Reggae fest draws hundreds

By JOHN BURNETT

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Hundreds flocked to Mooheau Park in downtown Hilo Sunday afternoon for the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair.

A sizable crowd danced and swayed to live reggae in the park’s bandstand, while others relaxed on the grass or circulated to booths with everything from food and clothing to agricultural supplies and information about medical marijuana.

The free event happens yearly on or near the birthday of the late reggae superstar Bob Marley (Feb. 6). It was once known as “Bob Fest” and some people still use that name, although the event now focuses on more than just the reggae rhythms.

“What we’re trying to do is to get the people, as they celebrate the birthday of the legend, to get their soil ready for planting,” said entertainer and event organizer Sahra Indio. “In Hawaii, we start planting in February, so we give seeds away, shoots and roots and different soil amenities. We want to teach people to grow more food.”

Bambu Station from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands headlined the show. Another big name who played yesterday’s event is Junior Toots, whose father, Toots Hibbert, is the frontman for the seminal Jamaican reggae band Toots and the Maytals.

“I’m lovin’ it,” Junior Toots said backstage after his performance. “I’ve never been to Hawaii, so I wanted to come out to see what this place is like and spread the message of love. It’s been a great experience, so far, and the Hawaiian people are great.”

Singer Irae Divine made her second appearance at the event, and describes it as “a blessing.”

“I’ve waited all year for this,” she said.

Puna musician Jack Miller made a pilgrimage to Jamaica in the 1970s and played with numerous reggae stars including Sly & Robbie, The Mighty Diamonds and members of Third World and The Wailers.

“That they can bring this quality of musicians for a free show, that’s just amazing,” he said. “These are some of the top touring reggae bands that are out there right now.

“I think this annual event really brings people together here for music and awareness, first of all, that we’re an agricultural community, and of the concept of sustainability.”

Miles Mitchell of Keaukaha, who was hanging out with friends by the Mooheau bus station, called it “a beautiful event.”

“It’s a lot of fun; these guys are rockin’ here,” he said.

Jessica, a Pahoa woman who declined to give her last name, carried her toddler daughter in a papoose pack. She said she attends yearly and described this year’s event as “the best yet.”

The Big Island chapter of Americans for Safe Access, a group dedicated to safe and legal access to medical marijuana, had an information booth. Andrea Tischler, the organization’s co-chair, said a “parade of people” visited ASA’s booth, many concerned about bills before the state Legislature.

“A lot of people are concerned about chronic pain being eliminated from the list of conditions that doctors can recommend medical cannabis for,” she said. “We’re getting a lot of interest. I’m sure it’s gonna be a fight, but we’re up for it.”

The Water Man provided free liquid refreshment to thirsty festivalgoers.

“We’re having fun out here giving water to the people and enjoying the reggae,” said Kevin Abate, the company’s president.

Indio said she was delighted by the mostly sunny afternoon, as well as the turnout.

“When you see the cars parked across the street, that’s when you know that it’s successful,” she said, and added the Hawaii Reggae and Agricultural Fair is in its fourth year.

“You plant seeds and they grow,” she said. “In year number four we were able to bring over Bambu Station, who brought me to the U.S. Virgin Islands to perform at a Rastafarian agricultural fair, and it was there that one of the elder Rastas asked me to put on an agricultural fair in Hawaii.”

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.