Our poster and t-shirt design for Aloha Expo 2006 was created by artist, Roger Chandler (www.artofparadise.com).

Our theme this year is "Kü Mai Ka Lama 'Opio," ("The light of this generation shines forth.") It depicts a young hawaiian warrior, carrying a torch used as a symbol for the Hawaiian culture.  In the flame of this torch are four kanaka maoli who have passed from this life, but who have been instrumental in keeping the hula and mele Hawai'i alive and passed from one generation to the next.

'Iolani Luahine (far left): For more than three decades, 'Iolani Luahine was regarded as the foremost exponent of the ancient art of the hula. Luahine's life from a young age until her death was devoted to being a dancer, chanter, teacher, and "priestess of hula." Her valuable role in Hawaiian history is immeasurable.

King David Kaläkaua: Under Kaläkaua's reign, Hawai'i enjoyed a revival of hula, which had been banned by the missionaries in the 1820's after being deemed immoral. Known as the "Merrie Monarch" for his love of song and dance, Kaläkaua formed a palace hula troupe and returned hula to its rightful place as a national treasure.   Kaläkaua's support also helped hula evolve by encouraging western forms of music to be integrated into some hulas such as the steel guitar and the ukulele, a Portuguese import.

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: Iz had a heart and love for Hawai’i and its people that were larger than his physique.  Noted for his sweet tenor voice and being among the few pure-blooded Native Hawaiians, he has inspired both the younger Hawaiian generation as well as people throughout the world with his music.  His songs encourage us to protect our Hawaiian rights and to be proud of our heritage.

Leila Hohu Ki’aha (far right):  A 1944 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Aunty Leila was herself an institution at her alma mater.  As a musical arranger and choral conductor, she was synonymous with the Kapälama campus’ annual song contest.  Associated all her life with Kaumakapili Church, Aunty Leila was also linked to numerous community choral groups ranging from the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club to the Hawaiian Telephone Hui Mele Nani.  Thousands will remember Aunty Leila for her exemplary resume in perpetuating Hawaiian choral singing and being a stickler for enunciation, ‘ölelo Hawai’i and phrasing.