PO‘IPU — Associates at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa hovered over the desk of Stella Burgess Thursday like bees over nectar-filled blossoms. The anticipation was high and each of the associates checked with Burgess to see that their
PO‘IPU — Associates at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa hovered over the desk of Stella Burgess Thursday like bees over nectar-filled blossoms.
The anticipation was high and each of the associates checked with Burgess to see that their garb was done properly.
“This is the first time the investiture has been done at a resort,” Burgess said. “This is really a big honor for us.”
The investiture ceremony, where the 2007 Aloha Festivals royal court is installed, is normally held in Wailua, Burgess said. There was one instance when the investiture was recreated at the base of the resort’s water slide, but the actual investiture has always been held in Wailua, or Waimea.
Among the audience, Gini Kapali, the community relations director for Kukui‘ula Development Company, took her seat in the specially-arranged layout at the Seaview Terrace, a bag of Aloha Festivals ribbons in one hand.
Honoring the high protocol involved in the investiture, Burgess explained the proceedings to the crowd that filled the seats in the lounge area that offers a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean.
“When kumu hula Blaine Kia saw this, he said this was the perfect setting for the investiture,” Burgess said.
The lounge bar was open during the ceremony, but Burgess said in respect for the chanting involved in the protocol, no blender drinks would be available.
In respect for tradition, she asked that photos be restricted during the installation protocol, but guests were welcome to photograph the court’s arrival, departure, and ho‘okupu portions.
“Above all, the first rule is to have fun,” Burgess said.
Under the officiating of Kalai Moku Mike Drake, Kawika Cutcher was installed as the Aloha Festivals king, or Mo‘i kane. Shirlynn DeSilva was garbed with the symbolic items of the Mo‘i wahine, or queen.
Kalapawai Kamiholi-Kama Drake was presented the cape, neckpiece and helmet of the Aloha Festivals’ prince, and Lokelani Manaku was installed as the princess.
“This is the kahiko wear,” Burgess explained to the guests. “Following the investiture, the royal court will change to clothing from the Kalakaua era for the lu‘au.”
The investiture marks the start of the 2007 Aloha Festivals on Kaua‘i with events filling the calendar between now and Oct. 19 when the Festival closes with the Hawaiiana luncheon.
“There’s a lot of things that need to be done, but I knew this was happening so I had to be here,” Kapali said. “Aunty Stella Burgess does a lot of good things for the community, so this is one way we can support her.”
On Friday, the royal court made its appearance at the Kaua‘i Falsetto Contest at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
Tonight, the royal court will appear at the Ho‘olaule‘a at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
There is no admission fee to enjoy the live Hawaiian music at the mall.
Aloha Festivals ribbons can be purchased at the ABC Stores in both the Kapa‘a and Anchor Cove locations.
Lyah Kealohanalani Kama-Drake, a veteran of several Aloha Festival courts, serves as this year’s Aloha Festivals manager for Kaua‘i.
