Honoring his legacy

Although the COVID-19 pandemic prompted cancellations of the usual lei-draping ceremonies, colorful parades and other events that commemorate King Kamehameha Day, that didn’t stop people from honoring the monarch on Thursday.

Throughout the day, people took time to visit the Kamehameha statue in Hilo to honor his legacy, despite the lack of festivities.

The statue in Wailoa River State Recreation Area was adorned with lei and surrounded by offerings of fruit and flowers.

The holiday honors Kamehameha the Great, who first established the unified Kingdom of Hawaii.

With this year’s festivities called off, the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission is preparing for next year’s festivities and the 150th anniversary of the Kamehameha Day holiday in 2022.

Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.