Hamakua Youth Foundation Hula Festival a big hit

Hamakua Youth Foundation Hula Festival a big hit

The 1st annual Hamakua Youth Foundation Hula Festival was a huge success, report coordinators of the April 21 event, which drew more than 300 youths and adults, including an enthusiastic audience.

Dancers and musicians from age 4 to kupuna, and an all-volunteer production company, joined in a celebration of Hawaiian culture and community at the Honokaa People’s Theater.

“This was all about the community coming together in support of the Hamakua Youth Center and its mission to provide a safe and healthy place for the youth of the community who call it ‘Our House,’” said spokesman Joel Cohen.

“The audience enjoyed performances from Halau O Po`ohala, Halau Na Lei Punahele, Halau Hula Helele`i Pua O Waipi`o, dancers from the Honokaa School Hawaiian Studies program, soloists Daylemarc Aten and Keala Peters Case, HYC soloist Andrea Gonzales and kupuna soloists Aloha DelaRosa and Grace Walker,” said Cohen. The three-plus-hour program ended with everyone holding hands in singing “Hawaii Aloha.”

Cohen said there will be more community events scheduled by the Hamakua Youth Foundation. This grassroots organization continues to seek others to join in their continuing efforts to support the Hamakua Youth Center and the youths and families of the community through donations of funding and volunteer time. Call the Hamakua Youth Center at 775-0976 for more information. Visit www.hamakuayouthcenter.wordpress.com.