LT. GOVERNOR HELPS EMBRACE OKINAWAN CULTURE
Aug 31 - The Lt.
Governor and Mrs. Aiona helped highlight Okinawan culture in Hawai`i at a
festival featuring more than 1,000 parade participants.
Lt. Governor Aiona joined several other high-ranking officials from the
state in leading the Okinawan Festival 2007 parade through Waikiki, where a
colorful procession was on display.
The festival, which is the state's largest and oldest ethnic festival, drew
as many as 500 entertainers and visitors from Okinawa, as well as 100
Okinawans from the mainland, including Atlanta and California.
In brief remarks during the parade's opening ceremony, the Lt. Governor
praised the festival as "a celebration of cultural pride through food, music
and craft."
He also acknowledged the Hawai`i United Okinawa Association for organizing
the two-day festival.
