Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 5, 1 May 1987 — Waimanalo Students Pay Tribute to Hoʻolako 1987 Celebrations [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Waimanalo Students Pay Tribute to Hoʻolako 1987 Celebrations

Ho'olako 1987: The Year of the Hawaiian was featured by the student body of Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School March 20 in a special cultural program at the Waimanalo gym. Waimanalo, whieh has a total enrollment of about 75 percent Hawaiian, became one of the first schools to celebrate The Year of the Hawaiian. The program featured a Ho'olako court composed of the different ethnic groups that make up Hawaii's diversified populahon. Dressed in traditional clothing were students repre-

senting the Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Polynesians (South Pacific peoples), Caucasians and Filipinos. Entertainment was furnished by the students, Waimanalo Senior Citizens and Na Kupuna Kane O Koolau from Kaneohe. Hula topped the entertainment menu for the program. Na Kupuna Kane, comprised of male senior citizens, proved itself a popular favorite among the crowd. A special guest at the program was Office of Hawaiian Affairs T rustee Thomas K. (Unele Tommy) Kaulukukui

Sr., who also serves as president of Ho'olako 1987, an idea he conceived two years ago. The program was put together by William Lau who teaches Hawaiian Studies at Waimanalo. He was assisted by Beverly Medeiros, health and physical education teacher. Lau is retiring June 1 after 32 years with the Department of Education, 21 at Waimanalo. Waimanalo Principal Marian Holoka'i was among the other guests who also included Jacqueline Heupel, Windward District Deputy Superintendent; Julie Wil-

liams, Kamehameha Schools; Sandy Akana, Waimanalo Community Library; Clement Keli'ikipi, representing Congressman Daniel K. Akaka; and JoJo Correa, representing Honolulu City Councilman Dennis 0'Connor. A special tribute was paid to Lau in recognition of the many years he has coordinated such programs and activities at the school. Mrs. Medeiros was mentioned as the new program coordinator, a voluntary undertaking.

The Ho'olako 1987 court representing the different ethnic groups whieh make up Hawaii.

Na Kupuna Kane O Koolau from Kaneohe do hula.

Waimanalo Senior Citizens sing a few songs.

Mel vin Murata offers a few selections on his guitar as guests and crowd watch. Seated on the floor area from left to right are Office of Hawaiian Affairs T rustee and Ho'olako 1987 President Thomas K. (Unele Tommy) Kaulukukui; Jacqueline Heupel, deputy district superintendent, Windward District; Clement Keli'ikipi, representing Congressman Daniel K. Akaka; Julie Williams, Kamehameha Schools; Sandy Akana, Waimanalo Community Librarian and her husband, Clinton: JoJo Correa, representating Councilman Dennis 0'Connor; and Marian Holoka'i, principal, Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School.