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Statue of Lili‘uokalani to be dedicated at Kea Lani

Dale Zarrella created this statute of Queen Lili‘uo-kalani that will be placed in the lobby of the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. • Fairmont Kea Lani photo

The Maui News – A statue of Queen Lili’uokalani will be dedicated Friday morning a the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea.

The statue was the inspiration of the Women At Accor Generation resort committee and Fairmont Hui ‘Ohana and will be placed in the lobby of the resort.

Maui sculptor Dale Zarrella created the statue of Lili’uokalani. His previous work includes a sculpture of St. Damien, which was presented to Pope Benedict at the Vatican.

The dedication ceremony is set for 10 a.m. in the lobby, and the event is open to the public.

The blessing and ceremony will be led by Lei’ohu Ryder, a spiritual and cultural educator. Lili’uokalani Trust’s Kipuka Maui will perform an oli to the queen written by Malia Craver, a cultural expert. A special hula, “Lili’u E,” will be offered by 11-year-old U’i Launaole Pualani Fernandez of Halau Hula Kauluokala. 

“It is exciting to be able to share the legacy of Queen Lili’uokalani with our guests and colleagues through the dedication of her statue,” said Michael Pye, Fairmont Kea Lani’s general manager. “Our resort selected Queen Lili’uokalani as the subject for this statue because we share many of her values, including perpetuating the island’s cultural heritage as well as the care and education of Hawaii’s children.”

Fairmont Kea Lani’s Hui ‘Ohana committee includes leaders and colleagues dedicated to sharing the culture of Hawaii with both guests and colleagues, the resort news release said. The group organizes monthly celebrations, guest programming, community partnerships and educational opportunities. 

Women at Accor Generation is made up of men and women working to stand up against gender stereotypes and to achieve gender equality. The committee hosts meetings and events throughout the year.

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