MLK Day parade rolls through Waikiki

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Advertiser Staff

The city's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade rolled through Waikiki today, with about 2,000 marchers, 100 vehicles, 20 floats and six bands taking part.

George Johnson marches with the U.S. Vets group carrying the U.S. flag down
Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade today.
BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser

The parade began at Ala Moana Park, moved onto Kalakaua Avenue, and then to Monsarrat Avenue before ending at the Waikiki Shell, where a unity rally was scheduled for 11 a.m.

The following celebration in the park included vendors selling African wear, picture oils and incense, health items and T-shirts.

In a statement released earlier today, Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona encouraged the people of Hawai'i to reflect on King's memory.

The statement said King believed in the human spirit and dedicated his life as an advocate for equality in America.

The statement says "we have the power to help realize King's dream of a better future through commitment to service and taking action within our communities."

It adds that Hawai'i's unique cultural diversity and aloha spirit contributes to its residents' natural ability to keep open minds and hearts.