Posted on: Monday, June 11, 2001

Editorial
Kamehameha Day: A time for reflection

For most of us, today is a chance to hit the beach, hold a family picnic or simply kick back and enjoy the day off.

Although the holiday is today, most of the festivities honoring King Kamehameha occurred over the weekend, including the draping of lei on his statue downtown and big floral prade. (There is, of course, the King Kamehameha Hula Competition June 22 and 23 at Blaisdell Arena to look forward to.)

But if you want to take a moment to reflect on why you have this day off, you might want to ponder the official theme of this year's festivities selected by the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. It is Nana E Ka 'Òiwi, which translates as "look to the native resource."

This reminds us that while many cultures and traditions contribute to making Hawai'i what it is today, it is that first culture, that native resource, upon which all else is built.

Worth celebrating, indeed.