Hamana Kaliliby Marilyn FoniomoanaA great Hawiian Chief was he,This man Hamana Kalili.Three fingers from his hand were goneUndaunted still he carried on.He was the guard on the old trainWhich transported sugar caneFrom fields to the sugar mill,Old timers here remember stillOf warning their friends not to takeCane from his train, and so they'd makeTheir hand to look like his and waveTo those ahead and so they'd saveTheir friends from tangling with this manThis Hawaiian with his earthy tan.His boat was at Laie BayHe mended nets on many a day.He'd share his catch with all he metWho came to "huki" on his net.A tsunami threatened once to takeAway his boat-house. For it's sakeHe braced himself and as waves beatAgainst his shed, he kept his feetFirmly placed upon the shore'Til storm was gone, and waves no more.His mighty strength had saved his shed.His fishing boat, his nets and ledAll who knew him to admireThis man of strength and inner fire.Another day he challenged eightSamoans, husky, tall and great,To take an end of rope.He took the other. Could he hopeTo beat them in a tug-o-war?All pulled hard and tried to score.The mid point moved to left and right.Hamana then began to fight,He pulled them over to his side.The yells and cheers would not subside.This champion of island fameAgain was victor in this game.His right hand he held up high.He'd wave at all who passed him by.The "sign" he could not help but makeBecame familiar. No mistake!It started then with this great man.For truth, it's how "Hang Loose" beganNext time the "Shaka" sign you see,Remember Hamana Kalili.
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