HI HR58

Honors the Merrie Monarch Festival on its 50th anniversary, taking place March 31 through April 6, 2013, in Hilo, Hawaii.

Recognizes the festival's role in perpetuating Hawaiian history and culture through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, performances, and a three-day hula competition.

Acknowledges the festival's founders (Helene Hale, George Naope, and Gene Wilhelm in the early 1960s) and Executive Director Dorothy Thompson, whose leadership since 1968 transformed it into the world's premier hula forum.

Credits the festival with reviving the Island of Hawaii's economy through increased hotel reservations, restaurant bookings, and car rentals.

Notes that the festival honors King David Kalakaua's legacy and continues under the current leadership of Luana Kawelu, Dorothy Thompson's daughter.