Ke Kanawai (1902): J. Mokuʻōhai Poepoe's Obscure Law Journal

Abstract

The language of law is powerful. The mistranslation1 of a single word can lead to a multi-million-dollar lawsuit or the loss of ancestral land—historically, it could even mean the difference between life or death. Joseph Moku‘ōhai Poepoe, a talented lawyer, scholar, and writer, wisely recognized over 135 years ago that knowledge of legal rights could empower Native Hawaiians. This article introduces Poepoe’s law journal, Ke Kanawai, which illustrates his lifelong dedication to provide access to justice for those who only spoke ‘Ōlelo.