STAR-BULLETIN / 1996 The film "Puamana," a story about the life of "Aunty Irmgard" Aluli, the great Hawaiian songwriter, will show at Sunset in the Park at Kailua District Park tomorrow.

Sunset in Park’s film
focuses on ‘Aunty Irmgard’

The Windward event will also feature
music, arts and crafts and demonstrations

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Windward Sunset in the Park audiences will be treated to a special viewing tomorrow of "Puamana," a 35-minute film of one of Hawaii's most beloved and prolific songwriters, Irmgard Farden Aluli.

"She was a glorious and wonderful inspiration for all of us growing up," said Aluli's niece, filmmaker Meleanna Aluli Meyer, who produced the film.

The film was shot on Maui and Oahu and celebrates a family and lifestyle that embraced music and togetherness.

Aluli, affectionately known as "Aunty Irmgard," was raised in Lahaina. She died last year at the age of 89. This Monday would have been her 91st birthday.

"This is a story about her life offstage," said Meyer, adding that her aunt valued family, tradition and love of the land.

The film's title refers to Aluli's family home in Lahaina and it was also the title of her first hit in 1937.

"Puamana" will be shown before the evening's featured film, "The Scorpion King," at Kailua District Park at about 7 p.m. Meyer will introduce the film.

At noon, Tiny Tadani and KCCN FM100 deejays will emcee a cast of local entertainment that includes Ellen Castillo Halau, Oheo, Pali, Del Beazley, Celtic Pipes & Drums, Wiki Waki Woo, Coconut Joe, Uprising and Maohi Nui Fire Dance.

"Made in Hawaii" products, arts and crafts, demonstrations and inflatable rides for children are among the activities.

Eateries such as Boston's North End Pizza, Moani's County Cafe and Pepper's Place will sell food at the event.

Today, more than 100 vendors selling toys to spa products will participate in the Windward Open Market from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Entertainment will begin at noon with local entertainers Rhonda, Tea Party Parade, Allegra Performing Arts School, Windward Line Dancers, Kumuhau, Soul Free and Toa. Makana will also perform with his band.

The film "Lord of the Rings," will be featured at 7 p.m.

TheBus will be operating express bus service to and from Waikiki.

Buses will depart Waikiki at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

Two buses will depart Kailua District Park at 10:15 p.m.

Regular bus service is available on Route 57 for those who wish to leave at different times.