Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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CULTURE

Aloha Festivals seeks 2007's royal representatives

Men and women of Hawaiian ancestry with an interest in learning the correct bearing of the alii are invited to apply for the 2007 Aloha Festivals Royal Court.

The selection committee will choose one moi kane (king) and one moi wahine (queen) to represent the state. A kuhina will also be chosen as the highest-ranking member of each island court, along with island princes and princesses.

Members of the courts are volunteers who train in the correct cultural portrayal of the ancient royalty, then make appearances throughout the festivals.

Deadline to apply is March 30. For an application and criteria, call Charlian Wright, 589-1771, stop by the Aloha Festivals office at Ward Warehouse or visit www.alohafestivals.com.

Last year's king and queen (pictured) were William Kupaianaha Alimoot Jr. and Zelda Nohealani Nishimura.