The weather was suited for rainbows, and there were numerous rainbows for spectators to see on Saturday when the YWCA presented the 7th annual Kauai Pride Parade and Festival.
Hundreds of Kauai residents and visitors poured onto the sidewalks fronting Rice Street, from Hoolako Street to the historic County Building, to watch the colorful parade and festival celebrating Pride Month, observed during June.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and many Kauai County Council members received a special dedicatory performance from Kumu Hula Troy Lazaro and Halau Ka Pa Hula O Hinano in recognition of their work with Hawaii in Washington, D.C.
Of note was the strong participation by the visitor industry, as groups from the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and the Marriott Kauai Beach Vacation Club fielded groups in the parade, led by the hotels’ respective general managers.
Kauai Indivisible underwent a significant shift in its approach. Last year, the Kauai Indivisible had a strong presence for voter registration and voting. This year, the group’s posture shifted to protecting democracy, with a potent reminder of its upcoming rally on Flag Day, which is June 14.
Abigail Naaykens of the YWCA said that one of the three Kauai Pride scholarship recipients was present to accept a $1,500 scholarship award. Two of the three scholarships were sponsored by the Kauai Pride Parade, and Anaina Hou sponsored one.
“Mar Heinrich Ruiz is a politics major attending the University of San Francisco,” Naaykens said.
This upcoming semester, Mar is headed to Washington, D.C., to intern with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, continuing his work in housing equity and justice.
The second student scholarship recipient, Edyn-Raquel Nakaahiki, was unable to attend in Lihue, and the third scholarship recipient requested anonymity.
“Edyn Nakaahiki is a proud student from Kauai, passionate about supporting our manu and LGBTQ+ community,” Naaykens said. “Winning the Kauai Pride Parade Scholarship is a huge honor and inspiration to keep advocating for love and inclusion. Winning the Kauai Pride Parade Scholarship not only honors my journey but also motivates me to keep pushing forward in school and giving back to my community.”
Started in June 2019, the Kauai Pride Parade promotes and celebrates peace, acceptance and unity for everyone on Kauai, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation or background.
For more information, including a list of sponsors, visit the Kauai Pride Parade website at www.kauaiprideparade.com
