Friday ...11/29/2002.

Luau dancers warm crowd in freezing N.Y. parade

By VALERIE MONSON

Staff Writer

NEW YORK CITY - The dancers of the Old Lahaina Luau will never forget their performance in the 76th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade Thursday: the memories will be forever frozen in their minds.

"We couldnt feel our noses, our toes were falling off and our shaka signs were numb, but none of that mattered." sais Julie Yoneyama, a dancer and luau manager who braved below-freezing temperatures in a ti leaf skirt and a pau top. "This is an experience none of us would trade for anything even with the cold."

It was the third straight appearance in the world's most famous parade for the Old Lahaina Luau - and it was also the most frigid. When the procession of floats, bands, entertainers, and giant baloon animals set off in the morning, it was a raw 27 degrees with a wind that made it seem even colder, especially to those who were shirtless and wearing only a sarong.

"It was just like a blast of icy air hitting us - it actually burned." said Robert "Lopaka" Aguiar, creative director for the luau. "I think our gooze bumps were as big as mosquito bites."

But to the crowd of 2 million lining the streets of downtown Manhattan and the estimated 65 million television viewers around the globe, the dancers - all smiles and open arms - looked as if they were as toasty as a bundled up Santa Claus.

"I'm so proud of the kids," said Michael Moore, director of marketing. "They put on a great show and were great ambassadors of aloha."

Moore said a decision still hasn't been made whether Old Lahaina Luau will return to the parade next year.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "It might be time to take a break."

On Thursday, the Maui float - the only Hawaii entry ever to appear in the parade - was near the beginning, just after the Big Bird balloon and Sesame Street Gang.

The parade's co-hosts, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer of the Today Show, introduced the Lahaina troupe as they rode in on their funky float covered with palm trees, shells and a three-story volcano spewing confetti. As the 20 dancers shook their gold uliuli (gourd rattles), no one noticed if they were shivering.

"Everything is a feast for the eye on this piece of paradise." said Lauer.

Back home in muggy Lahaina, Keli'i Arruda, a luau manager for Old Lahina Luau, was in front of the television trying to catch a glimpse of his wife, Jane, one of the dancers. He was telling 2-year-old son, Mason, to look for Mommy, but Mason was spellbound by something else.

I pointed her out, but I think he was more interested in Big Bird," said Arruda. "She called later so he got to talk to her. I think he liked that better."

Aguiar said a mix-up in signals from parade officials forced the dancers to endure the cold longer than they expected. As always, the dancers start out the parade wearing fleece-lined muumuu and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Just before they arrive in front of Macy's on 34th Street for their television appearance, they're given the nod to shed those clothes and switch to their traditional luau garb.

"When they gave us the go to take off the clothes, it was too early," said Aguiar. "So for 15 minutes, we were all huddled together. You'd be surprised how warm you can stay with body heat."

All in all, it was another successful trip for the dancers. They continued their newfound tradition of performing at senior citizen homes and a center for homeless teens, appearances that probably impact the troupe as much as the parade, especially at this time of year.

"When you're there and you see most of them are alone, you're so greatful for your own family," Said Yoneyama. "In Hawaii, family is so important. So many of these seniors were so hungry for affection, they all wanted a hug and a kiss. It was like we had 50 grandparents.

Following the parade, the dancers returned to their hotel rooms to thaw out and rest. Later that night, they gathered at a restaurant beneath the Brooklyn Bridge with the lights of New York sparkling around them.

And, all together, the members of the Old Lahaina Luau gave warm thanks for all their blessings.