Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 12, 1 December 1992 — Neighbor islands join in planning for January 1993 centennial [ARTICLE]

Neighbor islands join in planning for January 1993 centennial

Planning is underway for events next year on the neighbor islands to commemorate the life of Queen Lili'uokalani and to explore topics concerning Hawaiian sovereignty. A 17-member Queen Lili'uokalani Commemoration Commission was recently appointed by Gov. John Waihe'e to coordinate a statewide commemoration the weekend of Jan. 17, 1993 and plan and sponsor activities that will educate the public on the life of the Queen and the history, causes and consequences of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. The 1992 state Legislature provided $90,000 general funds, with the following distribution by islands: $25,000 for the island of Hawai'i, $25,000 for Kaua'i, $25,000 for Maui and $15,000 for Moloka'i. OHA was designated the administrative ehannel for funding. Island commissioners, and their tentative plans at this date, are: Hawai'i - Lei Collins, Leimana DaMate, Auhea Puhi. Anna Cariaga, and Kauanoe Kamana-Wilson. The Hawai'i island commission's plans for een-

tennial events on the Big Island are still in preliminary stages. However, some ideas being discussed for Jan. 17 include: a dignified public gathering in the Hilo area that will include a spiritual service, expressions of aloha for the Queen's strength and qualities, including her gifts as a composer and her love for children; emphasis on Hawaiian language being spoken; a walking tour of Hilo sites visited by the Queen; prominent displays of the Hawaiian flag; and a symbolic ahu (cairn) where people ean bring stones from all parts of the island to stand as a permanent reminder of that day. Other people are said to be planning activities at the Hawai'i Volcanoes Nahonal Park and in Keaukaha. Kauanoe Kamana-Wilson, an island commissioner, said, "The whole day should inspire us to be strong and move ahead as a people." Also making plans in the*East Hawai'i eommunity is the 100 Year Overthrow Committee of Pana'ewa, chaired by Kauilani Almeida, whieh plans an "'Aha Kulu Waimaka" vigil Sat. Jan. 16 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Pana'ewa Park as a private

gathering of Hawaiians for cleansing. prayer and meditation. The next day, Sun. Jan. 17 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m., the Pana'ewa group will host a public gathering, "'Onipa'a Moku O Keawe" at the park, in observance of the life of Queen Lili'uokalani and the issue of Hawaiian sovereignty. There will be informaūon booths by Hawaiian service organizations, speakers on sovereignty and Uie Queen, haku mele by the 'ōpio, hula performances, entertainment. Almeida also hopes to be able to provide free food, though she notes they do not want any fundraiser acUvifies. "It's not that kind of a day. ... We want to look at the day (as one) for camaraderie, and to approach planning for the next 100 years. The ali'i did their best. We must now help our leaders direct this energy for us all." For more informaUon eall Kauilani Almeida, 959-3478 or 969-9905. Maui - Roger MacArthur, Velma Santos, Rev. David Kaalakea, Leina'ala Drummond, and Edwin Lindsey, Jr. Dozens of Hawaiian groups, informally called HAO (Hawaiian Agencies and OrganizaUons), have banded together to hold a two-day commemoraUon at Wailuku War Memorial Complex, Jan. 16 and 17. Their theme is "'Onipa'a: To Stand Firm." The event will be cultural, educaUonal and commemorative. HAO agencies and organizaUons will have displays and exhibits designed to inform and educate

the commumty about the services they proviae. Historical dramaUzations, workshops, educational sessions, heahh screening, Hawaiian entertainment and food will also be part of this public event. Kaua'i - Donna Nakahara, Denny P. Boiser, Byron Cleeland. Due to the widespread effects of Hurricane 'lniki, the commission's planning for the Jan. 17 weekend is still in preliminary stages for Kaua'i island events. However, being planned for Jan. 9, by the 1993 Sovereignty Committee chaired by Sharon Pomroy, is a march from Nukoli'i to Wailua, followed by a rally and concert at Lydgate park, and ho'olaule'a featuring Hawaiian arts and crafts. Moloka'i - Henrietta Mokiao, Glenn Borden, Walter Ragsdale, and Luana Hamakua. The Moloka'i commissioners are working with Hawaiian organizaUons to plan a ho'olaule'a on Jan. 16 at Oneali'i Park to bring together families, homestead associaUons and different hui. Details are sUll being planned. Henrietta Mokiao said she is planning a Jan. 3 spiritual cleansing at Nā'iwa from noon to midnight with fasUng and prayer, and is inviUng others, such as Hui Ho'opakele '7kina, to paiticipate. This vigil will coincide with one taking plaee at the same Ume on the Big Island. She said, "It is very important for us as Hawaiians, what our spiritual 'ohana wants us to do in preparaUon for Jan. 17. Eaeh one of us should do this."