Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 9, 1 Kepakemapa 1988 — Tribute Paid To Ho'olokahi Halau At Appreciation Luneh [ARTICLE]

Tribute Paid To Ho'olokahi Halau At Appreciation Luneh

"The halau was the most important ingredient of Ho'olokahi. We would like to have had eaeh halau announced as they eame onto the field." These were words spoken by a man not usually known for his oratory. He is best remembered as a behind-the-scenes person who knows how to assemble people, money, entertainers, equipment and other logistics and blend them into a meehanism whieh moves without flaws.

This is Larry Mehau, Waimea rancher and owner of Hawai'i's largest locally owned security organization in the Hawai'i Protective Association. Mehau was called on to give a few brief remarks during an appreciation luneheon July 17 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel's Moloka'i Room. It was a luneheon sponsored by Mehau and his family and coordinated by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Nearly 100 kumu hula, their instructors and alaka'i attended the luneheon whieh was especially for them.

Mehau reflected on the Jan. 23 Ho'olokahi Unity Day affair and recalled some of the reaction he got when he called people. "Some actually told me not to try it because the Hawaiians would pull apart," Mehau said. "Well, let me tell you, after going through it I'm not afraid to try again," he declared. He reported that volunteers cooked 21,000 pounds of teriyaki meat and 14,000 pounds of pork at four different locations.

Mehau was prevailed upon to put on Ho'olokahi by Committee Chairman Charles Heen, one of Hawai'i's leading interior designers, and OHA Administrator Kamaki A. Kanahele III. Among two of Heen's biggest projects are the Sheraton Waikiki and Ilikai Hotels. A1 Harrington, who with Don Ho, Brickwood Galuteria, Gilbert Kauhi (Zoulou) and Surfers Allan and Clayton Naiuai alternated as masters of

ceremonies throughout the day and evening, lauded Mehau for having such a big Hawaiian heart and giving back to his fellow Hawaiians. "I am deeply touched by what this man did and what he has done for Hawai'i," Harrington added. The South Pacific Man explained further that Mehau "is not one noted for his speech but let me tell you I've never seen such a great motivator as this man. He is one of the greatest motivators I've worked for."

Harrington concluded that "we must follow up on the success of Ho'olokahi. Success builds upon success, they say. We've gotten success with Hokule'a and we've gotten success with Ho'olokahi." Governor John David Waihee III's proclamation of Ho'olokahi, a City and County of Honolulu resolution and First Lady Lynne Waihee's Outstanding Volunteer Award, along with a color photo of the Governor signing the proclamation, were presented to Kanahele and OHA Board of T rustees Chairman Moses K. Keale Sr. The items are handsomely displayed in an exquisite koa frame whieh ean be seen in the OHA Honolulu office. It was a gift from Heen. The presentation was made by Richard Robertson, staff member of Charles Heen and Associates.

Kanahele announced to the crowd earlier that the official total attendance for Ho'olokahi was 51,002 and that there were 2,026 dancers from 33 of the 78 halau whieh responded to the cause. Entertainment was provided by the group Halona whieh invariably includes OHA Trustee Kevin M. K. (Chubby) Mahoe who is equally eomfortable as master of ceremonies, singer or musieian. There was lots of impromptu hula from the kumu hula and their alaka'i and others in the crowd.