KOLOA — After a quarter century, the pivotal event of Koloa Plantation Days — the plantation-style parade honoring the agricultural and ethnic traditions of the state’s oldest sugar town — is as much a feeling as it is a happening.
But a happening it is, also, especially in election years, when politicans and those wishing to be politicians try not to look and feel tired after a half-mile stroll down the lanes of the Koloa town parade route.
If parade success equates to voter success, then state Rep. Roland Sagum III, D-Waimea-Ni‘ihau, better watch out for newcomer and fellow Democrat Daynette “Dee” Morikawa, whose simple pickup truck with taiko drummers and a flute player aboard captured not only top honors among float units, but took the overall grand prize as well.
Awards were announced at the Anne S. Knudsen Park in between entertainers that included Keli I Kaneali I, Frank Delima, Augie T, Healani Youn and her halau, and the aforementioned Tsunami Taiko troupe, with the younger generation taking over the stage and the hearts of the huge crowd assembled under sprawling circus tents to escape the mid-day heat.
Morikawa’s entry bested experienced parade entrants including Marriot’s Waiohai Beach Club and the Grand Hyatt Kaua I Resort & Spa, though the Hyatt was named best walking unit, ahead of Malama Maha‘ulepu and the Kalaheo Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Hyatt also took best mounted unit, followed by the Kaua‘i All-Girls Rodeo and Kaua‘i Rodeo working paniolo group. All-told, including mounted marshals and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. on horseback, nearly 50 horses participated in the event.
The Mustang convertible with plumeria and kahili decorations also adorned with Miss Kaua‘i and Miss Garden Isle won the award for best decorated vehicle, with Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club second and Na Hoku O Kaua‘i (young pageant queens) third.
Koloa School and Marriott’s main float tied for third in the float division, with Old Koloa Town’s entry second behind Morikawa’s effort.
But something was missing from this year’s parade.
Phyllis Kunimura of Po‘ipu, Koloa Plantation Days general chairman, was accurate in her observation that the 25th edition of the parade marked the first one wherein the Happy Camper was missing. Yes, Dennis Fujimoto was off-island and missed his first parade ever, but we were there trying to pick up the slack.
Despite Fujimoto’s absence the parade went off without a hitch, threatening clouds blown mauka by tradewinds that were welcome temporary respite from the humid morning and afternoon.
The rodeo at CJM Country Stables this morning officially wraps up nearly two weeks of events.
