Posted on: Friday, January 14, 2005

Hawaiian groups join coalition observances

Advertiser Staff

Hawaiian organizations and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition have joined forces to mark two occasions that fall on the same day this year: the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and the observance of the holiday that honors the slain civil rights leader.

Living Nation and other Hawaiian groups are collaborating in the observance. Living Nation's overthrow observance is held each year on the anniversary, Jan. 17, which this year also is the date of the King Day holiday.

A film festival, titled "MLK Celebration," will air daily through Monday on 'Olelo Community Television, Oceanic channels 53 (NATV) and 54 (VIEWS). Programming information is available online (www.olelo.org) or by calling 834-0007, Ext. 182.

Other highlights:

• Noon today — The Royal Hawaiian Band will give a concert in honor of Queen Li-li'uokalani and Dr. King, 'Iolani Palace bandstand.

• 7 p.m. tomorrow — "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a concert to benefit the American Friends Service Committee's tsunami relief project, Mission Memorial Auditorium, Honolulu Hale Civic Center grounds.

• 6:30 p.m. Sunday — Candlelight bell-ringing ceremony at Nagasaki Peace Bell, Hono-lulu Hale Civic Center grounds.

• 9 a.m. Monday — Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade, with ceremonial Hawaiian tributes to both Lili'uokalani and King; Magic Island to Kapi'olani Park; unity rally to follow, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the park, with food, crafts and games.

• 7 p.m. Monday — Hawaii Peacemaker Award presentation, Church of The Crossroads.

• 6 p.m. Jan. 21 — Opening reception for exhibit, "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World," Honolulu Hale courtyard.