As he read the dreary news reports over the past year, Clifford Naeole decided it would be apropos to inject some sunshine into the theme for the 17th annual Celebration of Arts, set for Easter weekend, April 10 to 12, at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui.

What came to his mind was “;He Aina o na Anuenue”;—“;Hawaii, Land of Rainbows.”;

“;Everyone seems to have the weight of the world upon their shoulders right now with the economic turmoil, wars and other concerns,”; said Naeole, the hotel's cultural adviser and chairman for the renowned arts and culture event.

“;I felt it was time to reflect on our blessings and find the bright lights among the doom and gloom. If we stop to think about it, we will find we are indeed fortunate.”;

As Naeole sees it, each vivid color of the rainbow could represent a blessing or positive thought or experience. “;We often fail to see the beauty around us due to stress, time constraints and being distracted by our many responsibilities,”; he said. “;We hope to remind people of all the good things in their lives at this year's Celebration of the Arts.”;

Attendees will be able to touch the heart and soul of Hawaii through films, workshops, lectures, photo exhibits, panel discussions, food, music and demonstrations and exhibits by esteemed artisans and cultural practitioners.

New this year will be the opportunity for them to complete the sentences “;Lucky we live Hawaii because ...”; for kamaaina and “;Lucky you live Hawaii because ...”; for visitors.

“;Anyone who wishes to participate can input their thoughts on computers that will be set up in the hallways near the ballrooms for easy access,”; Naeole said. “;They also can contribute ideas via a link on the Celebration of the Arts Web site. We hope to publish select entries and art created by children during the weekend in a book entitled 'Lucky We Live Hawaii!' It should be a wonderful collection of reflections from diverse points of view.”;

NAEOLE HAS once again organized a stellar program. Among the lecture topics are “;The Heart of Being Hawaiian”;; “;Aloha Mai Au I Kuu Aina (Aloha for the Beloved Land)”;; and “;Hookupu, Makana or Mahalo?”; (the many ways Hawaiians say thank you).

Also planned are a Hawaiian puppet performance, a luau and show, and a presentation of dramatic images by Maui photographer Shane Tegarden that recall life in old Hawaii with images of tapa beating, tattooing, kite flying, petroglyph carving, poi pounding and more.

“;Master storyteller Sam Kaai will share tales that complement Shane's spectacular photos,”; Naeole said. “;It will be a spiritual experience, a memorable journey back in time.”;

This year the event's Ke Kula Kamalii (Children's Learning Center) will work in conjunction with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program to help acquaint youngsters with nature through activities such as forest hikes; tide pool explorations; snorkeling excursions; and green craft projects using sticks, flowers, ti leaves, seed pods, coconut fronds and straws, metal and plastic bottle caps and other items found during beach cleanups.

“;It is imperative that we teach our keiki to respect and appreciate nature and the wisdom of our ancestors,”; said Naeole. “;By doing so, we can preserve and perpetuate the dignity and beauty of our islands. The future of Hawaii is in their hands.”;