Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 9, 1 September 2000 — Aloha Festivals celebrates the lei [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aloha Festivals celebrates the lei

By Manu Boyd WHEN ALOHA Festivals President Lurline Kawainui pondered the theme for this year's statewide cultural festival, she knew the lei would somehow be a part of it. "I wanted it to center on giving, and after speaking with my husband, the idea of "He Makana o nā Lei Nani" (a gift a beautiful leis) blossomed. I love all kinds of leis," said

Kawainui, who even created old-fashioned silk leis for her board of directors to don at monthly meetings. "Whether of ffesh flowers, paper, shells, feathers or seeds, the lei is an ageless symbol of aloha, and is synonymous with Hawai'i." Aloha Festivals, formerly known as "Aloha ] Week," has, over the past 54 years, grown into a huge cultural celebration that spans seven weeks in September and October. With | literally hundreds of events on Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'i and Kaua'i, there is little ehanee for a hum-drum fall. Many are free of charge, including such

perennial favorites as the opening ceremonies, the downtown and Waikīkī ho'olaule'a, floral parades and crafts exhibitions galore. As president, Kawainui was tasked with selecting the "Ambassador of Aloha" and, without hesitation, named Kawai Cockett to the post. "Kawai has dedicated so many years to Aloha Festivals as a court chanter, musician and Hawaiian language resource. He really is the epitome of aloha," she said. "For the parade grand marshall, I selected Auntv Dora Martinez.

a well-known lei maker and the only surviving original lei seller from the Honolulu Airport." Kawainui cites the special feeling both in giving and receiving leis as the basis for her theme. "I hope this year's theme of leis as a gift will remind everyone where aloha comes from. It comes from deep within." Does Kawainui have a favorite? "Pakalana. But I love 'a'ali'i, too, when I haku." For information on statewide events, eall Aloha Festivals at 589-1771 or tollfree at 1-800-852-7690. ■

ALOHA FESTIVALS ISLAND SCHEDULE: O'ahu: Sept. 15-24 Hawai'i: Sept. 22 - Oct. 1 Moloka'i: Sept. 24 - Oct. 8 Lāna'i: Oct. 6 - 8. Kaua'i: Oct. 13-22 Maui: Oct. 20-29

sp[[ini (venis [[hiini

Aloha Festivals 2000 President Lurline Kahihikolo Kawainui

~0 X O o > I0 x > ~n m C/5 1 "O £ o Ā3 eo