Aloha Festivals Announces 2011 Royal Court
HONOLULU – Aloha Festivals is proud to announce the members of its 2011 Royal Court. The Royal Court is a symbol of Hawaiian heritage passed down through generations of Hawaiians for 65 years. The Court plays an essential role in all Aloha Festivals events and will kick off the month of activities with the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony, both on September 1.
Royal Court Members
Mō‘ī Kāne (King) – David Joseph Iaea Auwae
David is retired from the Honolulu Fire Department, where he served as a fire fighter and marine engineer. A graduate of Honolulu Technical School, he is honored to serve as mō‘ī kāne, representing his ancestors and heritage. He is a member of the Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club and is a licensed private pilot. In his free time he enjoys fishing (diving), traveling, building, tending his garden of kalo and vegetables, and spending time with his six grandchildren.
Mō‘ī Wahine (Queen) – Emily Jane Daniel Auwae
Emily is retired from Bank of Hawaii, where she served as a customer service specialist. She is a graduate of Kamehameha School for Girls. Her participation in the Court reflects her desire to perpetuate her Hawaiian heritage. Emily serves as the vice president of the Makaha Hawaiian Civic Club. She enjoys sewing, fishing, swimming, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Kamāli‘i Kāne (Prince) – Kaipo Dudoit
Kaipo is a senior at Kamehameha Schools. Family friend and mentor Nu‘ulani Atkins encouraged him to act on his long-held interest in participating in the Royal Court and apply for it. Kaipo views his participation in the Court as a chance to reconnect with his ancestors and Hawaiian culture. He feels an intense responsibility to represent his family and culture with pono and pride. Kaipo is a member of Kamehameha Schools’ Math Team and the Future Doctors of Hawaii Club. In his spare time he enjoys gardening, playing violin, going to the beach and hiking.
Kamāli‘i Wahine (Princess) – Joanna Kealananiokalokomaikaʻimekaʻuhanekuʻokoʻa Patterson
A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Joanna currently attends Hawaii Pacific University. She feels her participation in the Royal Court will allow her to serve her culture and better understand the value of Hawai‘i’s culture, history and traditions. Joanna’s grandfather, Baldo Patterson, and uncle, Mathew Patterson, both previously served as members of the Royal Court. Joanna also works at Abercrombie Kids and as an assistant instructor at two karate studios. She enjoys volunteering, running, attending Zumba classes and sewing.
The public is invited to take part in the Royal Court Investiture at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Thursday, September 1, at 3:00 p.m. when the king, queen, prince and princess take their places in the Court. The Royal Court members will receive the royal cloak, helmet, head feather lei and other symbols of their station. Traditional chant and hula kāhiko will highlight the event. The Investiture will be followed by an Opening Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove.
About Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals was first held in 1946 as Aloha Week, and over the past six and a half decades has become a celebration of Hawaiian culture, integrating the traditions and cultures of the Islands through music, dance, cuisine and art. All festivities are coordinated by a volunteer board of directors. Aloha Festivals is funded by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, corporate and private sponsorships, and sales of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise.
More information about Aloha Festivals and its events can be found at www.alohafestivals.com, Facebook (facebook.com/AlohaFestivals), Twitter (@AlohaFstvls), or by calling 808-483-0730.
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