Michael K. Dudley

The first volume of 3 devoted to nation-building. Unfortunately, the author indulges in somewhat learned nonsense. For example, the claim that the Kumulipo origin chant "presents an evolutionary theory" [8, 42]as a great intellectual accomplishment is nonsense. The chant IS a great intellectual accomplishment -- of beauty, of observation, and probably in part a navigational tool. It is NOT a scientific hypothesis, and does not contribute to an explanation for origins or survival of the fittest.
The intriguing Polynesian view of consciousness (or willingness) in Matter, and the complexity of aka/ akua (spirit) is discussed. Noting Nature and the elements, Hawaiians "view all of these beings as sentient ancestral forms which interrelate with them as family". [50] This is a romantic view of the chants which depict eating "enemies" and acquiring slaves from conquest. Hmmm.
Concludes with an explication of the "True Meaning" of the Motto of Hawaii, inscribed in the State Constitution: Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono/ "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness".… (mehr)