4 June 2023

II Chapter 56 held its Aloha luncheon at 3660 On the Rise.  Everyone wore Aloha attire and was presented with flowers for their hair.  Exhibited arrangements featured tropical materials and there were plenty of newly donated vases for everyone's shopping pleasure.  In addition Earl Shimabukuro offered his handmade ceramic vases as well as bamboo vases he made from the last of the bamboo used by Iemoto Kasuya in his Ichiyo school demonstration for our 60th Anniversary..

Each table was charged with making a centerpiece using an oasis bundled in ti leaves pu`olo style. The table with all Ohara members was judged to have made the best. After a brief business meeting and a delicious lunch Halau Hula Kamaluokukui entertained us.  Kumu Malina Kaulukukui explained the meaning of several Hawaiian songs that were danced by her student Germaine Kiyomoto-Isara.  Malina sometimes joined the dance and even called up Paulette Stone from the audience to join them.  Hula is a revered cultural practice that helps to retain the history and sense of place through storytelling and mele (song).