Comedian Frank De Lima with the Kona Daifukuji Taiko Drummers. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Margaret Masunaga)

Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Margaret Masunaga

The Bay Concert, a celebration of life at Kahaluu Bay, gave special recognition this year to artist, historian and author Herbert Kawainui Kane.

The fundraiser, sponsored by The Kohala Center, was Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

Kane, a resident of Honaunau, was honored as a community leader at the very heart of the Hawaiian Renaissance and a celebration of all that is good in life.

Performing at the event were the Kona Daifukuji Taiko Drummers, Na Leo Pilimehana, Hookena, and MC Frank De Lima.

Mayor Billy Kenoi presented Kane with a Proclamation from the County of Hawaii.

The event was to raise awareness and funds to preserve and restore Kahaluu Bay’s coral and educate visitors at Kahaluu Beach about how to take care of the marine environment by not stepping on corals, not feeding the reef fish, and not harassing the turtles.

The County of Hawaii estimates more than 400,000 people visit Kahaluu Beach off Alii Drive in Keauhou each year.

The Kohala Center Public Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, Cindi Punihaole, can be contacted for more information on the programs to help restore Kahaluu Bay at cpunihaole@kohalacenter.org or 895-1010.

Mayor Billy Kenoi poses with Cindi Punihaole, Kohala Center Public Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator; Herb and Deon Kane; Takako Kenoi, Matt Hamabata, Kohala Center Executive Director; and John DeFries. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Margaret Masunaga)

Miss Young Kona Coffee Anela Deaguiar, a Konawaena Middle School student, performing a hula with Na Hoku Award winners Hookena. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Margaret Masunaga)