Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 6, 1 June 1985 — King Kamehameha Celebrations [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

King Kamehameha Celebrations

E Hoonani Ika U'i O Hawai'i is 1985 Theme

"E Ho'onani I Ka U'i O Hawai'i (The Splendor of Hawaii)" is the theme of Oahu's 1985 King Kamehameha celebrations whieh are scheduled over a three-day period June 7, 8 and 15. The biggest event is the 69th annual 4.2 mile flora! parade whieh begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, starting from King and Richards streets, makai on Punchbowl to Ala Moana Blvd., then diamond head on Kalakaua, ending in Queen Kapiolani Park. This always colorful event will feature pa'u units, floral floats, visiting and loeal bands, marching units and festively decorated vehicles containing VIP's (very important people). At Kapiolani Park, there will be arts and crafts demonstrations and displays and entertainment and presentation of awards to parade winners. Nainoa Thompson, great grandson of Eben Parker Low who 44 years ago in 1941 served as grand marshai for the parade, has been selected grand marshal of the 69th parade. Thompson, son of Bishop Estate Trustee Myron (Pinky) Thompson, will soon take the Hokule'a on its two-year Polynesian journey. As navigator, Thompson again will not use any navigational aides. The pa'u marshall is noted entertainer and Kipukai Ranch foreman Bill Kaiwa of "Boy from Laupahoehoe" recording fame. He has participated in past celebrations on Oahu and Kauai. Pa'u queen is Loretta Keanuenueolilinoe Kilbey, administrative services assistant at Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School in Kaneohe. She has been a parade participant since 1976 and was voted outstanding princess in 1981. She is the wife of John Kilbey and mother of two, including son, Keoni, who will be banner page among her escorts. Other escorts are Scott Leong, Patrick De Ponte, Stanley Dickeson, Simeon Naeole and George Victor. King Kamehameha the Great will be portrayed by Alvin Kalanikau Isaacs III, firefighter with the City and County of Honolulu, Punahou School graduate, parttime University of Hawaii student, avid surfer and weightlifter. He has been active in "Kokua I Na Keiki," a benefit fundraiser for Janeen Fukuhara and the Kealoha twins, Jasmine and Crystalyn. The following pa'u princess' have been selected: Hawaii — Coreen Puanani Mata. Maui — Joretta Kekauilani Balles. Oahu — Ann Leilani Furtado. Kauai — La Verne Mahealani Phillip. Molokai — Leinohea Francisco. Lanai — Dee Kalahui. Kahoolawe — Concetta Kuulani Fialkowski. Niihau — Candi Puahaunani Pavao. The statue of King Kamehameha will be draped with beautiful floral offerings on Friday, June 7. Flowers will be gathered from eaeh of the islands and fashioned into 12-foot long leis with more than 60 volunteers involved. Activities get under way at 5:30 p. m. with songs and dances in tribute to the great king who united the island kingdom.

The three-day celebration concludes Saturday, June 15, when the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage stages the 12th annual King Kamehameha traditional hula and chant eompetition at the Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus in Laie. This promises to be an exciting competition with several hula halau vying in three categories — all male; all female; and combined male and female. A special division for individual chanters will add a unique twist to this year's competition whieh boasts of nine entries, including a young woman from Lanai. Among participating halau are the Gentlemen of Na Kamalei, Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero; Na Pualei O Likolehua, Kumu Hula Leina'ala Kalama Heine; Hui Ho'oulu Aloha, Kumu Hula Cy Bridges; Halau O Waimea, Kumu Hula Piilani Lua; Ka Pa Hula Hawaii, Kumu Hula John Kaha'i Topolinski. Purpose of this event is described as promoting and encouraging 'the serious study and research of the traditional mele and hula, by offering awards and public recognition through competition. It is through this competition that we hope to encourage more of Hawaii's children to embrace their rich culture and heritage.'

Tickets are available only through the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage, 355 N. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, phone 536-6540. Kamehameha Day this year falls on Tuesday, June 11, when county and state government offices and other facilities will be closed. Kamehameha V by royal proclamation on Dec. 22, 187 1 , declared that there be a hoiiday created to honor the memory of his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great. The observance of this holiday was noted on June 11, 1872.

NEIGHBOR ISLAND SCHEDULE The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission schedule for neighbor island observances: HAWAII June 8 at Kohala — 6:30 a.m., Kukini from Pololu Valley to Kapaau, site of the Kamehameha statue; 7;30 a.m., statue decoration; 9:30 a.m., demonstrations and displays, Hawaiian games, entertainment at Kamehameha Park. June 8 at Kona — 10 a.m., parade through Kailua. Note: There are dozens of events being held and sponsored by various organizations starting June 7 and running through June 11. MAUI June 8 at Lahaina — 9:30 a.m., parade through Lahaina town, starting from Mala Wharf. According to the commission, their hoolaulea and entertainment are tentative. If it is held, it will be under the banyan tree. KAUAI June 8 at Kukui Grove Shopping Center — 10 a.m., parade from Nawiliwili to Kukui Grove St. and circling the shopping center; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hoolaulea at the Kukui mall. MOLOKAI June 11 at Mitchell Pauole Community Center — exhibits, demonstrations on food preparation and hoolaulea; parade through Kaunakakai (no times availab!e).

[I Pa'u Marshal Bill Kaiwa

Pa'u Queen