Posted on: Wednesday, June 12, 2002

Kamehameha floral parade winners heralded

Advertiser Staff

Judged for its outstanding floral design and originality, Stand Up America won first place for its decorated vehicle in the 86th Annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade.

Second place went to the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; the 2002 Lei Queen's decorated vehicle took third place.

The parade was Saturday.

In the floral floats category, Hawaiian Airlines won first place, Kamehameha Schools received second place and 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu was third.

In the pa'u category, the unit representing Ni'ihau, consisting of Princess Denise Ka'uhionamauna Kia Ramento and members Travis Nishijo, Debra Dudoit, Wendy Dudoit, Judy Miura, Chadworth Taniguchi and Richard Kaluna, won first place. Second place went to the pa'u unit representing Kaho'olawe, which included Princess Caridyn Kapi'olani Kaona Colburn and members Alanne Tasaka, Kalili Pavao, Susan Mahuiki, Sam Mahuiki Jr., Wesley Langtad and Adam Hussey. The third-place winner was the Maui pa'u unit, with Princess Ronica Ann Lili'uokalani Young and members Ernie Yuen, Jana Eligado, Violet Newalu, Rhonda Makainai, Kaulana Young and Kaleo Nakagawa.

Lucille Kalauokaaea-Kahele, parade project coordinator, said pa'u units were scored by the appearance of the riders, discipline and the riding ability of its members.

Ni'ihau princess Ramento also won first place for outstanding pa'u princess, and Kaho'olawe princess Colburn placed second. O'ahu princess Maile Sale won third place.

"This year we were really blessed that our parade came together as a family," Kalauokaaea-Kahele said. "If there ever was a need during preparations, everyone came to the aid of each other. That's what we saw in the entries this year, that everyone stepped forward."