LEWERS ST. In the ahupuaʻa of Waikīkī, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oʻahu, stands a roadway named after a haole merchant. We’re speaking of Lewers St. By the middle of the 1800’s, Ireland native Christopher Lewers arrived in Honolulu and started a lumber business. In partnership with a man named Joshua Gill Dickson, the lumber business evolved and was named Lewers & Dickson. Robert Lewers, who was cousin to Christopher, arrived from New York and became a carpenter. It was Robert Lewers and a man named Charles Cooke who eventually continued the business under a new name. As Lewers & Cooke, the company became one of the largest dealers of lumber and building materials across Hawaii. From its beginnings on Fort St, Lewers & Cooke eventually moved to what was once 404 Piʻikoi St. Today, the address has changed to 88 Piʻikoi St which is now the site of the Hawaiki Tower condo and the KHON2 News Station. The name of the street, however, remains Piʻikoi. In Hawaiian language, the word piʻikoi can mean “to claim honors not rightfully due” or “to aspire to be the best.” But the street name Piʻikoi is named after High Chief David Kahalepouli Piʻikoi, father to influential sons. Given the title of Prince, his sons included Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, David Kawānanakoa, and Edward Keliʻiahonui. Together, these three royal brothers introduced the art of surfing with the west coast of America while attending college. And it was through the works of Prince Kūhiō as a Delegate to the US Congress that today, we have what is known as Hawaiian Homelands. Did you know? Now you do! ——— Aloha Shirt by @ki_ele #hawaii #oahu #waikiki #street #streetname #hawaiian #history #lumber #family #knowledge #knowledgeispower