1. “Previous to the year 1846, it cannot be said that the common people had any rights of property in land by inheritance, since they were liable at all times to be dispossessed of their holdings at the arbitrary will of their own chiefs; and even the superior classes themselves, although they were accustomed when in expectation of death to designate the person whom they desired to be heir to their property, yet this will (kauoha), though generally respected, was liable at all times to be defeated or modified by the will of the superior chief.” Makea v. Nalua, 4 Haw. 221, 222-223 (1879). 2. “Reference however, to Hawaiian history will show us that such ʻkauohas’ or directions made by a high chief in the expectation of death were highly regarded, and as in the nature of advice, which were given effect according as the kind, after discussion with the chiefs, considered the instructions to be reasonable, and such a ʻkauoha’ was equally regarded whether purely oral or reduced to writing.” In re Estate of Kekauluohi, 6 Haw. 172, 177 (1876). 3. “[Kauoha] or oral bequest to these parties, a form of devise which still carries influence with Hawaiians.” Kahuaku v. Union Mill Co., 6 Haw. 487, 488 (1884). 4. To will property. Hemen v. Kamakaia,
10 Haw. 547, 555 (1896). 5. Order, command, demand, testament, decree, precept, will; to order, assign, entrust, bequest; to summon. 6. A will, verbal or written; a command; a charge; a dying request; a covenant; a commission; a judicial decision; a determination; a decree; to make a bequest; to make a will; to put in charge; to give orders; to write down (AP).