Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 6, 1 June 2000 — SPECIAL EVENTS FEATURE [ARTICLE]

SPECIAL EVENTS FEATURE

Kamehameha Day events emphasize family, community

By Manu Boyd WHEN KING Kamehameha V declared June 1 1 "Kamehameha Day," in honor of the achievements of his grandfather who brought the islands under single rule, could he have imagined that nearly 13 decades later, the royal commemoration would remain the most significant ali'i celebration in Hawai'i? It is enormously popular on all islands. Although not a birthday observance, King Kamehameha Day events are fit for king, spreading the best of our island heritage through most of June. Central to the celebration is a parade in Honolulu that for 84 years has showcased floral floats and pā'ū equestrian units. Its route from Richard Street to Kapi'olani Park distinguishes this parade as the longest in Hawai'i, giving plenty of opportunity for residents and visitors to see it up close. At the parade finish, the Folklife Festival draws thousands to Kapi'olani Park for multi-ethnic foods, exhibits and craft demonstrations. The Honolulu parade, as well as similar events in Kona and Lahaina are scheduled for the morning of June 10.

Honolulu's parade grand marshalls represent four generations of the Ellis 'ohana. They are Kupuna Elizabeth Nālani Mersberg-Spencer Ellis, OHA's Kupuna Alaka'i Betty Kawohiokalani Elhs Jenkins, singer/businesswoman Nālani Jenkins Choy and baby Aulani Choy. Formally opening the festivities is the lei-draping ceremony at the Kamehameha Statue in Honolulu on Fri., June 9 at 4:30 p.m. Thousands of flowers are strung into lei of impressive length by dozens of volunteers. Music and hula are a big part of this "pau hana" event, considered a must by loeal photographers and mahhini. On June 23 and 24, the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena comes alive with hula, both traditional and modern, in the 27th annual King Kamehameha Hula Competition, 0'ahu's largest adult hula competition. Besides hula, individuals also vie for awards in the oli division where intriguing, and often rare styles of traditional, unaccompanied chant are heard. Keahi Allen, program specialist for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, explained this year's theme, Bridging the World With Aloha. "Although not perfect, the melange of people in Hawai'i has demon-

strated through their lifestyles that S people of different cultures, creed, ■ races, colors and beliefs ean live har- m moniously. They've shown that eaeh ■ ean contribute to society in a positive 1 way, blending and sharing one with the other," she said. For information on the lei-draping, statewide parades, ho'olaule'a and the Folklife Festival, eall 586-0333. For hula competition ticket information, eall the State Council on Hawaiian Heritage m

at 536-6540 or the NBC Box Officeat 591-2211. ■