ALOHA FESTIVALS
Aloha Festivals return with renewed energy

• Eight stages offer Aloha entertainment

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

The Aloha Festivals Downtown Ho'olaule'a, 6:30-10 p.m. today along Bishop Street and at Aloha Tower Marketplace, has in previous years attracted as many as 100,000 revelers. Advertiser library photo Festival highlights Opening ceremony, 5:30 p.m. today, 'Iolani Palace Downtown Ho'olaule'a, 6:30-10 p.m. today, Bishop Street and environs Floral Parade, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapahulu Avenue "Kulia I Na Hoku (Reaching for the Stars)" concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel. See story in today's Island Life section.

"The mood is upbeat and positive," she said. "We've all learned to be flexible. And the one valuable lesson we learned is that the quality of the human spirit is wonderful and alive."

Tonight's Downtown Ho'olaule'a features food and fun galore, plus music from eight stages, two more than the last festival. Saturday's parade boasts 60 units, including six floats; last year's parade was canceled.

A new annual event is being launched Saturday — "Kulia I Na Hoku (Reaching for the Stars)," assembling the creme de la creme of Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners and Merrie Monarch Festival winners at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Room.

Cautious planning earlier this year has enabled Aloha Festivals to unreel without menacing red ink.

"Our annual budget is $1 million, but because of what happened last year, we only sold half of the ribbon and merchandise we normally sell, which represents 30 percent, or about $200,000, of the budget," said Hyrne. "We've watched spending."

Growth and change are on the horizon, too. Next Friday's Waikiki Ho'olaule'a will have 11 stages of music (last year's was scaled down because of the Sept. 11 terrorism); the annual Royal Ball caps the celebration next Saturday instead the usual slot later in the season.

"Ka 'Uhane O Ka Loea (The Spirit of the Master)" is this year's theme, honoring island artisans and their ability to turn the mundane into masterpieces by putting their spirit into their works.

Festival-goers are encouraged to buy and wear $5 ribbons.

Information: 589-1771.

Eight stages offer Aloha entertainment

Tonight's Downtown Ho'olaule'a offers eight stages with entertainment along Bishop Street and at Aloha Tower Marketplace:

Stage 1 — Aloha Tower Marketplace, sponsored by the marketplace and Hawaiian 105 KINE:

• 6:30 p.m. — Kahua
• 7:15 — Darren Benitez
• 8:15 — O'Brien Eselu
• 9:15 — Keahiwai

Stage 2 — Dillingham Transportation Building, sponsored by AT&T Wireless and Island Rhythm 98.5:

• 6:30 — Inoa'ole
• 7:15 — Koa'uka
• 8:15 — Darrell Labrado
• 9:15 — Kapena

Stage 3 — Topa Financial Center (formerly Amfac Center), sponsored by Oldies 107.9:

• 6:30 — Marine Forces Pacific Band
• 7:20 — 25th Infantry Division Band
• 8:10 — Hana Hou, Band of the Pacific
• 9 — Tsunami, Pacific Fleet Navy Band

Stage 4 — Davies Pacific Center, Merchant Street, sponsored by KLHT Radio:

• 6:30 — Introductions
• 6:45 — Johnny Hodges
• 7:30 — Simple Seven Pieces
• 8:15 — Paka Smith with Danielle
• 9:20 — Devotion

Stage 5 — Main stage, Financial Plaza of the Pacific, sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, American Express and KSSK:

• 6:30 — Prize giveaways, Hypersquad
• 7:20 — Bon Ton Roule, Cajun band
• 8:35 — Dita Holifield and Detour South
• Stage 6 — Bishop Square, sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts and Krater 96.3:
• 6 — Halau Hula Olana
• 6:15 — Aloha Festivals Royal Court appearance
• 7 — SUGahDADDY
• 8 — Kalapana
• 9:10 — Honolulu, the band

Stage 7 — Executive Centre, sponsored by Bank of Hawaii and KCCN FM 100:

• 6:30 — Sudden Rush
• 7 — Hobo House of Hits: O-shen, Believe, Namahana and Chief Ragga
• 8:15 — Natural Vibes
• 9:10 — Sean Na'auao

Stage 8 — Verizon Hawaii, Bishop Street, sponsored by Maui County and KPOA 93.5:

• 6:30 — Malino
• 7:15 — Good to Go
• 8:15 — Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom
• 9:15 — Pound 4 Pound