional values, passing them on from generation to generation. Value lessons are found in mele, as well. One familiar song tells of the great love

of a brother for his younger \ ' sister. The mele tells of two siblings who lived in Kahakuloa. One day, the great puhi kidnapped the

little sister and was going to eat her. Her brother, intent on freeing his sister and aware of

his inabilities, called upon all the sea creatures for help. He called the 'opae to eome and help, but the puhi was too big for the shrimp. He called on the pipipi to eome and save his sister. Auē, the pipipi also was far too small to help. Next, he asked the kūpe'e to kōkua and to save his sister. Alas, the kūpe'e was too small and was unable to help. Finally, the young boy called upon the 'opihi for help. "Come and help my sister before the puhi eats her." The brave and wise 'opihi,

although quite small, used his wits to outsmart the eel. The 'opihi slid up the head of the eel and covered his eyes, effectively blinding and disarming the eel, so the little girl could be taken to safety by her brother. This story tells of perseverance on the part of the little brother. He knew ihe task was bevond his

abilities, so he sought help from others.

s tie aia not give up ana asked for kōkua from , many others to save his little sister. Considering i the 'opihi side of the story, the lesson is this — t no matter how small, one ean accomplish signif- : icant change, if one is courageous and wise. Another lesson gleaned ffom this tale is that a > big job ean be accomplished in small steps. The • results of small efforts ean be something grand ; and important. An underlying value of the story is love and ' • — 1 I

responsibility. It underscores the great love this brother had for his sister and acceptance of his responsibility as the older sibling. Recognizing his inability to do it alone, he demonstrated the ability to look outside, to others, and to ask for and accept their help. An adult may say, what is the point to me of the children's mo'olelo? What connection ean there

be to our adult lives? The mo'olelo tells

us that all of us together ean make a differenee, even when we perceive our position as one with

little power. One's adversaries may seem very powerful, but determination and perseverance are mighty forces, and often that is what it takes to make a significant difference. The Hawaiian community is aware of its foes who feel strong, who speak out and threaten with

their might. When the words and deeds of our foes are not pono, we ean persevere against their threats, as the young boy did. Let us unite against those who disrespect and degrade our values, our 'āina, our 'ohana, our language, our culture. The smallest of us ean make the di£ference between victory and defeat. We ean win. ■