Puna Butay Wins Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant

Press Release May 2, 2008 - TO: All Media
FROM: Mālie Foundation, PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746; PH: 808-822-2166
Media Contact: Carol Bain, 246-2111 bain@kauai.net

Puna Butay Wins Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant

2008 to be Final Pageant

LIHUE – It could have been the pink outfit combined with camouflage shorts. It could have been the heartfelt singing of “Just along for the Ride”. It could have been her selection of yummy YanYan 99-cent chocolate covered cracker pupu. The combination wowed the judges Kenui Kasparovitch, Noe Ho'okano and Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira who awarded the title Miz Kaua'i Tita 2008 to Puna Butay at the pageant held at the Hilton Kaua`i Beach Resort Friday night.

“What being a tita means is that as a strong willed woman, a tita is ready for anything,” said Butay. Competition was fierce but friendly among four contestants in categories: Who's Dat Tita; How U Gonna Ack; Grab-n-Grind; Bump-n-Grind; and Tita Walk-n-Talk.

Other contestants included Dayna Ng, Esther Figaroa and Kamei Trinque. “All who have participated as contestants in this pageant over the years are fantastic 'tita',” said the modest master of ceremonies, Chanel Flores, a 2005 Miz Tita Kaua'i winner herself. Flores kept the crowd laughing, even during “technical difficulties.”

The evening featured a premiere showing of the video “She's a Tita” produced by Ariki Foster which is rumored, by Flores, to become a classic. A special performance by Boom Shakalaka Maka and a song by Terri Russell, last year's pageant winner, entertained the audience while judges tallied the scores.

An event unique to the island, Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant coordinator Jodi Omo announced 2008 to be the final year. President of the Mālie Foundation, the non-profit organization that promotes the event, Omo said, “The board is always experimenting with ideas that bring our local community and cultures together, and decided that this five-year run was worthwhile but time to close.”

Past winners of the pageant include:

• 2004 – Paulu Chandler
• 2005 – Chanel Flores
• 2006 – Randi Flores
• 2007 – Terri Russell

Trophies and cash prizes were awarded to all contestants. Sponsors of 2008 Miz Kaua`i Tita Pageant include: Hawai`i Tourism Authority, County of Kaua`i Office of Economic Development, and Kaua'i Hilton Beach Hotel.

The Mālie Foundation also coordinates a new event, Na Lei Hiwahiwa May Day Celebration, ongoing Hawaiian cultural workshops, and the annual Kauai Mokihana Festival. The dates for the 24th annual Kaua`i Mokihana Festival are September 21 through 28, 2008 and the theme will be “Year of Our Kupuna”. For updates visit http://mokihana.kauai.net

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PHOTOS: for high res, email Photographer: Joe Olivas

Photos contributed by: Mālie Foundation; Joe Olivas photographer

2008 May Day Weekend Celebration

May 2 & 3, 2008

Fifth Annual Miz Kaua`i Tita Pageant
Popular event where contestants with "attitude" compete for prizes and the title of Miz Kaua'i Tita 2008.
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 7pm
LOCATION: Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort | $15

Na Lei Hiwaiwa May Day Celebration Concert
Featuring Lady Ipo & Friends, Six Kaua'i Kumu Hula and other special guests!
Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 6 pm
LOCATION: Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort | $15
A Mālie Scholarship Fundraiser

GET ADVANCE TICKETS FOR:

Friday - May 2 Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant $15

Saturday - May 3 Na Lei Hiwaiwa May Day Celebration Concert $15

at these locations:

• Hanalei Video & Music (Hanalei) - Contact: Karen 826-9633
• Vicky's Fabric Shop (Kapa'a) - Contact: Vicky 822-1746
• Bounty Music (Kapaa) - Contact: Alan 823-8000
• Scotty's Music (Kalaheo) - Contact: Scotty 332-0090
• Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort (Lihue) - Contact: Jodi 246-5515

A joyful past Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant winner, Randi Flores.

