Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 2, 1 February 1986 — 1986 Legislative Opening [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

1986 Legislative Opening

*Keik-s Bring Refreshing Change

While Hawaii's legislative leadership outlined lofty goals ® ' and pledged unity in launching its 1986 session Jan. 15 amid i the traditional opening day hoopla, leave it to Hawaiiain enter s 1 tainer Danny Kaleikini to make what app>ears to be the best "> remark of the day. Kaleikini, a son of 'aina pulapula at Papakolea who has ' risen to great heights in the entertainment world as the main|4 stay of the Kahala Hilton for many years, talked of Aloha in S ' many languages while entertaining on the House floor. lt was when he likened the day's gathering to that of an ohana (family) that he remarked: "Many people speak about ohana but they never practice what they preach. I hope this 1986 session will be one of ohana." The House entertainment was youth-accented with four youngsters putting on professional p>erformances. Palar

Vaughan and his King's Own featured the hula artistry of 10-year-old Ka'ilihiwa (Hiwa) Vaughan, 1985 Miss Keiki Hula. Kaleikini presented Howard and Olana Ai's son, Tai. also 10; Keolani Kaapuni. 9. of Halau Hula Olana; and Nellie Toyama, another nirte-year-old who won the hearts of the p>acked gallery with her p>owerfuI voice. Tai and Keolani were outstanding in their hula numbers. Nellie is one of the many "Sup>er Keikis" deveioped by ukulele instructor Roy Sakuma. In addition to those mentioned, other entertainers included singer Yvonne Perry and the inimitable 76-year-old "Hawaiian Cowboy" Sol K. Bright along with the Pamana Dance Company. Hawaii's keikis who thrilled the crowd with their performances. Perry's voice is as beautiful as ever and Bright was never more spunkier in his routine.

Palani Vaughan, center, and the King's Own dancers entertain on the House floor of the Hawaii State Legislature Jan. 15.