INAUGURAL MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF HAWAII

The inaugural meeting of the "International Women of Hawaii" took place on October 22, 2011 from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Estates of Holualoa, Kailua-Kona. Twenty guests representing backgrounds from England, Japan, France, Germany, Hawaii, Philippines, and Iran attended.

Mrs. Betsy Jones, event organizer, welcomed everyone and shared her vision of bi-monthly educational programs on the Big Island which would support women in their roles as nurturers in the family, community and world.

An opening song entitled "Happiness" was sung in Japanese by Mrs. Sawako Parker and her support groups the "Peace Makers".

The main program was led by Lehua Cho who instructed the guests in the ancient art of Hawaiian Hula. Lehua really gave all present an experience of the Aloha spirit as she led guests in 3 songs and taught the meaning of the movements as well.

Of interest, Lehua Cho, who was born in Maui and raised in Oahu is the great, great granddaughter of a woman who translated and assisted directly Queen Liliuokalani. While living for a number of years in San Diego, she formed a Hula group of twenty-six men and women who helped raise funds for several charities.

Lehua's Hula presentation was followed by a delicious lunch enjoyed by all.

Thanks go to the Pacific Rim Education Foundation and WFWP for their co-sponsoring of the event. Donations from the event were given to Hawaii Food Bank.