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Events planned for 2008

2008 CONTEMPORARY HAWAIIAN CULTURAL EVENTS

Chronological list of Events coordinated and planned for 2008 by the Mālie Foundation:

1.FRIDAY, MAY 2 – Miz Kaua’i Tita Pageant, Hilton Kaua`i Beach Resort ballroom | 7 pm |$15 | Call Jodi (808)246-5515 for entry forms, tickets or more information.

2.SATURDAY, MAY 3 – Na Lei Hiwaiwa May Day Celebration Concert, A Benefit for the Mālie Scholarship Fund | Hilton Kaua’i Beach Resort ballroom | 6 pm | $15 | Call Nathan (808)822-2166.

3.SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – Kapa`a First Hawaiian Church Service begins at 10 a.m. All welcome. Join us for refreshments after service.

4.SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 –Hawaiian Instrumental Competition - Po`ipu Bay Bar & Grill | 6 pm | $15.| Call Stella (808)742-1234 for tickets to this event only.

5.MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 –Kaua`i Composer's Contest and Concert at Kaua`i Community College Performing Arts Center | 7 pm | $15 in advance/$20 at door

6.TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – "Eo, E Lili`u" Children's/Youth Music Competition, KCC Performing Arts Center | 9:00 am | $5 |Songs honor Queen Lili'uokalani

7.TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – Evening Event | TBA

8.WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – Hawaiian Cultural Workshop: Year of Our Kupuna, TOPIC: To Be Announced | Location: To Be Announced

9.THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 – Solo/Group Kahiko Nei Hula| 6 pm | $15 in advance/$20 at door | Enjoy wonderful Hawaiian hula performing as practiced dancers compete in many categories. Call (808)822-2166

10.FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – Group `Auana Hula Competition / Royal Court may attend | 6 pm | $15 in advance/$20 at door

11.SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – Solo `Auana Hula Competition & Festival Awards Finale | Noon | $15in advance/$20 at door

12. SATURDAY, October 11 – Coconut Festival Food Booth

13. OCTOBER 15 thru 17 –  Alu Like Kupuna Conference

14. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – Kupuna Luau at Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Wailua | 3 pm

Mālie Foundation Mission: To perpetuate the Hawaiian culture

KAUA`I MOKIHANA FESTIVAL-Sept. 21-28, 2008, Island Wide
2008 THEME: Year of Our Kupuna - For Event information Call (808)822-2166 or email KMFKauai@hawaii.rr.com

2007 Hula Highlights and Photos

Enjoy these Kaua'i Mokihana Festival Hula Competion 2007 Photos:

2007 Mr. Hula Auana

Caption: Dancing to the song "Kipu Kai", Lyle Kaleoha'a Pajo wins the title 2007 Mr. Hula Auana at the Kauai Mokihana Fesival The finale held Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 at the Kauai Marriott Resort Ballroom. was the culmination of a week long series of events offered to celebrate contemporary Hawaiian culture coordinated by the non-profit Malie Foundation and sponsored in part by Hawai'i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua'i Office of Economic Development.

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First Place Solo Wahine Category

IMG_1463 : Kauai Mokihana Festival 2007 first place winner in Solo Auana and Solo Kahiko Nei Opio Wahine categories, Jayna Kau'iokalanimalie Shaffer. Here, she dances to "Aia I Kilohana Ko Wehi Nani" wearing a pa'u kapa using traditional kapa designs, and a lei of the plants that are used for scenting kapa: maile, kupaoa, 'iliahi, laua'e and 'awapuhi. Hula Halau Ka Le Mokihana O Leina'ala.

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Choreography Award Winner

IMG 3100 - A vision in blue, the hula dancers from Halau Pikake Terunuma dance across the Marriott ballroom stage with precision to "Pili Aloha." Winning the Choreography award in the Group Auana category, was Kumu Hula, Setsuko Terunuma at the Kauai Mokihana Festival held at the Kauai Marriott Resort ballroom Saturday, Sept. 29.

