The 8^th annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a Saturday, Sept. 27, promises to be “the best one yet” with an entertainment line-up of  Na Hōkū Hanohano award winners, unique island crafts and food booths, an expanded silent auction, keiki games, and high-tech Imaginarium shows to take visitors on tours of the universe.

            The celebration, one of the largest community events on the Windward side of O‘ahu, runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Windward Community College’s campus and is coordinated by WCC and the Kaneohe Business Group.  Admission is free.

            “Our theme this year is “Pūlama ka hanauna hou - Nurturing the Next Generation,” said Ho‘olaule‘a chair Sandi Haunani Oguma.  “The event will feature something for the whole family, with an emphasis on WCC’s programs and new facilities, local businesses and crafters, and entertainers with ties to this side of the island.”

            Among the featured entertainers are rising star Hoku Zuttermeister, winner of four 2008 Na Hōkū Hanohano awards, including “most promising artist” and “male vocalist of the year”;  Cyril Pahinui, 2008 winner for “best island music album”; Kaukahi, winner of four Hōkūs in 2007, including “group of the year”; and Pilioha, a 2008 nominee for “group of the year.”

            Among the items for bid at the silent auction will be round trips to Maui on the SuperFerry,  special family passes to the Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu Academy of Art, and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park,  gift certificates from restaurants, hotels, theatres and local companies, and selected works of art.

              Proceeds from this year’s silent auction will go to establish the college’s first general scholarship endowment for WCC students.

            Several of the displays will focus on WCC programs in the sciences, arts and Hawaiian culture that emphasize sustainability and environmental and cultural awareness.   Also featured will be plans for WCC’s new Library Learning Commons, which will be a “green” building, according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards of sustainable architecture.

            The Ho‘olaule‘a also will have a used book and white elephant sale as well as interactive exhibits from community organizations.

            Any business interested in donating a product or service is welcome to call silent auction co-chair Sandy Kurosaki at 265-2016 or email sandykurosaki@mac.com.    

            For more details, check the web site at www.windward.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea.  Prospective vendors can call Haunani Naumu Revuelto (crafts) at 589-6055 or Sandie Carmichael (food) at 235-7301.