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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Birthday celebration is open to all

 •  Celebrating the life of Queen Lili'uokalani

By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

Beautiful mele, delicate crown flowers and other fragrant blossoms — favorites of Queen Lili'uokalani — will be in abundance Sunday, at 'Onipa'a: A Birthday Celebration for Queen Lili'u-okalani.

The free event will feature exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, Hawaiian music and free tours of 'Iolani Palace. It's organized by the Hawai'i Pono'i Coalition, an organization committed to educating people about Hawai'i's history, culture and Native Hawaiian people.

"We want to stress the fact that it's open to everyone because sometimes people think that (these events are) only for Hawaiians," said Vicky Holt Takamine, a member of the coalition and kumu hula of Pua Ali'i 'Ilima. "Our programs are primarily to educate everyone and to share our culture with not just Native Hawaiians, but people who live here ... or who are new to the Islands."

The celebration also includes entertainment by several halau hula, including Halau Mohala 'Ilima and Pua Ali'i 'Ilima.

A multidenominational service will feature church choirs and choral groups, led by choral director Nola Nahulu, from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, University of Hawai'i Hawaiian Chorus, Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus, Ka Wai Ola O Na Pukani Leo and Kamehameha Alumni Association Glee Club.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.