Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 Nowemapa 1987 — Hawaii Paʻu Riders Spread Aloha [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaii Paʻu Riders Spread Aloha

Hawaii Pa'u Riders, founded by John and Lita Cook of Waimanalo, recently shared the ceIebration of Ho'olako 1987 : The Year of the Hawaiian on the mainland with appearances in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Western Canada. The Cooks and 20 other members of Hawaii Pa'u Riders got the celebration off with a bang with their appearance in the 1987 Seafair/McDonald's torchlight parade in Seattle, Wash.

Good weather prevailed for the three-mile long parade and the route was packed with people. There was a warm feeling of aloha between the Hawaii participants and the crowd, many of whom shouted "Aloha" as the elegantly costumed members of Hawaii Pa'u Riders passed in review. Kisses were retumed by the riders and many among the crowd approached the riders and their horses to touch them. "It was like a New Year's celebration," exclaimed Lita Cook. "We were very happy to have done our part in promoting Hawaii and tourism and above all the Aloha spirit," she added.

This was not the first appearance of Hawaii Pa'u Riders on the mainland. In 1981 they appeared in six different events in New York City and were in the 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1986 Portland, Oregon, Grand Floral Parade. Locally, they have appeared in the Kailua and Kaneohe Christmas parades, Hawaii Statehood Silver Jubilee Parade and Kamehameha Day parade. Members of Hawaii Pa'u Riders are not only skilled equestrians but are also flexible in other areas. They make their own leis for the parades and also put on Hawaiian shows, being musicians, hula dancers and singers as well. Be it on a ferry, at an Indian village in Canada, chuckwagon suppers in Montana or anywhere

else, members of this Hawaiian group spread Aloha wherever they went. Another highlight of the trip, whieh isfunded through various benefits conducted throughout the year, was meeting the Montana State Senate and performing at Helena. It is an experience long to be remembered and cherished.

Escorts holding the club banner from left to right are John Manuhoa Cook, Geno Fernandez, Whitney lseke and Gary Poo Kahunanui.

The ladies of Hawaii Pa'u Riders, from left to right, are Hyenie Maliikapu Weed-Sato, Charlene Kapuanani Machado, Naomi Schoenbom, Darlene Hiilei Koholua Kaniho, lrene Mokihana Akiona, LaVeme Maheaiani Angel Phillip, Novi Kuunipoaloha Pebbles Widemann, Leiala Kaiulani Cook, Lita Lowea Carrillo Cook, Bridget Hinano lseke and Wendy Kanoelehua Ako. Pebble Widemann and Leiala Cook, both 15, are reportediy the youngest parade riders.