Thomas Nizo helped Chad Pharis dig out whatever seating was available Saturday as people filled the main exhibit area of the Kaua‘i Museum.
And yet there were people standing in the overflow crowd during the tribute ceremony celebrating Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole.
The ceremony marks the first of a month-long calendar of tributes and celebrations for the prince who was born on March 26, 1871, in the ancient fishing village of Hoai, Kualu, an area close to Kukui‘ula and marked by the Prince Kuhio Park that is currently maintained by the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Kaumuali‘i Chapter No. 3.
Saturday’s tribute, coordinated with the ‘Ahahui Kiwika Hawai‘i o Mo‘ikeha Hawaiian Civic Club, featured kupuna Ihi Kaneali‘i telling the Prince Kuhio story in a manner unique to kupuna storytelling, backed by the talent of Halau Hula o Hanalei performers with kumu Naomi Yokotake and her ‘ohana taking the words and mixing them effectively with mele and hula.
The combination was most effective in triggering the numerous smartphones into action, as familiar mele took root with Kaneali‘i’s story, an example being “Kaulana Na Pua,” a Hawaiian patriotic song written by Queen Lili‘uokalani’s friend Eleanor Kekoaohiwaikalani Wright Pendergast for the Royal Hawaiian Band that protested the overthrow of the queen and the Hawaiian kingdom.
“The people liked the tune, and did not realize that it was a protest against the government,” Kaneali‘i said.
The combination continued to speak of Kuhio’s legacy, namely Kuhio’s efforts at the formation of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs that include the ‘Ahahui Kiwika Hawai‘i o Mo‘ikeha Hawaiian Civic Club among its roster of more than 60 clubs across the country today.
The presentation also included information on the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921 that was another of Kuhio’s contribution to the welfare of the Hawaiian people. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act gave birth to the state Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands, of which Anahola became the first project to be developed under the program.
The Kaua‘i Museum’s presentation will also travel to the Princeville Public Library on Wednesday, March 18, starting at 5 p.m., and The Cliffs at Hanalei on Monday, March 23, starting at 4 p.m.
The ‘Ahahui Kiwila o Mo‘ikeha group will also open the Friday, March 20 Prince Kuhio Festival at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa in Po‘ipu, following the opening protocol at 9 a.m.
The day is filled with a silent auction, craft fair and hands-on learning of the Hawaiian culture and arts.
Vanya Fagasa will be working with ho‘oulana i ka lau hala, or hala weaving, Janet Kahalekomo and her ‘ohana will be working with ka lau niu, or coconut-frond weaving, kalo pounding, and pa‘akai, or the Hawaiian way of saltmaking.
Kupuna from Alu Like will work with the crowd to create and sew complimentary lei, and Maureen Fodale will work with feathers to create a simple hulu pua to celebrate and honor Kaua‘i’s Prince Kuhio.
The entertainment lineup includes 17 West, and Kahalau Leoiki with Nicole Balbarino doing the hula.
