North Kohala celebrates Kamehameha Day on June 11 with a day of festivities. The day begins at 7 a.m. with the draping of a 25-foot-long lei on the original Kamehameha Statue in Kapaau after the opening blessing, followed by hula, history and music. From 9-10:30 a.m., enjoy a traditional pa‘u parade with mounted units adorned with flowers and colors representing each Hawaiian island. The main highway closes for the parade while pa‘u units, hula dancers, floral floats and other participants make their way from Hawi to the statue to Kamehameha Park.
North Kohala celebrates Kamehameha Day on June 11 with a day of festivities. The day begins at 7 a.m. with the draping of a 25-foot-long lei on the original Kamehameha Statue in Kapaau after the opening blessing, followed by hula, history and music. From 9-10:30 a.m., enjoy a traditional pa‘u parade with mounted units adorned with flowers and colors representing each Hawaiian island. The main highway closes for the parade while pa‘u units, hula dancers, floral floats and other participants make their way from Hawi to the statue to Kamehameha Park.
A ho‘olaulea follows from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kamehameha Park with award-winning Hawaiian musicians and hula, arts, crafts, exhibits and lots of local food favorites. For more information, visit www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org.
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First Friday Nights in Honokaa are 5-8 p.m. along Mamane Street. The next free event is June 6. Sponsored by Honokaa Business Association, there is free live music, classes, demonstrations, booths and more, including shops staying open later. For more information, call Alison Higgins of Grace Flowers at 443-3999 or email graceflowershawaii@gmail.com, or Michelle Barthel of Big Island Grown to get involved.
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The second annual Waimea School-Community Art Exhibit is at the Kahilu Theatre Gallery now through July 3 from noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays to coincide with box office hours and also during all theater performances. The show features students in grades K-12 from all Waimea schools, their family members and teachers sharing creative work in a variety of mediums centered on a theme of “E Ola Mau Na Leo Kupuna — The Voices of Our Kupuna Live.”
The exhibit is free to attend and sponsored by Waimea Education Hui, Waimea Middle’s ‘Ike Hawaii program, Kanu and Kahilu Theatre. Classes and other groups can schedule visits by emailing info@kahilutheatre.org.
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Seniors struggling to negotiate their iPad, Kindle, mobile phone or laptop can come from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Sundays to St. James’ parish Spencer Building. Teen Tech Tutors welcome you to the Spencer Building for help with your electronic devices. They can also teach how to download pictures, set up a Facebook account, or learn to attach documents to emails; anything electronic. Get 30 minutes for just a $5 donation, which they donate to a charity of their choice.
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The “Just Dance Showcase” is at 3:30 p.m. today at the Kahilu Theatre. The Dancing Tree Studio For Dance and Movement of Kealakekua presents 125 local dancers of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and more. Tickets are $10 to $25, and are available at kahilutheatre.org or by calling 885-6868.
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The PA‘I Foundation’s, People Against Ice, ‘Wearable Arts’ Show will be 7 p.m. Saturday at Kahilu Theatre. Native Hawaiian designers part of the show include Maile Andrade, Marques Marzan, Wahine Toa, Micah Kamohoali’i and Keone Nunes with emcees Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine and Robert Cazimero.
To conclude Maoli Arts Month (MAMo) 2014, the show will feature cutting edge design as well as “creative comfort” with traditional patterns and motifs translated for contemporary styles with a thrust runway over auditorium seats. In the foyer will be lei makers, Hawaiian food and trunkshow selections for sale. Tickets $30 to $65 online at www.kahilutheatre.org, or by calling 885-6868. The Kahilu Theatre &PA‘I Farm To Table Benefit is Sunday, June 1, at Waikii Ranch. A palette of flavors-feast will be prepared by chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi using fresh produce grown by Melanie Holt Bostick with cheese and honey by their daughter, along with fresh organic lamb and turkey.
Start time for main event (tickets $150 donation) is 2 p.m. but a VIP reception is slated for 12:30 p.m. with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, farm tour and intimate recital by Cazimero (tickets $250, limited to 50). Everything beneath a large tent with outstanding views across the island. Tickets are limited to 150 people, and can be purchased online at www.Kahilutheatre.org or by calling 885-6868.
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Kanu O Ka ‘Aina’s Summer Enrichment Program is set for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays from June 2-July 10; no sessions on Fridays. This program is for all Waimea students completing preschool to grade 6. Workshops will include computer technology, math, reading, Native Hawaiian culture and more. All participants must bring lunch and drinking water daily. Will include outdoor sports and activities daily. The cost is $150. For more information, go to www.kalo.org, call 890-2508 or email te@kalo.org.
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Hawaii Island lawmakers will provide an overview of the 2014 Legislative Session and discuss issues affecting the state and the residents of Hawaii Island. The public is encouraged to come and share with their concerns and issues facing their community.
Sen. Gilbert Kahele (Hilo), Sen. Malama Solomon (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona), Sen. Russell Ruderman (Puna, Ka‘u), Rep. Mark Nakashima (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo), Rep. Clift Tsuji (Keaukaha, parts of Hilo, Panaewa, Waiakea) and Rep. Faye Hanohano (Puna) invite the community to join them from 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in UCB Room 127.
To reach the Kokua Way, email waiukahenutz@gmail.com or call Carol on her cellphone at 936-0067.