Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 2, 1 February 2006 — Formal fun [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Formal fun

VINTAGE WAHINE - Flanked by two young escorts, these gowned gals made ready for a Holoku Ball decades ago, donning the long-trained Hawaiian formal wear still in fashion for special occasions. Photo courtesy ofHCCH

By Manu Būyd Public lnformation Directnr y")tyles eome and go, I and fashion trends V_^ ebb and flow like the tides, but in Honolulu, a longstanding tradition highlighting Hawaiian formal wear lives on. Known for its rich, colorful fabric and long, exaggerated train, the Hawaiian formal gown, "holokū," takes its name - literally "run stop" - from the dragging, shuffling movement of the long trains that flow behind the gowns. For decades, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu has produced their gala event - the Holokū Ball - to not only preserve the fashion elegance of a bygone era, but to create an event like no other to raise scholarship funds for Hawaiian students. Now an annual event, the Holokū Ball raises tens of thousands of dollars eaeh year, thanks to the support of individuals, corporate sponsors and a cadre of hard-working volunteers. "This year we are kicking it up a notch," said event chair and club member Reynold Freitas of the March 4 event. "We have a great program

planned, and know that the scrumptious buffet, entertainment by Olomana and Ku'uipo Kumukahi, as well as our honorees, will lend to an unforgettable evening." Eaeh year, honorees are selected who reflect excellence of service in the Hawaiian eommunity, whether puhlie figures or behind-the-scenes workerbees. This year, three individuals will share the limelight and be honored by friends, family and the community. Kumu hula John 'āinanaokalāhuiokamehameha'ekolu Lake, known to many as "Kumu Lake," will be recognized for his years of enriching our community through education and Hawaiian eultural preservation. The former Hawaiian studies teacher at St. Louis High School is also a kumu hula graduate of the renowned Hālau Hula O Maiki. Ethereda Kahalewai, haku hulu (traditional Hawaiian featherwork master), is also being honored for her significant contribution to native arts, along with Mary Smith, an HCCH member described as a strong "behind-the-scenes"

supporter of the club. This year's Holokū Ball

theme, offered up by honoree John Keola Lake, celebrates our youth and their eonneetion to their distant kūpuna: "Mai ka ipu ho'oilina mai nā kūpuna mai: The child is the inheritor of the remotest ancestor." Holokū Ball proceeds benefit the Scholarship Program of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu. S

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"Archipelago" photo exhibit Feb. 5-28 hnages of plants and animals from the Northwestem Hawaiian Islands taken by two noted National Geographic photographers. Maui Oeean Center. Admission fees apply. 808-270-7084. Hula drama Fri.-Sat„ Feb. 17-18 Kumu hula Patrick Makuakāne and his San Francisco-based Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu perfonn their critically acclaimed show. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Hawai'i Theatre, O'ahu. $25-$35. Mo'o slack key Sun„ Feb. 19, 3 p.m. A slack-key concert featuring songs and stories about the famed Hawaiian lizard gods, onno'o. $10 ($8 keiki/seniors). Hanalei Family Connnunity Center, Kaua'i. 808-826-1469. Mary Kawena Pūku'i storytelling festival Sun„ Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Perfonners will include Native Hawaiians, a Native American, Alaska Natives and the Tau Dance Theatre. Bishop Museum. Free. 848-4190. Native plants festival Sat„ Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Grow Hawaiian Horti/Cultural Festival will feature demonstrations and short talks with native plant authors, scientists and Hawaiian practitioners. Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, South Kona. Free. 808-323-3318. Amy Hānaiali'i Gilliom Sat„ March 1 1, 7:30 p.m. Maui Pops Orchestra eomplements the falsetto voice of Amy Hānaiali'i Gilliom. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Maui. $10-$38. 808-242-7469.

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