Don’t let this parade pass you by

Saturday is the King Kamehameha Day Parade. Listen to the story behind this celebration, and you’ll want to be there.

First, the history.

King Kamehameha Day was proclaimed in 1871 by King Kamehameha V, to honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha I. The first King Kamehameha Day was on June 11, 1872, and it was one of the first holidays to be proclaimed when Hawaii became a state in 1959. June 11, 2013 will be the 97th annual King Kamehameha Day in Hawaii.

Now, what’s happening.

This year’s parade starts at 9 a.m. beginning at Vidinha Stadium traveling up Rice Street to the County’s Historical building where the Hoolaulea will be held with food, crafts, demonstrations and entertainment until 4 p.m.

Kauai’s theme this year is “E Ola Mau Na Hawaii a me ka Moomeheu Hawaii” — May Hawaiians and their Culture Live Forever. This year the focus is brought back to Hawaiians and their culture. Parade organizers have focused on including as many Hawaiian organizations as possible.  

There will more than 50 units participating including halau, pau units for all islands, decorated cars, walking units and almost 85 horses. Yep, that’s a lot of horses.

Some of the key players and folks you’ll want to cheer for on Saturday includes:

• Louis Kauanoe Hehi’i  Kaliko o Kahala o puna Keli’i Ho’omanawanui Jr. is Ali’i Nui and will travel on the first float that will oversee the entire parade. Louis was born on Hawaii Island, which is appropriate since he is standing in for King Kamehameha.

• Grand Marshal is Uncle Sam Mahuiki Sr. from Haena. Uncle Sam’s biggest contribution is his lifestyle, the way that he truly lives his life, and his worldview, that is very Hawaiian. He operates on a different time schedule than everyone else, “Hawaiian Time.” He does what is important, when it is important vs. watching the clock. His lifestyle is different from today’s norm of rushing. 

• Pa’u Marshall this year is Norman Hookano. Norman Kalani Hookano was born in 1959 in Waimea and has been a paniolo for more than 35 years. He is a fourth-generation Hookano cowboy and a regular participant in rodeos and parades.  At age 15, Hookano began his training as a paniolo under his father, the late Alfred ‘Ohu’ Hookano, at Makaweli Ranch.

• Highlighting Kamehameha Day Parade are the Pa’u Units, which are made up of a Page holding the island’s banner, the Princess of the island, her two attendants and three male escorts.  

The King Kamehameha Day Parade is one of Kauai’s best events, a tribute to its history, its culture, its beauty and its people.

We hope to see you there.