LIHU’E — Wailana Medeiros-Cummings sat quietly next to the North window of the Lihu’e Lutheran Church as she watched the entry of the various members of Hawaiian societies that would participate in the King Kamehameha Celebration Commemorative Service, a prelude
LIHU’E — Wailana Medeiros-Cummings sat quietly next to the North window of the
Lihu’e Lutheran Church as she watched the entry of the various members of
Hawaiian societies that would participate in the King Kamehameha Celebration
Commemorative Service, a prelude to the parade and ho’olaulea that celebrates
the birth of one of Hawai’i’s kings.
Edee Bandmann, one of the
Celebration’s co-chairs, walked through the crowd that was gathering inside the
church, reluctant to leave the crisp breezes for the confines of the quaint
church on German Hill. Bandmann would serve as the day’s hostess.
The
Royal Order of Kamehameha and Its Women’s Auxiliary was represented by Jean
Holmes, one of this year’s honorary marshals selected by the Celebration
Committee based on criteria that included how the honoree lived the spirit of
Aloha.
Pa’u queen for this year’s parade Uli’i Castor headlined a trio of
women garbed in their regal black highlighted by a bright deep yellow that
announced their presence as members of the Kaahumanu Society.
Across the
way, an overflow group of Hale O Na Ali’i – Halau O Kapiolani filled the front
pews while the governor’s Kaua’i liason Roy Nishida found a seat in the
audience of honorary marshals including Georgia Mossman, Louie Almadova, Nancy
Fuller, Sachi Ikeda, Dorothy Nakazawa, and Dede Wilhelm.
“This is the first
time I’ve been in this church,” remarked Antone (Tony) Wong, this year’s parade
Pa’u Marshal as he removed the familiar weathered cowboy hat while surveying
the audience of parade celebrants before making his way for a seat next to his
brother Harold Aiu, another honorary marshal.
In the back of the small
church, Jean Maile Amorin sat quietly, her posture regal and proud, reminiscent
of the days when she reigned as one of the former pa’u queens, and pa’u
princesses before becoming the queen.
Across the central row of pews, Mr.
and Mrs. Art Umezu joined the audience, representing Kaleinani Hayakawa who
would be arriving from Japan in time to be one of the honorary marshals for
this year’s parade that would start at the corner of Ho’olako and Rice streets
and wind its way up through Lihu’e before ending on the lawn of the historic
County Building on Saturday morning.
“I didn’t know about this (service),”
an apologetic “Aunty” Sarah Kailikea said as she tried to conceal her more
casual attire. The matron of Hawaiiana was seated next to Amorin. Pa’u
princesses representing each island were introduced by Bandmann — Hawai’i,
Denise Allianic; Maui, Tracey Kagawa; Kaho’olawe U’elani Santos-Balisacan;
Lana’i, Alanne Tasaka; Molokai, Bernadine Villatora; O’ahu Tracy Pimental;
Ni’ihau Kahea Bukoski; Kaua’i, Mary Ann Kelekoma.
Alan Smith will be
heading up the parade with the banner, and Larry Jordan, whose wife Cheryl was
acknowledged as a former pa’u queen, brings over 35 years of parade experience
to this year’s celebratory parade as the head of the roving marshals. Bandmann,
herself a former pa’u queen, introduced former queens in attendance including
Maile Hurley, Helene Vierra, Tammy Kaui, Janelle Fernandes, Julia Chandler
Sueoka, Polei Palmeira, Janet Kahalekomo, Bridgit Chandler, Nani Kamai, and
Eloise Oclit.
Oclit and KUAI Radio’s Bill Dahle will serve as commentators
at one of three announcer stations that will be set up along the parade
route.
Melanie Pejada and JK, whose video cameras recorded the service as
part of the Kamehameha Day Celebration presentation that will be aired on The
JK Show following the event, will anchor the station set up at the Ace Hardware
parking lot, and Shelly Cobb and Kaulani Eden will anchor the third announcers’
station.
The service of Thanksgiving was officiated by Reverend Paul
Kirchner.
Wailana’s mom will be one of the numerous riders for this year’s
event.