Aloha Festival celebration helps to lift mood
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
With the big party going on last night at the Downtown Ho'olaule'a, it was keiki who earlier in the day reminded everyone what the Aloha Festivals was all about.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
The statewide celebrations kicked off yesterday afternoon at 'Iolani Palace with the introduction of this year's royal court. But it was the snappy moves of a tiny hula dancer that drew cheers from nearly 200 people and put smiles on the faces of the staid court.
Linda Cheng, 28, from Kahala, tries out a trampoline set up on Bishop Street as part of the Downtown Ho‘olaule‘a for the Aloha Festivals.
Seth Cozo-Davis, 9, the 2002 Master Keiki Hula, danced solo and was later joined by fellow members of Halau Hula Olana. Their performances were welcomed by the crowd
"This is very nice and very heartwarming and it just makes me feel like we're part of it all," said Marilyn Thompson of Kailua.
Aloha Festivals president Carol Pregill said the opening ceremony normally showcases a halau and this year it happened to be made up of children.
"The year has been so solemn, for the most part," Pregill said. "I think everybody needs a little bit of respectful celebration in their life."
It appeared that she was right, as thousands of people jammed Bishop Street for the annual Ho'olaule'a. There were eight stages and lots of music, as well as dozens of food and crafts booths.
Festivals King Barney Kapono Isaacs and Queen Helen Mealoha Yuk Jun Kuoha-Torco made an appearance at Bishop Square. Later, the crowd was treated to a performance of "Give Aloha" by firefighter and entertainer Jesse Rivera and friends.
Last year's Downtown Ho'olaule'a and Waikiki Ho'olaule'a were postponed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and the annual Floral Parade was canceled. But all events are back this year — including the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, scheduled for Friday — and Pregill hopes for a big turnout.
Thousands are expected to participate in today's parade, which begins at 9 a.m. at the 'ewa end of Ala Moana Beach Park and proceeds along Ala Moana and Kalakaua Avenue, finishing at about 1 p.m. at Kapahulu Avenue.
The procession will include nine mounted pa'u units, each representing one of the major Hawaiian islands plus Molokini; six floral floats; marching bands and units; hula halau; and clowns.
Grand marshals are Marylou Kekuewa and Paulette Kahalepuna. Peter Schall of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is ambassador of aloha; John K. Hesia is pa'u marshal and Valdred J. Texeira is pa'u queen.
The parade will include special guests such as Japan's Yosakoi Dancers and the Indianapolis Police Motorcycle Dream Team.
The parade is free, but those attending are asked to purchase the $5 Aloha Festivals ribbon bearing this year's theme, "Ka 'Uhane O Ka Loea (The Spirit of the Master)."
