Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 7, 1 July 1987 — Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake's Founder's Day [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake's Founder's Day

'Rainbow Connections' Highlight Celebrations

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA "Mix and mingle. Make happy talk. Enjoy yourself. Make a rainbow connection. This is the way Aunty would have wanted it so go ahead and have a good day." And that's the way the third Annual Founder's Day Celebration in memory of Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake was observed on Memorial Day, May 25, at Kahikolu on the St. Francis High School campus in Manoa. Never mind that there were scattered showers throughout the five-hour program. "It is only Aunty giving us her blessings," Coline Aiu Ferranti would tell the large crowd of more than 3,000, most of whom eame prepared to brave the elements. Ferranti is Aunty Maiki's daughter who now heads Kawena Corporation whieh includes Halau Hula O Maiki, 'Ahahui Ka'iulani, The Hawaiian Dance Company, Hula Malie riding club and Kahikolu whieh was specially selected as a memorial garden in living memory of Aunty Maiki, an alumna of St. Francis High School. There were a few periods of sunshine but the weather did not dampen the spirit of the occasion as the crowd more than warmed up to the continuous entertainment dished out by the likes of such groups as Halona and Hanapa'a and the hula performances of Pua Ali'i Ilima, Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine; Ulalia School of Hawaiian Dance from Kona, Kumu Hula Ulalia Kaai Berman; Lamalani Hula Academy, Kumu Hula Lahela Kaaihue; Halau Hula O Kuulei Punua, Kumu Hula Victor and Kuulei Punua from Kauai; Na Pualei O Likolehua, Kumu Hula Leina'ala Kalama Heine; The Gentlemen of Na Kamalei, Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero; The Brothers Cazimero, Robert and Roland Cazimero; and the host Halau Hula O Maiki, Kumu Hula Coline Aiu Ferranti.

All the kumu hula were former students of the late Aunty Maiki and they gave the crowd some "ehieken skin" moments when they were called upon to do a eouple of hula numbers together. It was the first appearance in the celebrations for Halau Hula O Maiki whieh featured its keikis, young adults and mothers who were resplendent in their uniforms, especially those featuring numbers involving hula malie. Three handsome horses and their riders were on hand to add further color to the occasion.

There was also a lot of eating and snacking going on as two food booths dispensed heaping plates of ehieken and noodles and Hawaiian kaukau. There were also cookies and other baked goods and booths where Tshirts, pareaus, balloons and other celebration souvenirs could be purchased. Despite a request of no coolers, there were many of varying sizes on hand. Those who did not patronize the food booths brought their own kaukau. There were beach chairs, umbrellas, mats and other hali'i of every shade and color as the crowd made themselves comfortable on a slight knoll for an excellent view of the entertainment. The Kahikolu program was preceded at 11 a.m. by a 1.6-mile non-competitive fun run/walk with 300 participants. The first three men to cross the finish line were Sheldon Tyau, Norman Nagata and GeraldKinro. First woman runner to finish was Allyne Salvador. Many in the crowd made "Rainbow Connections" to a loved one through the purchase of a balloon ,at 25

cents eaeh or four for a dollar. They were encouraged to write a message on the balloons and let them go. Balloons were seen airborne almost throughout the program. The highlight of the celebration eame at approximately 4 p.m. when nearly 2,000 colored balloons with special messages to Aunty Maiki were released. It was a spectacular sight and one whieh, despite being told to have a good time, nonetheless brought tears to the face of many. Proceeds from the celebrations, food and souvenir booths, balloon,s, admission by donation and other sources will be used to fulfill Aunty Maiki's dream of a school building where all people ean eome to leam Hawaii's culture and history through song and dance. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Kevin (Chubby) Mahoe was again a very visible figure in the program, getting the fun run/walk participants started, sharing master of ceremonies duties with Ferranti and playing and singing backup where needed.

Roland Cazimero (No. 3029) of the Brothers Cazimero at start of fun run/walk.

From left to right, Sheldon Tyau, Norman Nagata and Gerald Kinro led the men finishers in the 1.6mile fun run/walk non-competition.

Allyne Salvador was first woman across finish line.

Frances Holt (Mrs. Charles H.K. Holt) and daughter, Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, in an unscheduled treat for the large crowd. It was a family affair as music was provided by the group Hanapa'a whieh includes son, Albert Holt.