LIHU‘E — Several hundred people filled the sidewalks of Rice Street between the Ho‘olako Street intersection and the Historic County Building as the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission hosted its annual parade, Saturday. Some county officials suggested the tourism industry could
LIHU‘E — Several hundred people filled the sidewalks of Rice Street between the Ho‘olako Street intersection and the Historic County Building as the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission hosted its annual parade, Saturday.
Some county officials suggested the tourism industry could have helped increase turnout so more visitors could enjoy the memorable event.
“How many more could have come, but didn’t?” said Kaua‘i County Councilman Dickie Chang, who shared the walk with Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., Carvalho’s wife Regina and Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo.
“I don’t think there was anything promoting the parade at any of the concierge desks and many of the concierge were unaware of the event,” Chang said. “I emceed a lu‘au Friday night and told the audience of about 300. I’m glad there were familiar faces from that lu‘au in the audience today.”
Although a convoy of classic, vintage and hot rod automobiles was an early part of the parade, the order of the day was horses, horses and more horses.
Lorna Ouderkirk of Kekaha said she was in charge of getting horses to the event and was surprised when she ended up riding one as the pa‘u queen of the parade.
Leann Lopes was the pa‘u princess representing Maui and was glad this year’s event was not being judged.
She had just spent several days putting together her ensemble of lei for herself and her steed, but said she’ll be ready next year if the princesses are judged.
Tracy Fu represented Ni‘ihau, Sue Reghi was the pa‘u princess for Kaua‘i, Shannon Kaiminauauo represented O‘ahu, Malia Reghi was garbed in the green representing Moloka‘i, Amber Loughead was the pa‘u princess for Lana‘i, Julie Mijare represented Kaho‘olawe and Eileen Donohue was garbed in the red representing the Big Island of Hawai‘i.
Following the colorful parade steeped in tradition, history and protocol, Kahanu Smith, the chair of the King Kamehameha Day Committee, joined the lineup of entertainment at the ho‘olaule‘a that included food booths and a sampling of crafters.
Smith, in an earlier conversation, said the parade was originally scheduled for next Saturday, but due to scheduling conflicts with high school graduations, the committee opted to hold the event this week.
