Posted on: Friday, December 17, 2004

Fund-raiser to honor Wai'anae kupuna

Advertiser Staff

A fund-raiser gala to honor Wai'anae kupuna Agnes "Auntie Aggie" Kalanihookaha Cope and to benefit her cultural society is set for Jan. 21 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.

The event, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., also will mark the 80th birthday celebration for Cope, the executive director of the Wai'anae Coast Culture & Arts Society Inc.

Cope was a leader of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance and is a hula master and practitioner of traditional healing arts. She is among the recipients of a "Living Treasure" honor presented by Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai'i.

Proceeds will benefit the arts society, which provides arts and cultural programs for the needy and is itself in need of funds.

The honorary chairs of the event include U.S. Sens. Dan Inouye and Daniel Akaka; U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case; former governors Ben Cayetano, John Waihee and George Ariyoshi.

Cocktails and a silent auction will open the event, followed by entertainment and dinner.

Entertainers are Melveen Leed, Frank DeLima, O'Brian Eselu, Halau Hula O Hokulani and Ledward Ka'apana. Paula Akana will emcee, with a special appearance by Kimo Kahoano.

Individual tickets cost $100. Sponsorships ranging from $1,250 to $25,000 also are available for purchase.

Information: Event Designers LLC, 668-8940.