LIHU‘E — “My goodness, the month is almost pau,” said Kaulana Mossman, program director for ‘Ohana Pacific Health Kaua‘i Adult Day Health Center. “There are so many events in May and everyone’s schedule is filled. But we have to do our May Day before the month is done.”
The Kaua‘i Adult Day Center honored tradition by hosting its annual May Day Celebration last Friday amidst the excitement and clamour of the public school graduation. Kupuna were adorned with special lei and aloha attire to represent each of the islands of Hawai‘i, and the Royal May Day king and queen.
“Due to the recent uptick in COVID cases and the continuing safety precautions connected with the pandemic, family and friends of kupuna were not able to attend the festivities in-person,” Mossman said. “However, we felt it was best to continue to honor tradition and maintain as much normalcy as possible.”
Marney “Chip” Morishige was named the May Day Queen, and the May Day King was Clifton Hayashi.
“Chip is the program’s ‘Ambassador of Aloha,’ a natural optimist,” Mossman said. “She enjoys ‘talking story’ with friends and encourages others to get up and dance during activities. She just exudes a meaningful sense of ‘Aloha’ in all of her interactions.”
Hayashi is a proud 21-year Army Veteran, and enjoys sharing about his experiences in the military and his travels around the world while in service.
“He likes to play Bingo,” Mossman said. “He always emanates a positive laid-back vibe.”
Priscilla Simao and Dorothy Kunioka represented the island of Moloka‘i. Imogene Richards and Hazel Bukoski were garbed in the orange of Lanai.
Finally, sisters Rosalina Castelo and Violeta Ballesteros represented the island of Kaua‘i.
“With an emphasis on the Spirit of Aloha that exists within all of us, it is imperative,now more than ever, that we share kindness, generosity, and appreciation with each other — focus on the goodness in others,” Mossman said. “Kaua‘i is a unique and beautiful place and we each have a responsibility to perpetuate the heartfelt legacy of aloha that has lived on through out ancestors and kupuna for generations. After all, we are one ‘ohana.”