Mrs. Mokihana Hula 2007

IMG 3309 - Wearing many strands of the Puakenikeni flower, Charlene Steuri dances to "Ku'u Home O Waimea" composed by Nick Castillo. The tender hula performance won her the title Mrs. Mokihana Hula 2007

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First Place Group Wahine Auana Category

IMG_2825a - Dancers from Hula Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina'ala win first place Group Auana Wahine category. Performing to "Ku'u One Hanau" the mele speaks of a man's love for his home, Kaua'i, and longs to return to his home and 'ohana. Kumu Hula Leina'ala Pavao.

Photos contributed by Malie Foundation / Joe Olivas Photographer. (©2007 Malie Foundation - photos for promotional use. Non-commercial use.)
joe.olivas6@hawaiiantel.net
has invited you to view some recent photos! Simply click on the link and see how easy it is to view and order pictures online:

For DVD of 2007 Kauai Mokihana Festival Hula Events, contact Jann Trudell videojann@aol.com
Click on the link for DVD

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2007 Hula Winners - Kauai Mokihana Festival

Press Release September 30, 2007 -

TO: All Media
FROM: Mālie Foundation

PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746 808-822-2166

Media Contact: Carol Bain, 246-2111 bain@kauai.net
Many Hula Halau Compete
at Kaua&rsquoi Mokihana Festival

Finale Awards presented Saturday, September 29
LIHUE &ndash Ten hula halau and dancing groups from the islands of Maui, &lsquoOahu, Kaua&rsquoi and Japan competed and exhibited powerful hula performances for three days at the Kaua&rsquoi Marriott Resort ballroom. At the solo finale and awards ceremony Saturday, September 29, winners announced by categories include:

Kahiko Nei:

Solo Opio Kane-

• 1^st place: Allen Saniatan &ndash

Solo Opio Wahine-

• 3^rd place: Yukino Ueda

• 2^nd place: Journey Evangelista

• 1^st place: Jayna Shaffer

Group Kaikamahine-

• 3^rd place: Na Pua Mai Ka Lani

• 2^nd place: Na Lei Mokihana O Leina&rsquoala

• 1^st place: Na Hui O Kamakaokalani

Group Keiki Kane-

• 1^st place: Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Lani

Group Wahine-

• 3^rd place: Beamer Solomon Halau O Poohala

• 2^nd place: Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine

• 1^st place: Na Lei Mokihana O Lenina&rsquoala

Group Kane-

• 1^st place: Halau Ka Lehua Tuahine

Group Auana:

Kupuna -

• 3^rd place: Pomaika &lsquoIkalani

• 2^nd place: Hula Na Pua Lilia O Ka&rsquoamaikalani-

• 1^st place: Ka Hula O Hawai&rsquoi

Hui / Ohana-

• 3^rd place: Ka Liko Lehua

• 2^nd place: Hui O Ha`a Hula

• 1^st place: Marriott Waiohai Beach Resort in Poi&rsquopu/Makana Lei Aloha

Kaikamahine-

• 3^rd place: Na Pua Mai Ka Lani

• 2^nd place: Na Hui O Kamakaokalani

• 1^st place: Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina&rsquoala

Wahine-

• 3^rd place: Na Pua Mai Ka Lani

• 2^nd place: Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine

• 1^st place: Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina&rsquoala

Keiki Kane-

• 1^st place: Na Pua Mai Ka Lani

Kane-

• 1^st place: Halau Ka Lehua Tuahine

Solo Auana:

Opio Kane-

• 1^st place: : Allen Saniatan

Opio Wahine-

• 3^rd place: Yukino Ueda

• 2^nd place: Journey Evangelista

• 1^st place: Jayna Shaffer

Kupuna Mokihana Hula:

