GEORGE LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Master of ceremonies Peter Apo led the audience during the Sept. 8 taping of the "Give Aloha" video on Waikiki beach. Joining him onstage were such noted entertainers as Ernie Cruz, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Aunty Genoa Keawe.
If you were one of the 10,000 people who participated in the Sept. 8 Waikiki filming of the music video "Give Aloha," you might see yourself on television Wednesday. ‘Give Aloha’ music video
gift to air Wednesday
Star-Bulletin staff
The video given to the people of New York as a 9/11 remembrance will be broadcast simultaneously on 15 local TV stations at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, designated Synergy Hawaii Day. If you don't have access to television at that time, 65 radio stations will also be playing the song.
"Imagine 10,000 people of all races and ages on the beach at Waikiki with leis on and waving American flags as they sing a song about caring, giving and kindness," said Synergy Hawaii Day co-chair Kymberly Pine. "Occurring just a week after one of the most divisive elections in Hawaii history, I cannot think of a better time to bring the people of Hawaii together."
The event was created last year by firefighter and singer-songwriter Jesse Rivera, who envisioned a day when all of Hawaii would be united through music.
"I know firsthand the powerful effect music has on people," Rivera said. "I am hoping that 'Give Aloha,' a feel-good song that promotes the aloha spirit, will encourage citizens to help each other for at least a day."
Rivera wrote the lyrics to "Give Aloha" along with Kelly Boy Delima, David "Kawika" Kahiapo and Kawika Crowley. More than 100 musicians and dancers participated in the event, including Genoa Keawe, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Melveen Leed and Jeff Rasmussen. The video was delivered to New York Gov. George Pataki as an offering of aloha from the people of Hawaii on the first anniversary of 9/11.
Event organizers recommend taping the video or radio version as no videotapes are available and only a limited number of CD versions of the song are available through Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii. Call 951-0200.
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