Before contact, the maka’āinana were tied to the land but not to an ali‘i (a chief) and would seek a better one if theirs did not rule well and provide for them. Even through the Monarchy Period, as the number of Ali’i Nui were in decline, the people and the lesser chiefs sought rulers to lead them through their times of trouble, a practice that continues anew in the current age, especially after Statehood. But what makes a “good chief?” This talk story “Imi Haku; Searching For One to Follow” highlights examples of good and bad ali‘i and see if we can identify any in our own place and time. More info: Hawaiian History Talk Story
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