HONOLULU, HAWAII – The Prince Kuhio Commemorative Parade, scheduled for this Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, honors the accomplishments of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole. The price was the founder of the Hawaiian Civic Club movement and proponent of the Hawaiian Homestead Act of 1920.
This is the 10th anniversary of the celebration in Waikiki. Since the early 1970s, civic clubs held parades in Nanakuli, Kailua and Hawai’i Kai. Waikiki parades began 2002.
The parade, which starts at Saratoga Road and goes up Kalakaua Avenue and ends at Kapiolani Park, honors the dedication and commitment of a multitude of individuals and organizations who work year-round to practice and to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and who enhance the welfare and well-being of the Native Hawaiian community.
For the first time this year, the parade will be held at 10 a.m. for attendees to take advantage of a beautiful day of festivities.
This year’s theme, “Ko Keia Ao, Ko Kela Ao” meaning “For This Generation and Future Generations”, will showcase the intergenerational progression of the Hawaiian language and culture from the past to the future. This year, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs requested that members bring their keiki (youth), makua (adults) and kupuna (elders) to represent their clubs and organizations.
An exciting addition this year will be the involvement of the statewide effort of Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs. Participation will include treasured Manaleo, the elder and native speakers of Hawaiian language; ‘Anuenue High School Hawaiian Immersion Students and Championship Football Team; and a 100+ member unit made up of students, parents and teachers from the ‘Aha Punana Leo of O’ahu Preschools (Hawaiian Language Nests).
Returning parade participants include representatives from the Royal Societies (Royal Order of Kamehameha, Hale O Na Ali’i, ‘Ahahui Kaahumanu and Mamakakaua); the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Hawaiian Homelands; the Queen Liliu’okalani Children’s Center; and participation from 100 percent of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs of O’ahu. This year will prove to be a banner year for the 10th Anniversary of the Prince Kuhio Festivities.
Parade Grand Marshals this year are Roy Benham and Bert Barber, who are respected cultural practitioners who have dedicated their lives to advocating for the betterment of Native Hawaiians.
New community organizations, halau hula, and equestrian units will also participate for the first time this year. Rare Hawaiian flags of the Hawaiian Kingdom will be featured. For more information, contact Shari Gamiao at sharigamiao@yahoo.com or (808) 688-8949.
The Ho’olaule’a/Ho’ike’ike at Kapi’olani Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature native Hawaiian arts and crafts; exhibits by various Native Hawaiian organizations and businesses; food booths; and a line-up of entertainment by Hawaiian musicians.
Entertainment Schedule
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Leimomi Maldonado and Ka Hale I O Kahala Halau Hula
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Introductions
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Kawika Trask Trio
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Vicky Holt Takamine and Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ainsley Halemanu and Halau Ka Liko O Ka Palai
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nanakuli Performing Arts
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
‘Olomana
Submitted by parade organizers. For more information, contact Ulu Beirne-Keawe at ululani2006@hawaiiantel.net or (808) 237-8856 or Mel Cup Coy at kilakila66@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 728-4406.