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Tuesday, December 10, 2024 76° Today's Paper


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Some say summit fails to project the spirit of Hawaii to global audience

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DENNIS ODA / doda@staradvertiser.com

Manu Boyd and his halau were among Hawaiian entertainers who performed at a luau Saturday night hosted by President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the Hale Koa Hotel. The world leaders and their spouses who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit were all invited, making it an enviable showcase for Hawaiian culture. Still, many say the lack of lei and aloha attire among the APEC participants robbed the event of a sense of place.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Associated Press U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and Gov. Neil Abercrombie both wore lei when they greeted President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama Friday night at Hickam Air Force Base, but there were no flowers for the first couple. An Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee said security and State Department protocol would not allow the traditional Hawaiian presentation.