Murder on Mokulua Drive
Page 29
Henri then reaches beyond the gazebo’s fence, then plucks a flower from the fragrant lilac hedge. Startled, a chocolate and ivory Birman cat appears and runs down toward the edge of a pond. After whispering something to Miriam, Henri entwines the flower in the hair above her ear. He gathers her into his arms and they slowly dance around the gazebo, her long, blond hair flowing around her shoulders.
NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In this second book of the continuing Natalie Seachrist series, I have drawn again on my years as a long-term resident of Hawai`i. As other authors have observed in their own work, my characters have grown larger than my original conceptions. Wherever possible, I have presented factual information about the historical individuals and incidents described.
During approximately twenty-eight days in the fall of 1942, Danish seamen and their supporters transported ninety-eight percent of the Jews then present in Denmark to safety in Sweden. Lady Marie Ogilvie served as principal of St. Anne’s College at Oxford from 1952-1966. Noted for bold and expansive leadership, she established the first nursery for the children of staff members at Oxford. She also fought against co-education at women’s colleges, fearing women might lose their equal footing with men and their percentage of teaching positions at Oxford, which was high compared to the national average.
Serving porridge on Christmas Eve, often as a first course, is a true Danish tradition. There is a ceremony when the porridge is almost cooked: everyone watches as a single blanched almond is dropped into the pot. The lucky person who finds the almond in their bowl wins a small gift, sometimes a figure of chocolate or marzipan.
Many stories are told of Queen Lili`uokalani, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai`i. Many are true, but some are merely wishful thinking. It is reported that the Queen said that she drew inspiration for writing the lyrics to Aloha `Oe from a visit to the home of the Boyd Family at Maunawili Ranch in windward O`ahu.
I am grateful to several people have assisted with verifying information included in this work and refining the storyline and text. Again, I wish to acknowledge Tim Littlejohn, a State of Hawai`i library manager, for his weekly commitment to my oral reading of each Natalie Seachrist mystery. As the series has developed, Tim’s input has been invaluable in encouraging my attention to cultural sensitivity and the harmonizing of plotline elements.
For her specialized knowledge of unique reference holdings, I also wish to express my gratitude to Gina Vergara-Bautista, who previously served as an archivist at The Hawai`i State Archives. Vital input in areas of technical expertise in various areas has been provided by poet Bill Black and geologist Kevin C. Horstman, PhD. I also thank the intrepid librarians of the Kirk-Bear Canyon branch of Pima County Library for their interest in and support of local authors.
Fellow writers in a weekly literary salon have provided unending support and inspiration for several years, including: Kay Lesh, psychologist and mystery writer; Larry Sakin, green energy entrepreneur, political writer and radio host; memoirist Margherita Gale Harris.
Special thanks go to long-term friends and supporters who provided close review: Viki Gillespie, bookworm and bookman; the Reverend Patricia Noble, a resolute author, lecturer and philosopher; and, Susan and Bob Shrager, retired entrepreneurs.
Finally, I thank my husband John Burrows-Johnson for his patience and continuing support.
Errors, of course, are my responsibility and I regret any you may uncover. Please contact me about egregious flaws you may find, as I dislike the idea of repeating them. I would also like to hear your suggestions regarding historical or cultural themes that might be appropriate to the Natalie Seachrist series. You may contact me through my author website at JeanneBurrows-Johnson.com or my author email at JBurrowsJohnson@gmail.com.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE
HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE
The Hawaiian language was unwritten until 1826, when Christian missionaries transcribed the sounds of the language into a thirteen-letter alphabet. Hawaiian consonants are pronounced as in standard American English. They include H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the `okina [ ` ]. Often, the “W” is pronounced like an English “V.” As there is no “S” in the Hawaiian language, plurals are determined by the preceding article. Each vowel is sounded in Hawaiian; they are similar in pronunciation to those in Spanish, and other Latin-based European languages:
A=Ah, as in above
E=Eh, as in let
I=Ee, as in eel
O=Oh, as in open
U=Oo, as in soon
Diphthongs are expressed as common English sounds. The “au” transliteration is pronounced as “ow” in “How.” Diacritical marks indicate emphasis and syllable separation. A kahakō [ - ] placed over vowels, indicates a need to hold the vowel sound slightly longer, as seen in the “a” in the word “card.” The `okina, [ ` ] is both a consonant and a diacritical mark; it dictates that the preceding vowel should be pronounced more loudly.
