February 2006

2006 Hapa Haole Hula - Contestants and Sponsors Sought

PRESS RELEASE – February 15, 2006

MEDIA CONTACTS: Carol Bain, (808) 246-2111, email: bain@kauai.net

Event Coordinator --Nathan Kalama, (808) 822-2166 email KMFKauai@webtv.net

2006 HAPA HAOLE HULA

Application Deadline April 7

KAUA`I, HI- - An event designed to feature the cultural talent from the hospitality industry, Hapa Haole Hula Competition., is seeking contestants to compete Friday, April 28. Contestants are sought for three divisions: Halau, Hotel & Business. Group or solo performers may apply. The event features hotel and business employees and will begin noon at the Kaua`i Beach Hotel and Resort ballroom. Halau solo contestants are also sought and will be featured in a separate division.

Application Fees:

• Hotel/Biz/Halau Solo -$25

• Hotel/Biz Group- $50

Contact Nathan Kalama, (808) 822-2166, for applications Email KMFKauai@msn.com.
DEADLINE: by Friday, April 7, 4 pm.

The event will be hosted this year at the Kauai Beach Hotel and Resort Grand Ballroom with judges selected from non-hotel-industry organizations.

The 5th annual fundraiser is designed to expand cultural awareness and generate early interest in and funds for the Kaua'i Mokihana Festival and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk. For information about becoming a contestant, or a sponsor, contact Nathan Kalama 822-2166.

“Hapa translates to ‘half’, Nathan explains, “so the music and dance are half Hawaiian and half Haole." Two divisions—one for hotel employees and one for business-sponsored organizations, are featured. The Halau category has also been added. Prizes include trophies and cash.

"Some of our most talented cultural performers work in the hotel industry, “ says Kalama, “but may not have the opportunity to participate in a competitive hula event. For those who work in industries other than hotel-related, this is a great opportunity for sponsorship and exposure for their companies as well as a unique way of recognizing their employees.”

Kaua`i businesses can sponsor a group of three dancers or more to promote their business. "It's a great way for any local business to participate at any level,” said Kalama.

The Hapa Haole Hula May Day is a fundraiser for the annual Kaua`i Mokihana Festival, which occurs every fall, and the Hawaii Hotel Association Visitor Industry Charity Walk. The HHA Charity Walk, Kauai’s largest fund raiser for non-profit organizations, occurs the second Saturday in May .

This unique hula competition was launched in 2002 with many Kauai hotel and business employees showcasing their talents. Coordinator, Nathan Kalama defines a Hapa Haole song as one with a Hawaiian theme, in terms of the land, its people or places and things, with a majority of lyrics in English. The event is sponsored in part by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua`i Economic Development office.

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