Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals kicks off

PO‘IPU — The 2009 Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals opened minutes ahead of the weekly lu‘au scheduled at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and spa.

Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals 2009 King Kawika Cutcher and Queen Yolanda Cutcher received their symbolic badges of office during the solemn investiture ceremonies held at the Po‘ipu resort’s Seaview Terrace, overlooking the azure blue waters of Shipwrecks Beach.

The ceremony marks the opening of the Kaua‘i phase of the statewide Aloha Festivals, described on its Web site as Hawai‘i’s premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai‘i’s dance, music and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions.

Lyah Drake, the Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals coordinator, said there will be six events scheduled on the island, including the lu‘au Thursday night.

A Hawaiian service with the Royal Family will be hosted at the Kapa‘a First Hawaiian Church, from 10 a.m. to noon today. Admission is free and more information can be obtained by contacting the church at 822-9931.

On Wednesday, the 2009 Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be attending the Smith’s Tropical Family lu‘au at Smith’s Tropical Paradise from 5 p.m. for dining with a Polynesian show to follow. Reservations and price inquiries can be directed to 821-6895.

Following this event, the Royal Court will be in attendance at the Hawai‘i Alive after-dinner show with award-winning dance company Rohotu at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club. This event is scheduled for Sept. 14 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 651-6202.

During the au‘ana event of the Mokihana Festival on Sept. 25, the Royal Court will be in attendance to wrap up the week-long celebration of music and dance at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort from 7 p.m. Information and ticket purchases can be made by calling 822-2166.

Drake said the highlight of this year’s Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals will take place on Oct. 17 in partnership with the Kaua‘i Museum, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the County of Kaua‘i and several corporate sponsors.

The public is invited to attend the free Aloha Festivals Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a 2009 that will feature a parade ending at the Historic County Building and the Kaua‘i Museum.

The Kaua‘i coordinator said discounted pricing may be in effect with the purchase of a 2009 Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals Ribbon. The purchase of the Aloha Festivals ribbons helps continue the festival.

Ribbons for the Kaua‘i festival can be purchased at the Kaua‘i Museum gift shop along with commemorative Aloha Festivals apparel.

Aloha Festivals started in Honolulu 63 years ago, making it the oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural statewide celebration in the United States.

What is known today as Aloha Festivals started in 1946 as Aloha Week by a group of former Jaycees whose intent was a cultural celebration of Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history to perpetuate the Islands’ unique traditions.

Known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i, the group had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawai‘i’s cosmopolitan heritage while creating a celebration that has become a statewide tradition.

Aloha Week became the Aloha Festivals in 1991 and has become a celebration of Hawaiian culture.

Described as a festival of Hawai‘i by the people of Hawai‘i, the festivals are funded through the sale of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise as well as through corporate and private donations, including sponsorship by the HTA.

Joining King Kawika and Queen Yolanda Cutcher, other members of the 2009 Kaua‘i Aloha Festivals Royal Court include Kalaimoku Mike Drake, Chiefs Lopaka Colipano and Glendale Gusman, High Chiefesses Celina Rivera and Candace La‘amea, Lady in Waiting Deana Rapozo, Chanter Abi Rita, Pulo‘ulo‘u Luke Rita, Pu Emmsley-James Drake, Kahili bearers Lanakila Rita, Shannon Duarte, Kainoa Colipano, Keli‘i Colipano, Ihe Ekana Yamamoto, Pahoa Naihe, Kekoa Colipano and Adam Gusman.

For more information, call Lyah Drake at 346-6924.