Unstoppable Aloha

One Act Parade

By Catherine Cluett and Marie Nowell

The State may have cut funding for the Aloha Parade this year, but the Hammond family kept the spirit of aloha by holding their own parade. With decorated cars and banners, Patricia and Chris Hammond and their children honked through Kaunakakai’s streets Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Festivals of Aloha.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood, and the Hawaii State Tourism Authority cut funding for this year’s noteworthy festivals of Aloha anniversary parade to save up for next year’s big event.
“But this is an important event,” says Molokai resident and Little Grass Shack owner Patricia Hammond. “They pulled a sneak attack.”
But instead of feeling helpless over the funding loss, they organized their own parade, even calling the police for approval. “We just wanted to carry on the aloha spirit,” says Hammond.

Hammond would like to give special mahalos to:
Kawano Ohana for many years of Aloha; Chris, Hikili'i, Kapahu, & Sunni for their never failing Aloha; Lisa Wooldridge for Decorations; Kalawe Ohana; Tongonan Ohana; Moloka'i 'Aina Momona Community Garden for supplies.