Hawaiian groups march in parade for Prince Kuhio

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser Staff Writer

WAIKIKI — As the north winds snapped at banners and tugged on skirts, visitors and residents sat shoulder-to-shoulder yesterday to watch the third annual Kuhio Day Parade.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village's Guard joined Hawaiian civic clubs and homestead associations yesterday in the third annual Prince Kuhio Day Parade, marching down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapi'olani Park. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The 2-mile parade ended at Kapi'olani Park and was sponsored by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Prince Kuhio Day actually was yesterday, but was observed by city and state employees on Friday.

Waiting for the parade to begin were Bill and Winnie Day, visitors from Buffalo, N.Y. They were surprised to learn that there was to be a parade during their 35th visit to the Islands.

"We've been coming for a long time," Winnie Day said. "We're just waiting for the parade to see what it's all about."

The parade honored Prince Kuhio, who was born March 26, 1871. He was Hawai'i's second delegate to Congress, a position he held until his death in 1922. He is best remembered for his efforts to help the Hawaiian people. In 1921 he helped obtain passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which opened Hawai'i public lands for homesteading by Native Hawaiians.

Kuhio Beach Park, dedicated in 1940, was the site of Prince Kuhio's home.

During yesterday's parade the announcer from radio station KINE told parade watchers what they were witnessing and why.

Tia Sedley, from London, snapped photos. It was her first visit to Hawai'i and she was pleasantly surprised to stumble onto the parade.

"It's always the nicest thing when you come upon something like this unexpectedly."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.