Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 4, 1 April 1991 — Merrie Monarch Festival in 28th year [ARTICLE]

Merrie Monarch Festival in 28th year

From the backyard-friendly ambience of food and craft booths to the ceremonies presentation of the Royal Court, there is no major event as throughly Hawaiian as the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. The festival will be televised live from Hilo's Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium by KITV 4. The kahiko and 'auwana men's and women's competitions will air Friday, Apr. 5 and Saturday, Apr. 6. The Thursday night Miss Aloha Hula will be taped for inclusion within the live telecast. Now in its 28th year, the Merrie Monarch Festival has taken on major cultural significance involving more and more spectators and participants from across the state as well as the unique spirit and beauty of the Big Island will be the subject of KITV 4 special programs and News 4 feature reports. Marking the start of "Big Island week" will be an hour-long tribute to hula's most revered living authority. "No Na Mamo: Honoring Auntie Kaui Zuttermeister" is a poignant profile of the 82-year-old matriarch, onee described by Nahonal Geographic as having direct contact with hula and Hawaiian culture as it existed before modern influences. In the same evening, News 4's Catherine Cruz will present the first part of a week-long series, "Big Island Backroads," in whieh Big Island residents share personal perspectives on their unique neighbor island lifestyles. The series will air during the 5:30 p.m. news. During the 10 p.m. newscast, additional features will underline the importance of the contemporary issues and events important to the island residents. On April 4, "The Hawaiian Volcanoes: A Force for Creation" will show some of the most stunning footage ever recorded of volcanic activity. Videographer Jay Harada of the Big Island enlisted the help of kumu hula Pualani Kanaka'ole

Kanahele to flavor these spectacular images with a native Hawaiian perspective. On the eve of the Festival's most competitive events, news reporters Robert Kekaula and Paula Akana will look at the experience of being a Merrie Monarch participant as they host "Backstage at Merrie Monarch: A Viewer's Guide." In talk-story sessions with halau members, the two Kamehameha School graduates elicit tales of the practice and preparation whieh takes plaee everyday — long before the first slap of the ipu drum resounds through Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium.

KCCN's Kimo Kahoano and KITV 4's Paula Akana will narrate the superb performances of dancers who represent all the islands in the 'auwana and kahiko competitions. Their commentary will help viewers appreciate the cultural roots and meanings of the dance, the dedication of the dancers and the criteria of the judges. Coverage of the festival will culminate with the colorful awards ceremony, a spectacular climax to another year's worth of hard work inspired by a eommon commitment to Hawaii's heritage.