Molokai’s first Chinese New Year Parade last Monday celebrated two characteristics that parade organizer Mel Chung wants to bring to Molokai.

“It’s an auspicious year, it represents strength and unity,” Chung said. “It’s exactly what we need now with the current economic downturn.”

Third graders from Kaunakakai School help to welcome in the Year of the Tiger last Monday during Molokai’s first ever Chinese New Year Parade organized by the Chung Family. Photo by Jeff Jumper.The Year of the Tiger theme brought unique costumes and decorations from about 30 participants, from tiger masks on the Sons of Hawaii motorcycles to keiki wearing Chinese characters. All groups wore yellow, to represent sunshine, and red, to represent good fortune, said Mrs. Chung.

A big hit was the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Club from Honolulu, who brought costumes from Hong Kong and did a spectacular acrobatic jumping show.

The parade also honored four Chinese kupuna on Molokai for their “outstanding” contribution to the community. Kenneth Yit-Kong Nip taught for over 30 years at Kaunakakai Elementary and has volunteered with the youth since his retirement. Oliver Ah-Sun Young served in the U.S. Army during World War II and served the Molokai Police Department for 24 years. Dorothy Mew-Lan Kalaki Chong Akiona Nihoa, in her mid-90s, was the most senior kupuna honored, and has delivered meals to shut-ins and drove other seniors to their medical appointments. The last kupuna honored was Betty Kehaulani Kauka (Lau) Puaa. She has a long family history of Chinese and Hawaiian community members, and currently oversees operations of the Spencer bus company, which has served the Molokai community for 69 years.

Molokai resident Kenneth Nip was one of four Chinese kupuna honored by the community at last week’s parade.The Chungs said they aren’t sure when they will plan the next Chinese New Year parade on Molokai.  “this was hard to top.”

“This was hard to top,” he said. “It is a once in a lifetime thing. ”

The Chungs are asking for anyone with video or pictures of the parade to please stop by Shop 2 on Ala Malama St. in Kaunakakai to share them and add to the parade’s permanent record.