• 3^rd place: Toyoe Suzuki

• 2^nd place: Betty Weichhart

• 1^st place: Diane Miguel

Mrs. Mokihana Hula:

• 3^rd place: Toriann Saniatan

• 2^nd place: Christy Tanehiro

• 1^st place: Charlene Steuri

Mr. Hula Auana:

• 1^st place: Lyle Pajo

Winners of the 2007 Kauai Composer's Contest

Kaua'i Composers Contest & Concert - Winners announced

At the Kauai Mokihana Festival event
held Monday 9/24/07, Kaua'i Community College Performing Arts Center winners received the following awards:

Composer Fred Aki (2nd from left) won the first place in the professional category for his song “Kaulana 'o Kaua'i” at the 2007 Kaua'i Composers Contest Monday evening. Kaua`i Mokihana Festival contemporay Hawaiian cultural events continue through the week, with hula performances 6 pm Friday 9/28, and the hula finale at noon on Saturday at the Kauai Marriott ballroom.

A crowd pleasing performance of an original song “Heart and Soul” by two young composers Joni Keamoai and Doric K. Yaris won the “People's Choice” award at the 2007 Kauai Composers Concert and Contest. ( Joni is first girl singing (on left) on mic w/black shirt / Doric is on drums)

Lovely Leilani Bond (in photo below) sings the original composition by Kale Kaui, which won first place in the Hawaiian Cateogory of the Kaua'i Composers Contest Monday evening. The song by Kaui went on to wind the Hawaiian Language award and the Lyrical Content award at the KCC Performing Arts Center.

Laurie Williams performs the first place winning song “Crazy About You”. Williams wowed the judges in the Open category winning first and second place for her original compositions and went on to receive special Performance Award and the award for the highest score for a musical compostion at the 2007 Kauai Composer Contest Monday evening at the KCC Performing Arts Center.

Kaua`i Mokihana Festival continues with hula perfomances 6 pm Friday 9/28, and noon on Saturday at the Kauai Marriott ballroom.

## Kaua`i Mokihana Festival contemporay Hawaiian cultural events continue:

Kaua'i Mokihana Festival Friday, September 28, 6 pm General Admission: $15 in advance / $20 at door.
Hula Competition - Group Auana
Location: Kauai Marriott Resort & Spa

This hula competition features group performances of Auana, modern hula and allows performers to use traditional, borrowed or newly created implements to add a contemporary flavor the hula. This event encouraged the ingenuity and creativeness of our kumu hula. The Aloha Festival's Royal Court will attend this event, and the pageantry is worth seeing. From 2 pm to 9 pm local crafters are located around the hotel walkway for great Hawaiian-style gifts

Kaua`i Mokihana Festival
Saturday, September 29, noon
General Admission: $15 in advance / $20 at door.
Hula Competition - Solo Auana and Hula Finale
Location: Kauai Marriott Resort & Spa

The finale cannot be missed. First, solo competition enchants the audience. Then all the competing halua and audience wait breathlessly to hear the winners announced by the judges. Enjoy a special hula exhibition from by Halau Ka Hula O Hawaii from Sendai City, Japan.

From noon to closing, local crafters are located around the hotel walkway for great Hawaiian-style gifts.

Tickets available at:

• Scotty's Music (Kalaheo) 332-0090
• Hanalei Video & Music 826-9633
• Vicky's Fabric (Kapaa) 822-1746

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Kauai Mokihana Festival - 2007 Craft Fair

PRESS RELEASE September 15, 2007
TO: ALL Media / Radio Stations
FROM: Mali’e Foundation, VP, Carol Bain 246-2111
Craft Fair coordinator: Edee Bandmann 634-5352

The Mālie Foundation presents
The Kaua`i Mokihana Festival Craft Fair

Enjoy annual three-day Kaua'i Mokihana Festival Hula Competition, a craft fair will be offered by the Mālie Foundation at the Kaua`i Marriott Resort . Over 30 vendors and tables can be found in the covered area around the ballroom area.

This is an opportunity to shop before and during intermissions of the popular contemporary Hawaiian cultural event. The Craft Fair will be open:

• Thursday, Sept. 27 – 2 pm to 9 pm (hula event begins 6 pm)
• Friday, Sept 28 – 2 pm to 9 pm (hula event begins 6 pm)
• Saturday, Sept. 29 – noon to 6 pm (hula event begins noon)

Find local-made products, including woven lauhala hats, specialized jewelry, baskets, Hawaiian design clothing, decorative objects of art, shell lei -- many crafts found only on Kaua`i. Event coordinator, Edee Bandmann, said, “Vendors at this craft fair exemplify the festival’s 2007 theme ‘Year of the ‘Ohana’ as most offer products that their family make together. You will truly find local products and product makers at this event.”

Vendors may get an application for the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival craft fair by contacting Edee Bandmann 634-5352 or email: edee_bandmann@hotmail.com. Additional marketing funds have been provided by the County of Kaua’i Office of Economic Development and Hawai’i Tourism Authority to promote the event this year. For a full schedule of festival events, Sept. 23 through 29, visit http://mokihana.kauai.net

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2007 Craft Fair

Press Release September 10, 2007 update
To: All Media
FROM: Mālie Foundation, PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746
FOR TICKETS: call (808) 246-5515
Media contact: Carol Bain 808-246-2111 bain@kauai.net

KAUA`I MOKIHANA FESTIVAL
CONTEMPORARY HAWAIIAN CULTURAL EVENTS – 2007 - Year of the 'Ohana

September 23-29, 2007, Island Wide --Varied Admission & Free Events

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

• Kapaa First Hawaiian Church Service begin at 10 a.m. All Welcome. Join us for refreshments after service.

• Hawaiian Instrumental Competition, Poipu Bay Bar & Grill | 6 pm | $15. Call (808)742-1234 for tickets to this event only.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

• Kaua`i Composer's Contest and Concert, Kaua`i Community College Performing Arts Center | 7 pm | $15 in advance/$20 at door

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

• "Eo, E Lili`u" Children's/Youth Music Competition, KCC Performing Arts Center, 9 :00 AM | $5 |Songs honor Queen Lili'uokalani

• “Under the Palms at Maka`iwa”, Resort- Quest at Maka`iwa | 6 pm to 9 pm |$12 at door Call 822-7377 or 822-3455 for information.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

• Cultural Heritage Documentary - TOPIC: “Preserving Backyard Music:Na Mele 'Aina O Kaua'i” | 6:00 PM | $10 at door | Location: Princeville Golf Course Clubhouse. Sponsors include: Kaua'i Historical Society. Call 245-3373 for reservation.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

• Solo/Group Kahiko Nei Hula Competition, Kaua'i Marriott Resort & Beach Club - 6 pm - Tickets: (See below) Enjoy wonderful Hawaiian hula performing as practiced dancers compete in many categories. Craft Fair begins at 2pm – vendor's tables set around ballroom area.
• Craft Fair begins at 2 pm– Unique local products including jewelry, lei, Hawaiian design clothes, and many vendor tables set around the Marriott ballroom covered area.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

• Group `Auana Hula Competition, Royal Court will attend. Kaua'i Marriott Resort & Beach Club- 6 pm | Tickets(below) + Craft Fair at 2pm
• Craft Fair begins at 2 pm– Unique local products including jewelry, lei, Hawaiian design clothes, and many vendor tables set around the ballroom covered area.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

• Solo `Auana Hula Competition & Festival Awards Finale Kaua'i Marriott Resort & Beach Club - Noon Tickets: (See below)
• Craft Fair begins at noon– Unique local products including jewelry, lei, Hawaiian design clothes, and many vendor tables set around the ballroom covered area.

