HILO, Hawaii – On April 22, Wendell Ka‘ahukane Leite took a ride as the grand marshal of the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade.

Leite served as a trombonist in the Hawaii County Band for over 70 years, and has marched in 52 Merrie Monarch
parades before the one on Saturday.

Big Island Video News caught up with Leite at the Wailoa State Park staging area, and also interviewed band director Paul Arceo and Mayor Harry Kim about Leite’s honor.