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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 21, 2003

Historic stones hit by vandals again

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — The huge historic stones fronting the Hilo Public Library were once again vandalized sometime late Wednesday or early yesterday, the second time this month.

Vandals again painted the dates "1893-2004" on the largest of the two, the Naha Stone, and spray-painted Hawaiian words on the Naha and on the upright Pinao stone next to it. A shredded American flags was also apparently left by the vandals on the stone.

Workers scrubbed the stones clean yesterday afternoon. Similar graffiti was discovered Nov. 12.

The larger Naha Stone is estimated to weigh 3 1/2 tons, and was brought to the Big Island from Kaua'i to the Pinao Temple area near the Wailuku River.

The stone was used to test claims that newborn boys were of royal blood. An infant who was placed on the stone was deemed to be Naha if he was silent, and was not of royal blood if he cried.

The stone also played a part in the rise of Kamehameha the Great, who fulfilled a prophecy by moving the stone before spectators.

The smaller Pinao Stone is said to have been an entrance pillar of the Pinao Temple.

Library staff declined to comment on the latest vandalism.

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.