HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-24 Cancelation of Kupuna Hula FestivalMitchell 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.