Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 9, 1 September 2003 — Aloha Festivals theme celebrates hula [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aloha Festivals theme celebrates hula

By Manu Boyd W 7 Mau Ana Ka Hula I Ke Kanaka — Hula #-/ Lives Through Its People is the theme for > Aloha Festivals 2003, whieh holds the distinction of being the largest statewide cultural festival in the country. Established in 1946, the 58-year-old tradition formerly known as "Aloha Week'" has enriched the lives of kama'āina and malihini for years through cultural events, programs and entertainment galore. Aloha Festivals' 2003 President Valery 0'Brien is marketing director of the Kamehameha Investment Corporation. Of this year's festival theme, she offered that "the art of hula has survived, endured and evolved throughout many generations of historical, political and cultural change, and it continues to be the main venue for perpetuating the oral traditions of our 'āina, our beloved land. "Practitioners of the hula have for years

embraced both the traditional and contemporary forms of oli (chant) and hula (dance), expressing their love, beauty and passion for the elements of nature and for eaeh other. We honor these practitioners - kumu hula (teachers) and haumāna (students) and the art form of hula," said 0'Brien. Award-winning water color artist Māpuana Schneider created this year's theme logo whieh she describes as "abstract with design." Formerly a hula dancer at the Halekūlani with the Kahauanu Lake Trio, Schneider's image uses color and shapes to create movement. Titled "Hula 'Auana ," the image is featured on merchandise including T-shirts and collectible festival ribbons. The month-long statewide festival begins on O'ahu, Sept. 12-29; continues on Hawai'i, Sept. 19, 28; then to Moloka'i, Sept. 19-27; Lāna'i, Oct. 4-11; Kaua'i, Oct. 9-18; and ends on Maui, Oct. 10-19. For information on events and merchandise, eall 589-1771, or visit www.alohafestivals.org ■

Hanana Ki'iikawā / / VMv HIIWIMHW