Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 September 1983 — Hawaiians Represented at Samoan Flag Day Celebration [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiians Represented at Samoan Flag Day Celebration

First Time Participation by Non-Samoans

Hawaiian mele and hula were presented along with traditional Samoan entertainment during Hawaii's annual celebration of Samoan Flag day August 6 at Keehi Lagoon Park. The precedent-setting event marked the first time a non-Samoan group has been invited to participate in Samoan Flag Day activities by the Council of Samoan Chiefs, Atoa-0-Alii. The Hawaiian entertainment by John Lake's Na Hanoa o Ka Halua Hula Pa Ola Kapu was provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in recognition of the eommon cultural and ethnic background shared by all Polynesian peoples. OHA Chairman Joseph Kealoha told

the crowd of Samoan officials, Chiefs and guests "We must seek increased opportunities to share our knowledge and culture. We must be quick to extend a helping hand to eaeh other when it is needed. For that is the Hawaiian way, and that is the Samoan way." Among those present at the ceremony were the Honorable Fofo Sunia, Congressman from American Samoa; City Council Chair Patsy Mink and representatives of the Governor, the Mayor, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and the United States Navy. Samoan Flag Day commemorates the raising of the United States flag over Eastern Samoa in 1900 and has been observed in Hawaii since 1952.

OHA Chairman Joseph Kealoha addresses Samoan Flag Day audience.

OHA Chairman Joseph Kealoha receives lei during Samoan Flag Day Celebration.