Hula To Shine On Kailua Town Stage

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Kailua and Waimanalo halau can now share their hula on the first, third and fifth Thursday evening of each month in Kailua at Kainalu Plaza’s fountain courtyard. Performances from 6 to 7 p.m. began this month and will continue through December.

To figure out the best way to showcase hula, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and Kaneohe Ranch sought input from several kumu hula on the concept, said its executive director, Terry George.

“I think what is a continuing revelation is the cultural richness that is right here in our neighborhood of Kailua,” he said. “There is a strength and depth of Hawaiian civic and cultural leadership that we enjoy in Kailua.

“With a regular presentation of hula, people will realize that.Part of making a community in Hawaii thrive is to to ensure that the Hawaiian culture survives, and it is appreciated by all citizens.”

Two Kailua halau were asked to dance at the fountain’s dedication in July 2006, George recalled.“After the dedication,Mitch D’Olier got talking to one of the kumu hula and we learned that the halau performs all over in Japan and Europe - and this was one of their first opportunities to perform in Kailua.”

The foundation worked with the I love Kailua Town party organizers to provide hula again in 2008, and 2009.

“Kainalu Plaza is perfect for residents of Kailua to watch their friends and family members perform,” he added.

Total Life Recovery Halau from Women’s Community Correctional Center opened the series June 3, directed by chaplain Bonnie Holcombe.

The schedule is below. * June 17 Halau Hula Pua O Na Ali’i directed by Wanda Akiu

* July 1 Halau Hula Kawehionapua (Adah Enos)

* July 15 Halau Hula ‘O Kawaili’ula (Chinky Mahoe)

* July 29 Halau Hula Kawehionapua

* Aug. 5 Halau Hula ‘O Kawaiho’omalu (Ku Souza)

* Aug. 19 Ka’anohiwaianuenue Hula Studio (Kaanohi Aipa)

* Sept. 2 Halau Mohala `Ilima (Mapuana de Silva)

* Sept. 16 Ka’anohiwaianuenue Hula Studio

* Sept. 30 Halau Hula Pua O Na Ali’i