HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

58

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

HONORING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL ON THE historic OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, thousands of people in Hawaii and throughout the world learn about the history and culture of Hawaii through the Merrie Monarch Festival; and

 

     WHEREAS, this week-long festival is committed to perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; and

 

     WHEREAS, through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and performances, the Merrie Monarch Festival contributes to the development and augmentation of a living knowledge in Hawaiian arts and crafts; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Merrie Monarch Festival is also dedicated to enriching the lives of future generations of Hawaii's children and strives to reach those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Merrie Monarch Festival is considered the world's premier forum for people of all ages to display their skills and knowledge in the art of ancient and modern hula; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Merrie Monarch Festival was created in the early 1960s by the late Helene Hale along with the late George Naope and Gene Wilhelm, who sought a way to attract tourists to the Island of Hawaii after experiencing the negative impacts from a tidal wave and an economic downturn; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 1968, the late Dorothy Thompson, fondly known as "Auntie Dottie", became the Executive Director for the festival and replicated King David Kalakaua's past work by bringing the best hula dancers from throughout Hawaii to the Island of Hawaii to perform and share hula; and

     WHEREAS, in 1971, "Auntie Dottie" Thompson and George Naope introduced a hula competition including women halau, and later in 1976, opened the festival competition to male halau; and

 

     WHEREAS, this festival helped revive the Island of Hawaii's economy with significant increases in hotel reservations, restaurant bookings, and car rentals; and

 

     WHEREAS, each year the Merrie Monarch Festival honors the memory of King David Kalakaua through events, including a parade, art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, and the three-day hula competition that has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance; and

 

     WHEREAS, through an ongoing learning process in preparation for the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula students gain knowledge of and an appreciation for the unique harmony and balance the ancient Hawaiian people maintained with their island environment; and

 

     WHEREAS, since "Auntie Dottie's" passing in March of 2010, her daughter Luana Kawelu has continued her legacy as the current President of the Merrie Monarch Festival; and

 

     WHEREAS, from March 31 through April 6, 2013, the Merrie Monarch Festival will celebrate the joyous and momentous occasion of its 50th Anniversary in Hilo, Hawaii; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, that this body hereby honors the Merrie Monarch Festival on the historic occasion of its 50th Anniversary, recognizes its role as a catalyst to support and draw together an extensive network of people who are committed to the perpetuation and advancement of Hawaiian history and culture, and expresses its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Merrie Monarch Festival; 50th Anniversary