PHOTO UPDATE: Sister Cities Strengthen Ties at Merrie Monarch Festival

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VIDEO: Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana luncheon at Lili‘uokalani Gardens, April 3, 2018. 

In April 2018, East Hawai‘i has two opportunities to celebrate its Sister City relationship with Shibukawa, Japan.

Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana, sponsored by the Hawai‘i Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela from O‘ahu, will participate in this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition and Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana kumu hula are Kunewa Mook and Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o.

In Japan, more than 3,000,000 people study hula.

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana won the 21st annual Ikaho Hawaiian Festival at one of the oldest hot springs resorts in Japan.

The home of R.W. Irwin, Hawai‘i’s ambassador to Japan during King Kalakaua’s reign, is maintained there as a museum.

On Tuesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens will host a picnic for the hālau.

Fifteen people are needed to set up a canopy, tables and chairs, and to pick up lunches and beverages and bring mats, and serve our guests.

Call K.T. at (808) 895-8130 to reserve your spot.

Then on Saturday, April 7, Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana will ride and walk in the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade along with dignitaries visiting from Shibukawa.

If you can help decorate the hālau parade car, call K.T. at (808) 895-8130.

This year marks the 22nd Ikaho Hawaiian Festival, which is held on the Ikaho stone steps in late July or early August.

The Sister City relationship was established in January 1997.

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On Tuesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens hosted a picnic for Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana, who will participate in the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival.

On Tuesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens hosted a picnic for Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana, who will participate in the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival.

On Tuesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens hosted a picnic for Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana, who will participate in the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival.

On Tuesday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens hosted a picnic for Shibukawa’s Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana, who will participate in the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival.

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