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'Mamalahoe', or law of the splintered paddle, is a precept in Hawaiian law, originating with King Kamehameha I in 1797. The law, "Let every elderly person, woman and child lie by the roadside in safety," is enshrined in the state constitution, Article 9, Section 10, and has become a model for modern human rights law regarding the treatment of civilians and other non-combatants during battle. It was created when Kamehameha was fighting in Puna. His leg was caught in the reef, and a fisherman hit him mightily on the head with a paddle. Luckily, Kamehameha was able to escape. Years later, the same fisherman was brought before Kamehameha. Instead of ordering for him to be killed Kamehameha ruled that he had only been protecting his land and family, and so the Law of the Splintered Paddle was formed.
The complete original 1797 law in Hawaiian and translated to English:
''Māmalahoe Kānāwai:''

''E nā kānaka,''

''E mālama ‘oukou i ke akua''

''A e mālama ho‘i ke kanaka nui a me kanaka iki;''

''E hele ka ‘elemakule, ka luahine, a me ke kama''

''A moe i ke ala''

''‘A‘ohe mea nāna e ho‘opilikia.''

''Hewa nā - Make.''

Contents

English Translation

English Translation

:Law of the Splintered Paddle:

:O my people,

:Honor thy god;

:respect alike [the rights of] men great and humble;

:See to it that our aged, our women, and our children

:Lie down to sleep by the roadside

:Without fear of harm.

:Disobey, and die.