Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 7, 1 July 1987 — Hoʻolako, Schools' Centennial Noted [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hoʻolako, Schools' Centennial Noted

Colors Accent 71 st King Kamehameha Floral Parade

It was a day replete with a rainbow of colors, what with the many beautiful pa'u riders and their horses, colorful marching bands in their snappy uniforms, tall flags, flowery floats and decorated automobiles and other vehicles. This was the scene that unfolded in the 71st annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade June 6, thrilling visitors and residents alike as a sun-baked sky with only a slight almost unnoticeable breeze offered a challenge to the more than 2,000 participants in 115 riding and marching units. Participants, however, endured the relentlessly hot sun to bring enjoyment to the thousands who lined the parade route stretching from in front of the King Kamehameha statue in downtown Honolulu and wending its way down Punchbowl St., on Ala Moana Blvd., and along Kalakaua Ave., terminating at Queen Kapiolani Park. The parade had a special meaning this year for it was held in conjunction with Ho'olako 1987 : The Year of the Hawaiian. For the Kamehameha Schools, it was also a significant day in its celebration of the institution's eentennial year by walking off with three first plaee awards, a second and a third plaee finish. A pair of respected Hawaiian leaders — Martha Kaukamaokalani Aoe Poepoe Hohu and Dr. George Hiilani Mills — were graciously acknowledged in waving to the crowd as grand marshals for the parade.

1 here also was Governor John David Waihee III, first e!ected Hawaiian chief executive since statehood, in his red palaka shirt riding alone in a convertible and accepting the applause of the crowd. City and County of Honolulu Firefighter Joseph De Fnes as Kamehameha the Great and William Kakalia Kupuka'a Sr. and his wife, Grace Mapuana Kupuka'a, as pa'u marshal and queen added their bit of color to the occasion. There was color all over and a festive mood prevailed. At the Governor's reviewing stand at Fort DeRussy were military and civilian officials, including Lt. Gov. Benjamin Cayetano and his wife, Lorraine. Kevin (Chubby) Mahoe, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, handled the commentary from this point, keeping the crowd entertained and having them participate in a display of aloha. Adding to the success of the parade were five mainland high school marching bands and a precision drill team from Tremonton, Utah (Bear River Hi-Steppers) whieh won first plaee in the marching unit category. The highly acclaimed Kamehameha Schools marching band was resplendent in their colorful blue and white uniforms. The band, along with the school's Concert Glee Club, left a week following the parade for a tour of Furnnp

No parade is complete without the participation of the military units and this one was no exception. All branches were represented in the color guards, marching units and bands along with Hawaii's own Royal Hawaiian Band under Bandmaster Aaron Mahi. Parade winners were: Best in Entire Parade — Kamehameha Schools. Governor's Award for Outstanding Float — Hula Halau O Maiki. Lieutenant Governor's Award — Kamehameha Schools. Mayor's Award — Hula Halau O Maiki. Commissioner's Award — Joan Lindsey Hula Stu-

dio (commercial float); Oahu District Council, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (non-commercial float). Grand Marshal's Award — Hui Nani Dancers. Chairperson's Award — Ahahui Kaahumanu. Private Mounted Units — 1. Na Ohana Hololio. 2. Hawaii Pa'u Riders. 3. Ho'aloha Anuenue Hololio. Pa'u Unit — 1. Maui. 2. Kauai and Hawaii. 3. Molokai. Pa'u Princess — 1. Puamana Crabbe (Maui). 2. Eydie Brown (Hawaii). 3. Dedra Balfour (Kauai). Decorated Vehicles, Conunercial Division — 1. Lani Goose Publications. 2. McDonald's of Hawaii. 3. Fame International.

Decorated Vehicles, Non-Commercial Division — 1. May Day lei court. 2. Kamehameha Schools. 3. Hale O Na Alii. Marching Unit — 1. Bear River Hi-Steppers, T remonton, Utah. 2. John Marshall High School Tall Flags, Rochester, Minn. 3. Kamehameha Schools Tall Flags. Marching Bands (for below2,000-student enrollment) — 1. Valley High School, Gilcrest, Colo. 2. Jeffersontown High School, Jeffersontown, Ky. 3. John Marshall High School. Marching Bands (for over 2,000-student enrollment) — Kamehameha Schools.

Honolulu Firefighter Joseph DeFries as Kamehameha.

The Kamehameha Schools' marching band comes down Ala Moana Blvd. The Schools' units also were judged best in entire parade.

Pa'u riders always add color to a Kamehameha Florai Parade with their beautiful animals, costumes, horsemanship and leis.