Kamehameha Day's theme honors resource of native people
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"Nana E Ka 'Oiwi (Look to the Native Resource)" is the theme of the 2001 Kamehameha Day celebrations, which will include concerts, a statue decoration, a folk arts festival, a parade and a hula competition. The actual date on which Kamehameha I is honored is June 11, but the celebrations run from June 8 through 23 around the Islands.
Advertiser library photo
The parade this year marks its 85th anniversary.
The statue of Kamehameha in front of Aliiolani Hale, the state Supreme Court building.
The King Kamehameha Celebration Commission selected the theme of learning from the native people, so future generations may benefit from the knowledge shared.
Here are some key celebrations related to Kamehameha Day:
O'AHU
• June 8, 3 p.m.: Royal Hawaiian Band concert, at Ali'iolani Hale, at the Honolulu civic center.
• June 8, 4:30 p.m.: Statue decoration ceremonies, at the King Kamehameha statue, at Ali'iolani Hale. Music and hula will be part of the festivities.
• June 9, 9:30 a.m.: 85th annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, from King and Richards streets downtown, to Kapi'olani Park in Waikiki, via Punchbowl Street, Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue.
• June 9, 10 a.m.: Annual Folklife Festival, at Queen Kapi'olani Park. With arts and crafts demonstrations, food booths, entertainment, Hawaiiana demonstrations in poi-pounding, tapa-making, lei-making, Ni'ihau shell lei-making, stone tool-making, saddle-making, storytelling and more.
• June 22, 6 p.m. — 28th annual King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Blaisdell Arena. Featuring hula halau from Hawai'i, California and Japan, in traditional and contemporary hula; between 300 and 500 dancers from 19 dance schools will participate. Tickets: $20, $11.25, $10.25, $9.25 and $8.25, on sale starting June 18, at the box office and Ticket Plus outlets (526-4400).
• June 23, 10 a.m. — Second day of the King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Blaisdell Arena. Awards presentation. Admission; same as June 23.
BIG ISLAND
• June 9, 9 a.m. — Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, Kailua-Kona. Floral floats, marching units, decorated vehicles and pa'u riders, on Ali'i Drive. Information: 586-0333
