MEDIA RELEASE

The Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21. More and more people are finding Kokua Kailua the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family as they stroll Alii Drive, which becomes a pedestrian marketplace from 1pm until 6pm.

At 4 p.m. Hulihee Palace hosts a free concert on the lawn adjacent to the historic landmark. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs or mats, which can be checked for free while dining or strolling Alii Drive.

Kokua Kailua is appreciative of the many volunteers that help with event promotion, basket donations and assembly. More volunteers are always welcome and interested persons should contact Dorlene Kolina Chao at 936-9202.

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Merchants Association, Hulihee Palace and Pacific Radio Group. The program is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.

Concert remembers former palace resident

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at Hulihee Palace to remember the late Princess Ruth Keelikolani. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Concert goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free “chair check” conveniently located across from the palace and enjoy the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll from 1-6 p.m.

Princess Ruth (1826-1883) was the half-sister of King Kamehameha IV and V. She inherited Hulihee after the death of her husband, William Pitt Leleiohoku; he was the adopted son of John Adams Kuakini. Kuakini built the palace after erecting Mokuaikaua Church, which faces the palace on Alii Drive.

A tall woman of great girth, Princess Ruth outlived all of her husbands and children. Ancient Hawaiians, who were known for their statuesque presence, saw beauty in great size.

“Ruth used the palace for entertaining her royal kin but preferred to sleep in a grass house she had built on the palace grounds,” said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “During Ruth’s time of ownership, the palace was often visited by her sister-in-law, Queen Emma. The monarchs considered Hulihee a lovely vacation spot away from the diplomatic pressures in Honolulu.”

After closing for earthquake repairs in December 2007, Hulihee Palace reopened for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays.

Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

Lions Club collecting eyeglasses

The Kailua-Kona Lions Club will be collecting used eyeglasses at the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, Sunday, Feb. 21.

Winning posters in the recent “Sight is Beautiful” contest will be on display. Local schools participating in the contest were Kona Christian Academy, Kealakehe Elementary and Innovations Charter School.

Tickets will be on sale for the Kailua-Kona Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast 6:30-11 a.m. March 14. While enjoying the delicious breakfast you will be entertained by a variety of local kupuna groups, always a highlight of the event.

Sunday concert and stroll schedule for 2010

Jan 17: Band Concert remembering King Kamehameha II “Lunalilo” and Aunty Io Luahine

Feb 21: Hula Concert remembering Princess Ruth Keelikoolani

March 21: Band Concert remembering Queen Kaahumanu and Prince Kuhio

April 18: Hula Concert remembering Prince Albert

May 16: Hula Concert remembering King Kamehameha IV “Alexander Liholiho”

June 13: Band Concert remembering King Kamehameha I “Paiea”

July 18: Hula Concert remembering John Adams Kuakini

Aug. 22: Hula Concert remembering King Kamehameha II “Kauikeaouli”

Sept. 19: Band Concert remembering Queen Liliuokalani

Oct. 17: Hula Concert remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 21: Band Concert remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud” Dant

Dec. 12: Hula Concert remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop