By Yisa Var

As of the New Year, the Civil Unions Act went into effect in the state of Hawaii; bringing same-sex couples one step closer to marriage. For many, rather than argue the logistics of the act, they have simply decided to celebrate, as this is a leap forward for homosexual couples that want to legally share their lives with one another. Ekena Cox Event Management has teamed up with Hilo nightclub 100% Moxie to celebrate in style with live music, special guests, and delicious food.

Ekena Cox shares a little background information about her event management company. “My business consists of marketing, booking, promoting and referral services for public, military and private sectors in local, national and international demographic regions. We also started an apparel line and are hosting fashion shows, such as the First Big Island 2012 San Lorenzo Bikini & Apparel show.” Cox adds, “Our mission is to integrate national, international and local artists and businesses because at the end of the day, networking from the outside in helps investors bring revenue into our islands as well as into their states/country. Working together with an open mind provides a stronger more lucrative network, which is the necessary foundation to growth during these tough economic times.”

Recognizing a need within the community and within her own family, Cox decided to make a celebration out of the Civil Unions Act. This is the first official event of its kind on the island since the legislation went into effect. Cox says, “I’ve always been one in great support of positive progression and being an integral part of the vehicle of opportunity. The Civil Union Act had a personal and economic effect. I have a sister and many friends who are gay, who are wonderful, intelligent and compassionate individuals that live their lives as many heterosexual/non-gay couples. They work hard; they have great careers, share morals and values, love family structure and so forth. We are all human, and for the same provisions, laws (including as taxpayers) and regulations that we all have to abide in this civilized country we call the United States of America, there should be no difference in the union of two people regardless of their sexuality. I understand and respect that it may be controversial for some to accept or support this law, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as should their unity. I have not seen any venue or promoter host an event here on the Island to celebrate this union, so I am taking the initiative to open the gates and hopefully the hearts of many.”

Finding a venue for this type of celebration was the easy part. Cox explains, “Upon my return to Hawaii after living abroad and around the U.S. for 20 years, I caught up with Saizzean "Saiz" Saturnio and Geri Bibilone "Mom," owners of Moxies Club, who I knew since I was a young gal, 10 years old. I saw the potential the venue had if given the opportunity.” She adds, “It’s been such a blessing to work with a hard working staff who truly care about their customers and community.” The venue provides a nice stage and atmosphere for a variety of performers including DJ Frizel spinning music from decades past, Billy Shackley, and singer-extraordinaire Clay Callaway. Cox says there will be “something for all to enjoy,” which includes a selection of cocktails and celebrity drinks and a delicious menu.

Clay Callaway, well known for his local contributions to musical theater, will be performing selections from his popular CD, which offers love songs for men. “My music for this celebration will focus on the core issue of the event, not so much "civil Union" but the driving force behind it which is love. Since my CD "Darn It, Baby. That’s Love!" was released, I guess in some ways I have become the most "out" person in Hawaii. It is collection of songs about love from one man to another, so it isn’t like I was very much in the closet to begin with. So I will be singing a couple of songs from that CD. I also have two new songs to introduce at this celebration, so I hope lots of folks come out to 100% Moxie and support those that support us.” Being directly affected by the Civil Unions Act, Callaway comments, “Regarding Civil Unions in Hawaii, well, it isn’t "marriage" but one step closer to equality. My partner of 23 years and I bought into the Reciprocal Beneficiary (Marriage Lite) scenario some 12 years ago, so now we would have to end that to even apply for a civil union. There has been lots of political ping-pong throughout recent years with nomenclature, political maneuvering in election years and seemingly simple semantics. But the bottom line for me has always originated right out of the United States Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." My life, my liberty and my happiness for the past 23 years has been shared with this one person. If "we the people" are to sanction marriage for one couple, it should be sanctioned for all, one law for all people.”

Even in the spirit of celebration, Ekena Cox understands the seriousness of the subject matter, but hopes the community will be open-minded. “There are pros and cons in everyday propositions. Some people accept change while others fight it. One sees more difficulty with change in smaller communities, but sometimes it just takes a little more effort and an open mind to see it through. We cannot appeal to everyone. There will always be someone contesting a movement they feel strongly against and they certainly are entitled to that emotion. Same is true to those who support this union. For the most part, I am very pleased to say we have received more positive feedback from our community. In Hawaii, people exemplify love, compassion and forgiveness more fluid, so the Aloha spirit here is definitely welcoming.”

Celebrate the Civil Unions Act at 100% Moxie Club Café on Kino`ole Street in Hilo on Friday, February 17. Event starts at 9 p.m. and is open to those 21 and over. Tickets are $7 and are available for pre-sale and at the door. For more information, e-mail eceventmgmntsvcs@yahoo.com or cox.ekena@yahoo.com.