100 Ghost Stories Counting Down To Halloween 2024. #100. Solution.

In 1887, King David Kalākaua was forced to sign the bayonet constitution under threat of violence from a private militia called the Honolulu Rifles.

The constitution itself was created by the Hawaiian League, a secret group of white businessmen, landowners, and missionary descendants backed by the Honolulu Rifles militia. It (the constitution) transferred power from the monarchy to a coalition of American, European, and native Hawaiian people. It also disenfranchised many Native Hawaiians through literacy and income requirements. Asians were prohibited from voting, and grand suffrage was granted to non-citizens who met certain income and land ownership requirements. The wealthy, anti-monarchy elites were allowed to dominate the legislature. 

Three years later, with his health failing, King David Kalākaua took his final journey to San Francisco at the suggestion of his physician. A month before his departure, one late night, the King was paid a visit by men who were members of his masonic lodge who rushed him into a carriage waiting at the back gate of the palace, Hakaleleponi. Profusely apologizing for the disturbance and telling the King they could not disclose the destination and the site they intended to show him, Kalākaua expressed concern about being seen by possible spies of the Honolulu Rifles and their ilk. However, his masonic brothers assured him that all was safe and none but the eyes of fellow masons would behold this journey. Thus, they departed.

The sun was just rising when the carriage descended the dirt path to the famous site of Kamehameha's battle. The hour was nine when the carriage ambled along a dirt road leading up into the Kahalu'u mountains. It stopped a mile in, where another carriage with fresh horses awaited the party. The journey continued until there was no path and only a foot trail. A palanquin was brought out, and the King was carried the rest of the way while everyone else walked. They finally came into a clearing right up against the mountains, and in that clearing were scores of Hawaiians in a massive encampment, each one visibly affected by the ravages of leprosy. Highly fortified 'ohe or bamboo fences appeared to keep the afflicted in the encampment, robbing them of going further. 

"They should be at Kalaupapa, these people," the King gestured. "Why are they here?"

"We propose a final solution, Your Majesty," one of the brothers said. 

"A final solution?" The King replied

"Yes, let these afflicted loose and guide them to Honolulu and Waikiki to walk among the population," the brother continued.

"It cannot be done!" The King protested. "People will die by the thousands!"

"And you and your family and those loyal to you will be taken to a safe place until everything is done. Whoever is left will be those future citizens of the new Kingdom," the brother said. "You can create a new constitution! You take your trip to San Francisco as intended; we will prepare everything so you can witness the plan come into action by the time you return!"

• ...to be continued in 2025