Pa‘u riders representing Ni‘ihau earn top honors in parade
The pa‘u unit representing the island of Ni‘ihau took home top honors in the 2022 Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa‘u Parade, which returned in person to Lahaina town on Saturday.
The celebration, which followed the statewide theme of “E Ola Ka Mo‘i Kamehameha — Long Live King Kamehameha,” featured a parade of pa‘u riders and local organizations as well as a ho‘olaule‘a. Award winners included:
● Walking/Marching Division: Royal Hawaiian Guard, 1st place; Waiola Church, 2nd place; Sacred Hearts School, 3rd place.
● Decorated Vehicle/Float Division: Old Lahaina Luau, 1st place; Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, 2nd place; Makawao Rodeo Court, 3rd place.
● Outstanding Pooperscooper: Island of Kaua‘i, 1st place; Island of Ni‘ihau, 2nd place.
● Outstanding Pa‘u Unit: Island of Ni‘ihau, 1st place; Island of Kaua‘i, 2nd place.
● Outstanding Pa‘u Princess: Island of Kaua‘i, 1st place; Island of Ni‘ihau, 2nd place.
● Barbara “Susie” ‘Uweko‘olani Perpetual Overall Pa‘u
Award: Island of Ni‘ihau.
Pa‘u Coordinator Moani Whittle Wagner explained that a page, princess, two attendants and two outriders are required in order to be considered for a pa‘u unit award. However, “due to COVID-19 and other unforeseen circumstances, quite a few of our units were reduced to page and princess.”
The former perpetual trophy that was named for Hanai Hayashida and recognizes the outstanding pa‘u princess was retired, and the overall winner — Ni‘ihau Princess Tia Elizabeth Perdido Ampong — was chosen in the name of Barbara “Susie” ‘Uweko‘olani.
The 2022 Pa‘u Court also included: Pa‘u Grand Marshal Glenn Berce, Pa‘u Queen Linda Masako Uradomo-Berce, Hawai‘i island Princess Desiree Ku‘ulei Akimseu, Kaua‘i Princess Leila Kalani Larson, Moloka‘i Princess Melanie Malia Pali-Kaneakua, Maui Princess Sofia Kaleimamo Salvatierra, O‘ahu Princess Daphne Emmalani Lukela, Kaho‘olawe Princess Rachel Emma Kahealani ‘Uweko‘olaniDeCoite and Lanai Princess Gabrielle Berce.
To view the full parade, visit facebook.com/nkcpph.