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Brothers Cazimero

Windward Community College is holding its 14th annual Windward Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on the Great Lawn.

The free, family-friendly festival features the Brothers Cazimero, Jerry Santos, Mailani, Hiʻikua and other top island entertainment, hula, unique arts and crafts, ʻono ethnic food, keiki rides and activities, art exhibits, a college-sponsored silent auction, and educational and community displays. Windward Hoʻolauleʻa is the largest annual event on the Windward side of Oʻahu drawing up to 15,000 people islandwide.

“Through education and celebration of Hawaiian music, hula, cultural demonstrations and activities, we honor the rich tradition of Hawaiian culture on the windward side,” said event co-chair Bonnie Beatson.

Windward Hoʻolauleʻa is coordinated by the Windward Community College and Kāneʻohe Business Group, with flagship sponsors Hawaiian Electric, Ameron Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

“It’s a great day for the whole family. We like to highlight the community partnerships between the businesses and organizations from the Windward side and the educational opportunities at Windward Community College, for both residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Beatson.

Proceeds will fund scholarships for Windward CC students. Last year, 22 deserving Windward Community College students—many who are Native Hawaiian—were awarded $22,000 in scholarships.

Entertainment

Entertainment headliners include the Brothers Cazimero, Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo and Hiʻikua, Mailani, Pila Nahenahe, Hawaiian Soul, Hawaiʻi Loa, the Kahaluʻu ʻUkulele Band, award-winning hula with Chinky Mahoe’s Hālau Hula ʻO Kawailiʻulā and more. DJs from KCCN and KINE will keep the pace and offer giveaways throughout the day.

Windward CC attractions

Attractions celebrating higher education on the Windward side include Hawaiian studies cultural demonstrations—Polynesian voyaging, woodcarving and fiber art, There will also be free blood pressure readings and breast cancer awareness information by students in the certified nurse’s aide program as well as nutritional “back to the ʻĀina” demonstrations from the nursing garden, a student ceramic sale and raku firing, gyotaku fish printing, math activities, an orchid sale and plant identification by the botany and bio-technology students, veterinary technology student activities for pet owners, piano and drama activities and information about college and career planning.

Art exhibitions

Gallery ʻIolani will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Ka Waiwai Mohala (the Unfolding Treaures), an exhibition of outstanding student work from the fine art studio classes at Windward Community College. The exhibit features ceramics, color theory, design, drawing, photography, painting/screen printing and sculpture.

Food

ʻOno food to taste include sweet and savory crepes from Crepes No Ka ʻOi, Fresh Catch poke bowl and seafood items, Bubble Puff and Tea bubble waffle and nachos, Erin’s Shave Ice cool treats, India Cafe, Hawaiian Plate, Thai Cuisine and more!

Community groups

The Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board will provide information on disaster preparedness, especially for the hurricane season, and Walgreens will offer flu shots at the event once again this year (Walgreens asks that you bring your insurance card). Hawaiʻi Pacific University will offer information about medical marijuana.

Windward Hoʻolauleʻa also partners with the Five Rs 96744 project, which promotes positive character-building among K–12 students in the area. The 5Rs campaign emphasizes the importance of respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, relationships and resilience throughout schools and the community.

Sponsors

Flagship sponsors of the event are Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and Ameron Hawaiʻi. Other sponsors include Minami Foundation, Walgreens, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawaiʻi, Le Jardin Academy, Go Kailua Magazine, Hawaiian Memorial Park, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Servco Auto Windward, Enterprise Rent-a-Car Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi USA Federal Credit Union, King Windward Nissan, KYA Design Group, McDonalds, Steven Shoultz and Castle Medical Center.

For more information, visit the Windward Hoʻolauleʻa website.

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