Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — Na Mele O Maui is For Scholarships [ARTICLE]

Na Mele O Maui is For Scholarships

A eouple of stories have been written about Na Mele O Maui in this issue and the question asked is what is "Na Mele O Maui" and what does it do? Na Mele O Maui ine. was founded in 1973 with the single goal of perpetuating the culture of the Hawaiian people as expressed in their songs and dance. Proceeds frorh the threeday festival go into a scholarship fund to assist deserving Maui high school graduates in their quest for higher education. There is no admission for the school song contest whieh kicks off the festival the first day. The hula festival the following night offers people the best $5 bargain to be found anywhere. The same ean be said for the $17 for the luau and spectacular show the following afternoon. Dick Bacon, who is in his fourth year as general chairman, said this is a six-month project with planning starting in May. "The people of Hawaii are as big as all outdoors. The coming together of all kinds of folks is a solid example of people sharing like one big ohana," Bacon said. "Dozens of volunteer committee members work tirelessly for over five months to present this annual tribute to the Hawaiian people. Without their dedication, a program of this magnitude would be impossible," he noted. "We are from many nationalities, many backgrounds and beliefs but eaeh year we eome together in a eommon cause — a firm belief that the unique cultures of the Hawaiian people must be preserved to live forever in our minds and in our hearts," Bacon further observed. The support of the Kaanapali Beach Operators Association was also extended a deep aloha from Bacon.