Caldwell Presidential Luau is Aloha-Fantastic

Dr. Ha'aheo L.A. Guanson does some hula dancing with Caldwell children at the first Caldwell Presidential Luau.
Diane Lilli
Posted

The inaugural Caldwell Presidential Luau was a mix of Hawaiian style with Caldwell charm.

Approximately 100 people showed up for the event, eager to discover what a luau in the borough might look like. Children, their parents, and many senior citizens happily attended the event, in anticipation of a new Hawaiian experience in Caldwell.

They were not disappointed.

The food, catered by Jersey Joe’s in Garwood, included an entire roasted Kahlua pig, many side dishes and plenty of soul. Even outside of the First Presbyterian Church, the smoky essence of slow roasted pork wafted throughout the neighborhood, truly bringing to mind an authentic luau.

“I think this is just great,” said June Glasscock of West Caldwell. “I am happy to be here at this luau, which is wonderful especially since it honors Grover Cleveland.”

Caldwell resident June Cowell agreed.

“This is a lovely event and shows such community spirit,” noted Cowell.

Five visitors from Hawaii, along with a renowned Hawaiian folk singer, a Hawaiian official from the Hawaiian Kingdom Embassy and a Hawaiian representative from the U.N. were on hand to celebrate the Hawaiian annual day of reconciliation, which honors President Grover Cleveland for his efforts to support the last Queen of Hawaii, Queen Lilliuokami.

Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President, is a hero to Hawaiians for his efforts to support Queen Liliuokalani when the U.S. decided to take over the islands, over 100 years ago.

When his efforts failed, instead of encouraging her subjects to enter into a violent war with the United States, the Queen told everyone to seek change through peaceful measures.

Today, this struggle continues, and in Hawaii there have been numerous changes in both attitude and education within the islands.

Whereas only twenty years ago native islanders did not speak Hawaiian or learn about their roots in school, every school now teaches the history of the Hawaiian Islands and people.

As a result of this unique kinsmanship, a long lasting legacy has been created spanning like a giant bridge between Caldwell and Hawaii.

Watching the events, it was obvious this link is still strong today.

This luau included much more than food – it had something for everyone.

Hawaiian singer Leon K. Siu explained the meaning behind each moving song, expressing the hopes and dreams of a Queen who may have died long ago but lives on vividly in spirit today.

“In both of his terms, President Grover Cleveland crossed paths with Hawaii,” Siu noted.

Dr. Ha’aheo L.A. Guanson showed the children how to dance a hula, and later handily flipped 17-year old Tracey Coryell easily in a martial arts’ demonstration.

After a mini-history lesson by Dr. Kaleo Patterson, a challenging martial arts demonstration between Jordon Patterson and Tracey wowed the crowd.

On hand were the Caldwell Mayor Susan Gartland, along with borough council member and president council president Ann Dassing, council member and Caldwell Downtown Chair Joe Norton, and Rich Hauser. Members of the Kiwanis Caldwell – West Essex and the Caldwell Rotary Club, and Lincoln School Principal C.K. Williams also supported the event with their attendance.

If you missed this festive event, be sure to attend the Flag Raising ceremony at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace House in Caldwell Friday morning, at 10:00 a.m.

The Caldwell – West Essex Kiwanis donated part of the money to host this event, along with Norton Travel Network.

All proceeds will go to the not for profit Grover Cleveland Birthplace Association.