MEDIA RELEASE

Historic Kailua Village’s monthly Kokua Kailua festivities are slated for Sunday, Aug. 18. Alii Drive is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrians-only walkway 1-6 p.m. during Kokua Kailua.

Keiki will appreciate the fun of Kokua Kailua after their first week or two back in school and parents and visitors can enjoy vendor booths and interesting stores along Alii Drive found only in Historic Kailua Village.

The next Kokua Kailua will be Sunday, Sept. 15.

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Merchants Association, Hulihee Palace, West Hawaii Today and Pacific Radio Group. The program is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.

HULIHEE EVENT HONORS KAUIKEAOULI

Enjoy a free Afternoon at Hulihee Palace 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 to remember the late King Kamehameha III, “Kauikeaouli.” The fun is part of a year-long series that honors Hawaii’s past monarchs and historical figures.

Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Donations are appreciated; kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

“Born in 1813, Kauikeaouli was the second surviving son of Kamehameha the Great and he became king when he was 11 years old,” said Casey Ballao, docent coordinator. “During his 30-year reign, he signed the Great Mahele, dividing land among his people; declared the right of religious freedom and instituted the kingdom’s first written constitution.”

In 1843, King Kamehameha III coined Hawaii’s motto that appears on the state seal and coat of arms: “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono-the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” The monarch was born at Keauhou Bay and a plaque there marks the birth site.

KOKUA KAILUA / HULIHEE PALACE SCHEDULE

Sept. 15: Band appearance remembering Queen Lili‘uokalani

Oct. 20: Event remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 17: Band appearance remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud” Dant

Dec. 15: Event remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop