Windward Ho'olaule'a branches out this year
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KANE'OHE — The Windward Ho'olaule'a will expand this year, bringing together not only entertainers but also community groups, politicians and nonprofit organizations for the 35,000 people expected to attend.
To sign up by Friday: • Community, educational, sports and nonprofit groups, as well as politicians, should call Shannon Wood at 263-6001 or send e-mail to editor@koolaunews.com. • Food, crafts and others should call Art Machado at 239-9003.
The ho'olaule'a started in the 1980s as a draw to educate the community about a new drug program, No Hope In Dope, said Art Machado Jr., coordinator for the event. Organizers took a hiatus in the '90s and brought the event back last year.
Get involved
Education had always been part of the event, and now planners want to bring that back, Machado said.
"I want to get the community more involved," said Machado, adding that neighborhood boards, schools, sports groups, nonprofit service agencies, environmental organizations and even politicians are being invited to set up booths.
Shannon Wood, who is organizing the community groups, nonprofit organizations and politicians, said she hopes to secure corporate sponsorship to offset the costs for community and nonprofit groups.
Politicians will have to pay.
"It's an opportunity for community organizations to let the rest of the world know that all kinds of good things are happening or about different causes, issues and services," Wood said, noting that these groups cannot sell anything except tickets for upcoming fund-raisers.
Liz Harrington, with the Kailua Bay Advisory Council, said she will distribute information about her group and its accomplishments.
She also will have educational material regarding the environment and water quality.
The event, from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Windward Mall and on Kawa and Mehana streets, has room for 60 community groups. So far, about 25 food vendors have signed up, along with 35 craftspeople. The event can accommodate more, Machado said.
The ho'olaule'a will open with an hourlong Marine Corps Band concert.
Three stages will be set up, with one featuring all Hawaiian entertainment all day. Windward Mall will be in charge of one of the stages indoors.
There will be activities for children, a Marine Corps display, construction equipment for youngsters to climb on, and a Fire Department truck.
The event kicks off three weekends of entertainment for the Aloha Festivals that will continue the following week with a downtown celebration, ending in Waikiki on the third weekend.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
