Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 1992 — Aluli and Akaka Kamaʻaina of Year [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aluli and Akaka Kamaʻaina of Year

With the blessings of Don McDiarmid Jr., the "Hawaii Calls" radio show eame to life at the Historic Hawai'i Foundation 1991 Winter Benefit Gala, whieh took plaee Nov. 30 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room. Honored as this year's Kama'aina of the Year were Irmgard Farden Aluli and the Rev. Abraham Akaka. In its November issue of "Historic Hawai'i" an article on the Kama'aina of the Year Award noted: "Irmgard Farden Aluli and the Reverend Abraham Akaka, both personify the essence of 'kama'aina,' one who is native born and familiar to the ways of life in Hawai'i, and who embodies aloha, the spirit of love that is characteristic of the Hawaiian Islands." The award presentation noted: "What makes them all the more precious is that they never aspired to the heights they achieved, nor did they expect to penetrate the hearts they touched. That whieh endears them most to us is their sincerity ... if their essence were expressed in color they would be rainbows." Alan Akaka, entertainment chair, brought together some of the "Hawai'i Calls" entertainers: Benny Kalama, Sonny Kamahele, Hiram 01sen, Punini McWayne and Leilani Kuhao for a program of memories. Along with Gary Aiko on string bass and vocals, the group entertained with music made popular during the 40 years "Hawai'i Calls" was aired. After a pre-show interlude with the Brothers

Cazimero and dinner music by Puamana, the evenings emcees, Ed Kenney and Ed Miehelman, warmed up the crowd in the tradition of the old radio days. The group opened the show with "Royal Hawaiian Hotel," followed by "Hawai'i Calls," composed by Harry Owens who was on the first "Hawai'i Calls" radio show on July 3, 1935. According to Gary Akaka, who was featured on steel guitar, the first five numbers presented were written by Auntie Irmgard and the final five numbers "are my uncle's favorites." Auntie Irmgard's popular "Pua Mana" was sung by Nina Kealo'iwahamana, the show's musical director. Narration was by Ed Kenney. The hula was danced by Lani Custino. Kenney also sang Auntie Irmgard's "Boy From Laupahoehoe." Sol K. Bright's famous "Hawaiian Cowboy," one of the Rev. Akaka's favorites, was sung by Gary Aiko and the Alapa sisters, Luana and Kaui danced the song. Among the old favorites presented were Charles E. King's "Ku'u l'ini," Ray Kenny and Johnny Noble's "Across the Sea," and Matthew Kane's "Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha." The show conc!uded with Queen Lili'uokalani's "Aloha Oe" and Auntie Irmgard's "Peaceful World" presented by the full group, featuring a steel guitar solo by Alan Akaka. The gala concluded with dance music by Paul , Madison.

The Rev. Abraham Akaka