Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 3, 1 Malaki 1988 — Civic Clubs, Societies lmpressive [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Civic Clubs, Societies lmpressive

By Deborah Lee Ward, Assistant Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA The opening ceremonies of Ho'olokahi provided many thrilling highlights and joyful tears of pride mingled with a swelling roar of applause. The procession of the royal benevolent societies and the members of Hawaii's many Hawaiian Civic Clubs was an especially impressive sight, a reminder that love of our Hawaiian culture prevails. Ka Wa Ola O OHA was able to ask some civic club presidents their feelings about Ho'olokahi: Lori Piikea Tomczyk, Queen Emma: "We are proud and excited to be here. I think it's neat Hawaiians ean pull this together. We need more activities like this." Chris Faria, Kailua: "This is the largest gathering of Hawaiians ever seen, except for the Merrie Monarch Festival. We hope this will become an annual event. There is so mueh to be done for Hawaiians to gain more recognition. We need to reach Hawaiians who are not yetdirectlyinvolved, that's why our club is trying to reach out, espe-

to the younger generation." John Kamalani, Pearl Harbor: "This is an exciting event, and a tremendous opportunity to eome together in the spirit of Ho'olokahi. It is also an opportunity to express our appreciation of our ethnic identity and plaee in the islands of our,ancestors. We hope this is the beginning of something very big for Hawaiians, especially political unity." Lurline Lee, Wahiawa: "Naturally we are excited about this first-time event. But we also look forward to increased unity and to positive things. We need to progress and benefit from our mistakes, not namunamu (grumble). We ean strive to make our values blossom. The fact this many people have eome shows there is a strong desire to be united . . . Yet who do we follow? Who is to lead, and how are we to follow? . . . We need a clearer direction in the future to benefit the entire community. We need to better our image and work together."

These members of the 'Ahahui Kaahumanu Society appear eager to take their plaee on the Aioha Stadium field in the parade of benevolent societies and others.

Hanging loose before going onto the field are these members of the Pnnee Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Ciub gathered at the South tunnel of Aloha Stadium.