Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 6, 1 June 1992 — Aloha Festivals celebrates Hawai'i history [ARTICLE]

Aloha Festivals celebrates Hawai'i history

Entering its 46th year, Aloha Festivals in Hawai'i celebrates the pageantry of the monarchy, the days of royalty, and the excitement of Hawai'i today, with dozens of colorful events on eaeh island. The 1992 theme is "He 'Ohana Kakou — We Are All Family." The state-wide festival begins in Honolulu on Sept. 18 with opening ceremonies on the steps of 'Iolani Palaee, the only royal palaee in the United States, and continues the same night with the downtown Ho'olaule'a (celebration). This block party includes Hawaii's top entertainers performing on a dozen stages. Eaeh day of Aloha Festivals is filled with speeial events, exhibits and Hawaiian celebrations at locations all over O'ahu. For three evenings top entertainers will perform at the Waikiki Shell.

The nationally televised Floral Parade will take plaee on O'ahu Saturday morning, Sept. 19. A highlight of the 1992 Aloha Festivals is the annual Royal Ball honoring the royal courts from eaeh island, Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Festivals events continue through the end of October. Neighbor island dates are: Hawai'i, Sept. 25Oct. 4; Moloka'i, Oct. 3 10; Lana'i, Oct. 1218; Maui, Oct. 16-30; and Kaua'i, Oct. 19-25. Nearly all Aloha Festivals events are free and open to the public. With the purchase of the $3 ribbon comes a booklet with listings for all events, locations and times. Also included are discount offers for attractions, goods and services. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court has been a

tradition of Hawaii's annual festival since 1947. The royal court portrays a Hawaiian king ruling as a historic island monarch would have, with dignity and splendor, with his queen and royal court. Continuous research ensures the accuracy of the presentation and behavior of the court members. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court includes eight individuals who accurately represent the appearance demeanor and presentation of a Hawaiian monarch and his retinue. Selection for service as a member of the Aloha Festival Ali'i — or the principal four participants — is a careful process leading to the final selection of court members who will best represent Hawai'i at home and overseas. To qualify for the selection process, candidates must be at least one quarter Hawaiian. continued on page 19

Aloha fest from page 13

Age and height are considered (for example, candidates for king must be at least 30 years old and 5' 11" in height for an accurate character portrayal). Ali'i are selected by a panel of seven members, including a former king, former queen. former pnnee and former princess. The selection committee meets with candidates who appear attired in ancient regalia for an interview. The selection committee casts eaeh royal eouple for the role they are chosen to play. The top two finalists for eaeh position are selected, from whieh the final ali'i are chosen. Aloha Festivals Royal Court The King is supreme. He wears his symbols of authority. the helmet and eloak. with pride and dignity. In modern dress he would wear the shorter eape. He is respected and revered. The Queen is the sacred queen of the king. In ancient times. a sacred queen would never walk but would be carried in a carriage in a procession. She is humble and gracious and in her quiet manner attends to matters of import in her household. The Prince and Princess are the young monarchs. They are trained for the leadership they will assume. The Counselor is an advisor and close eompanion of the king. He directs the day-to-day management of the royal household. The eounselor is Harris Kaleikini, a volunteer who has dedicated 20 years to Aloha Festivals. He works for United Airlines. The High Chiefess is usually a relative of the queen and serves as a close eompanion of Her Majesty. The Chanter accompanies their royal

majesties wherever they travel, chanting the king's genealogy and his many achievements. The chanter also chants a special greeting to all of the people who are gathered to greet the royal court. The Tabu Stick is an ancient symbol of the sacredness of the royal majesties. lt is a reminder to everyone that no one is permitted to approach the king and go beyond where his symbol is stationed with the court. The feather standards (kahili) accompany the king and court everywhere. They are simi)ar to the Amenean flag preceding the president of the United States of America at all off ieial events. In the old days, one need only see the feather standards, to know whieh king was eoming to their village. The conchshell blower is the herald of the court. He announces the arrival of the royal majesties and retinue. He blows a long blast on his shell to summon the people. He blows three times along the way; onee to the land, onee to

the mountains and onee to the oeean, summoning people who are in these areas to eome and greet the royal majesties. Participation as a member of the O'ahu royai court requires a large commitment of time during Aloha Festivals and throughout the year of reign. It takes support from spouses and families. Serving as an ali'i offers participants an opportunity to recreate the aura of the Monarchy; to present Hawaii's regal history with dignity and grace to both visitor and kama'aina alike. In addition to the 40 to 50 appearances the O'ahu court makes during Aloha Festivals, past royal courts have represented Hawai'i at Mainland festivals. Court members have traveled to England, Tahiti and Japan. They have also been part of the Hawai'i Visitors Bureau marketing team traveling to the Mainland for various trade promotions.