Please note, that in accordance with standard practices, foreign words included in this work are subject to the grammatical rules of English.
GLOSSARY OF NON-ENGLISH &
SPECIALIZED VOCABULARY
The definitions within this glossary reflect the meanings used within the text of this book. Please note that many Hawaiian words have multiple spellings and (with or without diacritical marks) may have multiple meanings. Also be aware that Hawaiian words, especially names, have ambiguous, layered, and sometimes hidden meanings.
A
Adobo: Dressing, sauce. [Spanish] Filipino dish with vegetables or protein marinated in vinegar-and-garlic sauce, often served with rice.
Adieu: [Middle English; from the Old French a dieu, I commend you to God]. A farewell.
`Ahí: Tuna; often yellow fin tuna. [scientific name, Thunnus albacares]
Ahiki: See Olomana. [Hawaiian]
Alahe`e: Native Hawaiian shrub and tree growing to 20 to 30 feet, featuring green glossy leaves and clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers. [Psydrax odorata]
Ali`i: Chief, ruler, officer, aristocrat, commander. [Hawaiian]
Aloha: Love, affection, compassion, loved one. [Hawaiian] Traditional term for greeting and farewell, expressing love, friendship and mercy.
Aloha `Oe: May you be loved. [Hawaiian] Popular song by Queen Lili`uokalani.
Ashkenazi: Subgroup of the Jewish people. Approximately ninety percent of world Jewry, that settled in Eastern Europe after the Muslim conquest of Palestine in the seventh century Common Era.
Auwē: Alas, too bad, or oh, dear. [Hawaiian]
Awa: Milkfish. Tropical fish found widely in Pacific and Indian Oceans. [Chanos chanos]
B—D
Bruschetta: [From Italian bruscare, to toast or roast] Toasted bread appetizer with seasoned oil and assorted toppings, or tomato based toppings.
Caro senhor: Dear Lord. [Portuguese]
Chanukah: Dedication. [Hebrew] Festival of Lights, an eight-day Jewish holiday beginning on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, the ninth month of the year. Commemorates Maccabees’ vanquishing of Syrian-Greek invaders in second century B.C.E.. Following rededication of the Holy Temple and altar in Jerusalem, oil judged sufficient to provide light for one night, lasted for eight nights. The holiday is especially enjoyed by children who receive a gift each evening after recitation of prayers and the lighting of candles on a special nine-candle menorah.
Cheongsam: Anglicized word from Southern Chinese Wu dialect. Mandarin Qípáo is now more often used. Tight-fitting Chinese dress with slit skirt and mandarin collar. Originated in the Qing Dynasty [1644–1911]. A modern version emerged in 1920s Shànghăi.
Derrière: From behind. [Old French] Buttocks.
Didión: Desire, longing. [from Latin desideratum ] Diminutive form of the name Didier.
Du jour: Of the day. [French] Term usually used to describe restaurant specialties being offered o
n a given day, as in “the soup du jour.”
E—G
E komo mai: Welcome; enter and be refreshed. [Hawaiian] A traditional greeting.
En masse: In one group or body. [French]
En Suite: Immediately attached. [French]
Entourage: From entourer, to surround [French]. Companions of, or a body of people surrounding a usually important person.
Entrée: [French] Course preceding or between main courses in a meal.
Et cetera: [Latin] And so forth; from et, and, plus cetera the rest. Expression indicating the conclusion of a lengthy list of similar items.
Fête: [French] As a verb, to entertain lavishly or honor someone.
Graças a Deus: Thanks be to God. [Portuguese]
H
Ha`ikū: To speak abruptly; a sharp break. [Hawaiian] Land section in Kāne`ohe on the island of O`ahu, containing a popular garden by that name.
Hale: House. [Hawaiian]
Hale`iwa: House of the frigate bird. [Hawaiian] Surfing beach and town on the north shore of O`ahu.
Haole: Foreigner, of foreign origin. [Hawaiian] Current usage, American, Englishman, or Caucasian.
Haupia: [Hawaiian] A pudding made from the milk of the coconut palm.
