By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – The Honolulu Ekiden Foundation (HEF) presents the Fifth Annual Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival at Queen Kapi‘olani Park and the Waikiki Shell on May 21st. The event is more than just a relay race and concert. It’s a blending of cultures. The goal of the 2017 Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival is to promote tourism, foster cultural understanding between the residents of Hawai‘i and Japan, and provide a way for friends, co-workers, runners and members of the military to participate together in a race that not only encourages teamwork and competition, but most importantly, is a lot of fun!
Each year, HEF chooses a worthy organization and donates part of the proceeds raised during the event to that benefactor. This year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawai’I will receive $10,000. B.G.C.H. was chosen because it promotes healthy living among young minds and bodies. “We are very happy to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawai’I, because the organization is well established and respected within the local community for nurturing children and guiding them as they become productive members of society,” said Konosuke Oda, President of Honolulu Ekiden Foundation. Tim Motts, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawai’I says his organization wants to be more than just a grateful recipient. It wants members to become involved in HEF’s event. “The Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii is so honored to partner with the Honolulu Ekiden Foundation to spread the exciting mission of their upcoming race and benefit concert. Their generous support of the keiki of Hawai‘i is a direct reflection of the aloha they have for the community. We are excited to participate in what will be a special day in our state,” said Motts.
Last year, 1,300 runners participated in the 26.2-mile relay race along Oahu’s beautiful South Shore. And, many more attended the concert at the Waikiki Shell. If you are a business owner, there are multiple opportunities to introduce your business to a wide segment of the population. We are offering a variety of sponsorships. Vendors are encouraged to reserve a space and set up a booth at Waikiki Shell. And, volunteers are the backbone of any successful event. So, if you’d like to donate your time and special skills for the event, there’s a need for volunteers, as well. For more information on sponsors, vendors and volunteers, email info@hnlekiden.org.
Following the race, there will be Hawaiian and Japanese entertainment at the Queen Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand, from approximately 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Hawaiian performers will include Manoa DNA, Robi Kahakalau & Jeff Rasmussen, and Maunalua. After the Awards Ceremony, Japanese boy band Boys and Men will take the stage, followed by the popular Korean boy band APEACE.
The Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival culminates in a star-studded concert finale at the Waikiki Shell, featuring hip-hop, reggae and rock sensations, Dirty Heads, known for their hits “My Sweet Summer,” “Lay Me Down,” and recent release “That’s All I Need.” Their current single “Oxygen” from their self-titled album is out now. Grammy-nominated and internationally known Gin Blossoms are recognized for their numerous hits including “Hey Jealousy” and “Follow You Down.” Singer/songwriter Piko Taro is best known for his smash viral sensation hit “Pen Pineapple Apple Pen” and his latest song “Orange Juice.” And extremely popular Japanese rock band FLOW will perform. FLOW is known for numerous anime tie-in songs such as “GO!!!,” the opening theme song for “Naruto.”
To register for the race, log onto: www.hnlekiden.org
For concert tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com