2021-03-24 Cancelation of Kupuna Hula Festival

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Mitchell D. Roth Mayor Countp ofabaai`i DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 961-8311 • Fax (808) 961-8411 Elderly Activities Division Maurice C. Messina Director Michelle Malia Hiraishi Deputy Director Elderly Recreation Services 127 Kamana St. Rm 1 Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 961-8710 Fax: (808) 961-8921 March 24, 2021 PRESS RELEASE 38th Annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival Cancelled The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation's Elderly Activities Division (EAD) announces the cancelation of its 38th Annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival. The festival was scheduled for September 8-9, 2021, at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. As we continue to experience the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the department's highest priority is the safety and well-being of our kupuna and our community. The Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival displays talented hula dancers from across Hawaii, the mainland, and Japan. Festival highlights include fellowship, a craft fair, and two evenings of solo and group competitions, followed by a ho`olaulea. "Unfortunately, a small number of halau confirmed their participation in this year's festival due to COVID concerns," said Maurice Messina, Department of Parks and Recreation Director. "The department is looking forward to an incredible festival and a healthier community in 2022." "In April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, EAD instituted an emergency plan that caters to the EAD seniors that are most in need as they shelter in place. We are hopeful we can open up more programs in the coming months within the safety protocols as defined by the Mayor's COVID-19 Emergency Rule," said Messina. For more information, please call the Elderly Recreation Services office in Hilo at (808) 961-8710 or in Kona at (808) 323-4340.