The Giant Moth Butterfly: Protector of the Children

Introduction As young boys, Hoku {star} and Lani {sky} were the best of friends. The Hawaiian Island of Maui, on which young Hoku and his family live is beautiful, but not without danger. On either side of the valley stand two great mountains. The native people refer to them as brothers. Kahalawai is to the east, while Haleakala rises to the west. They are different, not only in appearance, but character as well. Haleakalas akua {god} is good, he has a kind heart. His brother, Kahalewai's is very angry. His heart has hardened. He has allowed for bitterness and hatred to destroy him from within. His akau is not good. Inside Kahalawai's belly lies an active liquid fire, lava. Those in the valley know of his danger. They do not fear though, their chief {ali'i} has been their guide and counselor in all things. They respect and trust in his wisdom. It is their way. Twice a year the village gathers for festivities. It is then, they are reminded, reminded of the pineapple fields, which offer temporary refuge, until they come, 'The Giant Moth Butterflies'. The "Giant Moth Butterflies", who live on the backside of Haleakala, have one sole purpose, saving the children. The children are the very reason for their existence. Their akau has created them for this purpose. This is their mission, this is their sacrifice, protecting the children. The island's pineapple fields offer a temporary safe haven for the children, allowing time for their winged saviors dissention from the great mountain, Haleakala. They are on watch at all times. Never do they sleep. One day Kahalawai will awaken, and when he does, his liquid fires will begin to flow once more. For centuries the ali'a's have guided the people in all things, particularly the children. Their teachings have been passed down from generation to generation. Never has one child been lost to Kahalawai's anger. The fire will soon flow, when it does, the children will know exactly what to do. They have been taught. They have been prepared. The story begins with Hoku, now as grown man. His two sons, Konane {the enlightened one} and Mele {always happy} are strolling along the oceans edge. They ask their father to share the story of what happened that afternoon, when Kahalawai erupted with anger. The story of The Giant Moth Butterflies, and how they saved the children. They know their father is special. They know he has been chosen as this generations new witness to sacred truths. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ This story offers the reader a perspective of reality intertwined with fantasy. About a culture, a group of people fiercely dedicated to the traditions of their ancestors, so much so, that nothing is impossible, so long as you have hope and faith. One only need believe, believe with all their heart mind and soul, to allow for unimaginable to come true! _________________________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: During the writing and publication of this book, the island of Maui, on August 8th, 2023, was hit with wildfires of catastrophic proportions, destroying the entire historic town of Lahaina. I have decided to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book to assisting those displaced and plagued by the fires. CNHA: The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) Our hearts and prayers are with all