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GENERAL ADMISSION FOR HULA EVENTS

• $15 in advance: | $20 at door

• ADVANCE TICKET information: (808)246-5515 or email: KMFkauai@hawaii.rr.com
  Reserved Special Seats available each evening in the Marriott Ballroom for Hula: RESERVED SECTION - Limited Seating - $25 each day or 3-Day Pack= $60

GET TICKETS at these locations:

• Hanalei Video & Music 826-9633;
• Vicky's Fabric (Kapa'a) 822-1746
• Scotty's Music (Kalaheo) 332-0090

MĀLIE FOUNDATION MISSION: To perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. 2007 THEME: Year of The `Ohana

2007 Update

:

The Board of Directors
of the
MĀLIE FOUNDATION

A new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Proudly announces the
“YEAR OF THE 'OHANA”
2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THE OHANA LECTURE SERIES

The Ohana Series - How to
Ohana -Past, Present & Future
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort
9-11am  FREE
Presenter:  Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier

How to Research Your Geneology
(How, Where, Resources, Methods)
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort
9-11am  FREE
Presenters:  Healani Trembath

How To Chant Your Geneology
(How, Why, When, Where, etc.)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort
9-11 am FREE
Presenter:  Kumu Hula Kehau Kekua

Ohana Day at the Kaua'i Museum
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Kaua'i Museum
10am-2pm  FREE
Family Activities

For further information and registration, please contact Nathan Kalama
at 808-822-2166.

23^rd ANNUAL KAUA’I MOKIHANA FESTIVAL

September 23-29

For further details visit our website at: www.mokihana.kauai.net

MĀLIE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

All year round

Visit our website for information at: www.molihana.kauai.net

MĀLIE FOUNDATION COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES include:

SPONSOR:

HAWAIIAN WORD FOR THE DAY

COMMUNITY RADIO KKCR

ALL YEAR ROUND (3X A WEEK)

JANUARY

HAWAII HOTEL ASSOCIATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

SPONSOR, 1 HOLE

FEBRUARY

KAUA’I MUSEUM MAY DAY LOGO CONTEST

JUDGE

MAY

KAUA’I MUSEUM ANNUAL LEI DAY COMPETITION

SPONSOR: MOST HAWAIIAN LEI

KAUA’I POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL

SPONSOR – BEST MUSICAL GROUP AWARD

JUNE

KAMEHAMEHA DAY PARADE

PARTICIPANT – DECORATED VEHICLE DIVISION

NOVEMBER

17 ANNUAL HULA O NA KEIKI COMPETITION

KA’ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL, MAUI

SPONSOR/JUDGE – BEST MUSICAL GROUP AWARD

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Miz Kauai Tita Pageant -2007

Press Release February 28, 2007 TO: All Media
FROM: Malie Foundation
PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746
808-822-2166

Event Coordinator: Jodi Omo email: jodi_omo@hilton.com 246-5515

MIZ KAUA`I TITA PAGEANT – 2007

Contestants Sought

Only on Kaua'i will you find a pageant that embraces all the joy of being a “tita” - and there is still time to become an applicant in the fourth annual Miz Kauai Tita Pageant. The word "tita" is pidgin for "sister" and is associated with strong character, beauty and affection - and a good sense of humor.

The contest is open to all Kauai residents over 18. Prizes include cash, jewelry and gift certificates. For application contact Jodi Omo 246-5515. Application fee is $25. Deadline is April 7 mailed to Malie Foundation PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746.

The pageant will be held at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort ballroom Friday, April 27, 7 pm. The master of ceremonies is Ekele Crozier. Island made crafts are available all day in hotel lobby. Crafters interested in selling local products at this event contact Edee Bandmann 634-5352 or email edee_bandmann@hotmail.com

Randi Flores, last year's winner of the title Miz Kaua'i Tita, joyfully receives her crown. Miz Tita will be present to hand the crown over to the next deserving contestant.

(Photo by Ed Eaton)

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