Hawai`i: Fiftieth state of the United States of America and the name of the largest Hawaiian island. The Kingdom of Hawai`i was established by Kamehameha the Great between 1795 and 1810. The Kingdom was overthrown between 1893 and 1894, when it was replaced by the short-lived Republic of Hawai`i. Instituted in 1898, the Territory of Hawai`i became a U. S. state in 1959.
Heiau: Temple. [Hawaiian]
Honolulu: Protected Bay. [Hawaiian] Located on O`ahu, it is the largest city in, and the capital of, the state of Hawai`i.
Hors d’oeuvres: Outside of work. [French] Originally food partaken after working hours. Now refers to appetizers served before a meal.
K
Kaddish: Kaddish ahar Hakk’vura [Kaddish after a burial] Jewish funeral hymn of praise to God. Traditionally chanted by a minyan of ten adult Jews, which may now include women.
Kahakō: Macron. [Hawaiian] A diacritical mark, [—] A dash placed over a vowel to extend pronunciation of its sound.
Kailua: Two seas. [Hawaiian] A bay, beach, and town on the northeast end of the windward side of O`ahu.
Kaimukī: The oven of the kī. [Hawaiian] Ti plant. [Cordyline terminalis] A neighborhood in east Honolulu.
Ka`iulani,
Princess: The royal or sacred one. [Hawaiian] The beloved niece of Queen Lili`uokalani, she was the last princess of Hawai`i [1875-1899]. Also a Waikīkī hotel and upscale clothing line.
Kalo: Taro. [Hawaiian] A staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet used to make poi. [Colocasia esculenta]
Kama`aina: Native-born. [Hawaiian] Designation extended to non-Hawaiians who are long-time residents of Hawai`i.
Kamehameha: Hushed silence. [Hawaiian] Dynasty of Hawaiian Kings, founded by King Kamehameha the First [1758-1819] of the island of Hawai`i. He fully unified the Kingdom of Hawai`i by 1810. He sought alliances with European nations that ensured the independence and economic growth of his kingdom. He was also noted for transforming the legal system, including enactment of the Māmalahoe Kānāwai [Law of the Splintered Paddle], which provided human rights to non-combatants in wartime.
Kāne`ohe: Man of Bamboo. [Hawaiian] Town in windward O`ahu, west of Kailua.
Kapahulu: Worn out soil. [Hawaiian] Subdivision of Kaimukī neighborhood on O`ahu.
Kapi`olani, Queen: The heavenly or royal arch. Princess Esther Julia Kapiolani Napelakapuokaka`e. [1834-1899] married King Kalākau and reigned as Queen Consort. Her philanthropic works included the foundation of a maternity home that evolved into The Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. Also a Waikīkī neighborhood, major boulevard, and community college.
Kawaiaha`o: The water used by Hao. [Hawaiian] A high chiefess or chief, believed to have used an area spring for ritual bathing. The Honolulu Kawaiaha`o Church was built on land deeded to Congregational missionaries by King Kamehameha III. It was constructed with coral reef rock and logs from Kāne`ohe. Sometimes called the Westminster Abbey of Hawai`i, it was the Hawaiian Kingdom’s national church and site of royal christenings, coronations, and funerals.
Kawai Nui: The big water. [Hawaiian] Refers to a swamp, marsh, fishpond or canal. A windward marsh and stream, once O`ahu’s largest inland pond.
Keiki: Child, offspring. [Hawaiian]
Keoni: Diminutive form of “John.” [Hawaiian]
Kī: The ti plant. [Hawaiian] [Cordyline terminalis]
Kiawe: A tropical mesquite tree [Prosopis pallida]. [Hawaiian]
Koa: Acacia tree. [Hawaiian] An endangered species of acacia tree known for its fine grained wood. [Acacia koa]
Ko`olau: Windward. [Hawaiian] One of two volcanic mountain ranges dividing O`ahu.
Kūka`iau: Current appearing. [Hawaiian] A gulch, village, and ranch located on the island of Hawai`i.
Kūlia: Stand upright or strive; lucky. [Hawaiian]
Ku`uipo: Sweetheart. [Hawaiian]
L
Lānai: Porch, balcony. [Hawaiian]
Lanikai: Community on the southern edge of Kailua in windward O`ahu. [Hawaiian]
Lebensraum: Living space. [German] A philosophical excuse used by the National Socialist [Nazi] Party of Germany to justify their 1939 invasion of Poland that initiated World War II.
