About 200 members and guests attended the American Australian Association Ltd’s Aloha to Hawaii event, held at the residence of the US Consul General in Sydney, Mrs Judith R Fergin on Saturday 13 June 2009.

The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood, and its significance as the home of among others, US President Barack Obama and Nicole Kidman.

Authentic Hawaiian musicians and dancers flew in especially for the occasion, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines, who were principal sponsors, along with Tourism Hawaii and Hilton Hawaiian Resorts. The principal sponsors provided the raffle prize; round-trip business class tickets, 3 nights at Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort & Spa on Waikiki, and an Obama Tour.

Each guest received a fresh-flower lei, also flown in for the occasion. Keith Tanaka created a number of delicious authentic Hawaiian dishes, ably assisted on the night by Hasaan Balbaki and staff at the residence. ThinkSpirits, Casella Wines and Coopers Brewery/Premium Beverages provided the refreshments. Susan Benay, of Colors of Hawaii Fine Art, provided the photographs of President and First Lady Obama, taken during their Presidential campaign break in Hawaii. These photographs were for sale on the night.

Guests drank Mai-Tai’s, learned to dance the hula, and entered the competition for best aloha shirt, muu-muu, and best overall outfit.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with one guest commenting, “We really came away from the event feeling like we were taking a piece of Hawaii with us.”

Entertainers:
Jason ‘Keao’ Costa
Candace Golden
Dwight Kanae
Loxley Manuma
Debbie Nakanelua- Richards
David ‘Kawika’ Trask

Julie Crespel, photographer