|
| Since 06/11/07: 8927 |
| (Since
09/16/04: 46,927) |
|
PAN-PACIFIC FESTIVAL-MATSURI IN HAWAII
ALOHA! On behalf of the Matsuri in Hawaii Advisory Committee, I extend my
warmest welcome to all participants and sponsors of the 29th Annual
Pan Pacific Festival / Matsuri in Hawaii. The long and exciting history
of this event has offered many organizations the opportunity to participate and
make it one of Hawaii's premier events and a destination for cultural
festivals.
Many participants eagerly await this annual festival, which
promotes cultural exchanges in the songs, dances and traditions of people
living in
Japan,
Hawaii, and the
Pacific
Basin
. Though the festival
began primarily to present the historical cultural activities from Japan, it
has grown to other Asian countries and the Pacific Rim countries as well; and
the cultural education, friendships, and exchanges, leave long lasting
impressions and memorable experiences for everyone. It
is enjoyed by everyone… tourists (malihinis) and locals (kamaainas)…. young and
old. The 3-day celebration begins with Hawaiian festivities on Friday evening
where last year we had over 40,000 people who enjoyed the entertainment and
food at our Ho`olaulea(street party).
We culminate the event with a grand parade along
Kalakaua
Avenue
on Sunday. This year, the United
Japanese Society of Hawaii will be commemorating its 50th anniversary
and we hope you can join them in their celebration.
On behalf of the Matsuri in Hawaii Advisory Committee, I would
like to acknowledge all of the sponsoring and participating organizations for
their generous contributions and hard work to make this event possible.
Additionally, we owe much gratitude to the State and City governments,
Hawaii Tourism Authority, the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, and the
Consulate General of Japan.
Best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable Matsuri in Hawaii
Mahalo and Aloha,
Benjamin I. Fukumoto
Chairman
|