Lehua: Flower of the `Ōhi`a tree. [Hawaiian] The red variety is the official flower of the island of Hawai`i. [Metrosideros polymorpha].
Lei: Garland of flowers, leaves, shells, candy, or other decorations. [Hawaiian]
Liliko`i: Passion fruit. [Hawaiian] [Passiflora edulis]
Lili`uokalani, Queen” [1838-1917] Last reigning monarch of Hawai`i and the only woman. Her name is sometimes translated as, scorching pain of the royal chiefess. She may have been named in reference to the eye pain of her foster mother’s aunt at the time she was born. Her birth name was, Lydia Lili`u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka`eha; her married name, Lydia K. Dominis; her chosen royal name, Lili`uokalani. She authored numerous poems, chants, lyrics, and the book Hawaii’s Story By Hawai`i’s Queen. Also an accomplished musician and composer of songs, including the popular Aloha `Oe [Farewell to Thee].
Lokelani: Common red rose. [Hawaiian] Now the official flower of Maui.
Lo`i: Terrace, often irrigated. [Hawaiian]
Lū`au: Kalo [taro] tops. [Hawaiian] Modern name for a Hawaiian feast.
M
Mahalo: Thank you. [Hawaiian] Often printed on public garbage cans to encourage respect for the environment.
Maile: Flowering tree shrub in the dogbane family. Its fragrant leaves are used for making a long, open lei. [Hawaiian] [Lyxia oliviformis]
Maka’ainana: Commoners. [Hawaiian]
Makai: Toward the ocean; ocean side. [Hawaiian]
Makiki: To peck. [Hawaiian] A type of volcanic stone used as a fishing weight or adze. A neighborhood northeast of downtown Honolulu.
Makoa: Fearless, courageous, aggressive. [Hawaiian]
Malasada: [Portuguese] Deep-fried doughnut.
Malia: Mary. [Hawaiian]
Māmaki: Flowering nettle plant. [Hawaiian] Used as a tea. [Pipturus albidus]
Mānoa: Thick, solid, vast, deep. [Hawaiian] Valley and neighborhood northeast of downtown Honolulu. Location of the main campus of the University of Hawai`i.
Maui: Second largest Hawaiian Island, named for the demi-god Māui. [Hawaiian]
Mauka: Inland, toward the mountain. [Hawaiian]
Maunawili: Twisted mountain. [Hawaiian] A stream, valley, and ranch in Kailua.
Menehune: A people of small stature whose legendary presence in the Hawaiian Islands may actually predate arrival of the Polynesians. They are credited with exceptional cra
ftsmanship that fabricated sacred sites and common objects like fishponds, roads, canoes and houses. Tales of the nocturnal menehune center on their building massive stone objects within a single night. [Hawaiian]
Menorah: Candelabrum. [Hebrew] A seven-branch menorah is used in Jewish temples; it is also the emblem of the modern state of Israel. Also, a nine-branch menorah used for celebrating Chanukah.
Michling: Half breed. [German] A deprecating term used by the Nazi Party to describe individuals of mixed races.
Minyan: A group of ten adult Jews. [Hebrew] The traditional minimum required to conduct a communal religious service.
Mo`ai: Monolithic statues of past Rapa Nui chiefs of Polynesian Easter Island. Carved in a flat-planed minimalist style between 1250 and 1500 BCE, they feature oversized heads. Most were carved from tuff, a compressed volcanic ash. Varying in size, they average thirteen feet in height and fourteen tons in weight.
Mochi: Molded Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice paste.
Mokulua: Two adjacent islets, as those off the Lanikai shoreline. [Hawaiian]
Mo`o`alā: Gecko or lizard. [Hawaiian] [Lepidodactylus lugubris].
Mu`umu`u: Cut short, maimed, amputated. [Hawaiian] Dress adapted from the garb of nineteenth-century Protestant Christian missionary women, often having short sleeves and no yoke.
N
Nada: Nothing, not anything. [Spanish]
Natatorium: Swimming Place. [Late Latin] Natatoriums are usually indoors, but the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium is beach side. It was built to honor the 101 men of Hawai`i who died in World War I military service. It opened on August 24, 1927, the birthday of surfer and Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, who dove in for the first ceremonial swim. Redesigned to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 100 X 40 meter salt water pool’s lifts accommodate wheelchair-bound swimmers.