More than 25,000 plumeria blossoms adorned the neck and arms of the statue of Hawai'i's first monarch yesterday, the annual burst of flowers that kicks off the King Kamehameha Day celebrations.

But coming one day after a landmark Native Hawaiian recognition bill suffered a major setback in the U.S. Senate, the event also gave local residents an opportunity to discuss the future of the legislation.

More than 400 people, many visitors from out of state, witnessed the annual rite, now in its 63rd year.

Diane Aki, a pa'u princess representing O'ahu, said Native Hawaiians should use King Kamehameha Day as an opportunity to regroup and discuss how to proceed with one of the most important political issues facing the community.

"I think that it was just like a slap in the face for Hawaiians, for our ancestors," Aki said. "Everyone needs to move forward now and remember that fighting spirit of King Kamehameha."

Aki said King Kamehameha is the symbol of unity in Hawai'i and that his day should be a day for all Hawaiians to unite.

"No matter what happens with that bill, the king will live on," she said.

Anna Kaanapu attended yesterday's celebration with her 14-year-old great-granddaughter. She said King Kamehameha Day comes just in time to remind the Hawaiian community that there is still hope.

"I thought (the bill's defeat) was pretty sad, but I don't think it affected the happiness of this day," Kaanapu said as she sat on the lawn near the statue. "I would hope people talk about this," she said. "Keep it alive."

However, Fred Hirayama, a 71-year-old Kuli'ou'ou Valley resident, said he doesn't think King Kamehameha Day is the time to discuss political issues like the Akaka Bill.

"This is the biggest Hawaiian celebration. We should celebrate who we are and deal with those things another time," he said.

Hirayama said he believes the Akaka bill will live to see another fight in the U.S. Senate.

"This was expected. There was no way it would go through on first fly," he said.

Honolulu firefighters from Station Nine in Kaka'ako helped drape King Kamehameha's statue in hundreds of lei, and dancers from Halau Hula Olana performed during the lei ceremony.

King Kamehameha festivities continue today at 9:30 a.m. with the 90th annual King Kamehameha Day Floral Parade. It will begin at the intersection of King and Richards streets and continue to Kapi'olani Park at the end of Waikiki. The 2 1/2-hour parade will include floats, pa'u riders and marching bands.

Cora Fonseca, 40, of 'Aiea, helped Halau Hula Olana string some of the lei used during yesterday's event. She said King Kamehameha Day should be a time to reflect upon the Hawaiian culture.

"This is really a time to think about the things that make us stronger," Fonseca said, adding that it is a time for people to "be proud of their heritage and share it with the rest of the world."

James Hyde, 47, of Wai'anae, will portray King Kamehameha in today's parade. He said Hawaiians should follow Kamehameha's example of unity and come together during this important weekend.

"There are so many factions of Hawaiians," he said. "We should be as he was. He is the strength of all Hawaiians."

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.