April 2006

Application Deadline Extended to April 14

Kaua`i Mokihana Festival PRESS RELEASE – April 10, 2006 MEDIA CONTACTS: Carol Bain, Vice President (808) 246-2111, email: bain@kauai.net Nathan Kalama, Event Coordinator (808) 822-2166 email KMFKauai@webtv.net CONTACT FOR MIZ KAUA`I TITA: Jodi Omo – 246-5515 CONTACT FOR CRAFTERS APPLICATIONS: Edee Bandman 634-5352

2006 Hapa Haole Hula May Day & the “Miz Kaua`i Tita” Pageant
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 14

KAUA`I, HI- - Friday, April 28, marks the 5th annual Hapa Haole Hula Competition. This unique hula competition was launched in 2002 with many Kauai hotel and business employees showcasing their talents. This year the event will be held at the Kaua`i Beach Resort & Hotel ballroom at 7 p.m.

The Miz Kaua`i Tita Pageant will be held Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. at the Kaua`i Beach Resort & Hotel ballroom. Last year's winner, Chanell Flores, will hand over the title to one deserving contestant. The prizes include cash, jewelry and gift certificates.

Both evening events help kick off the 22th anniversary celebration for the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival. Festival 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. “Hapa translates to ‘half’, Kalama 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. Prizes include trophies for the hotel or business to proudly display.

The deadline for submitting an application to be a contestant for either event has been extended to April 14. Email Nathan Kalama KMFKauai@msn.com or call 822-2166 for Hapa Haole Hula applications. For Miz Kauai Tita applications and information contact Jodi Omo 246-5515 or email jomo@kauaibeachhotelandresort.com

The annual fundraiser is designed to expand cultural awareness and generate early interest in and funds for the Kauai Mokihana Festival and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Tickets are $10 for each event and are available at Blockbuster Lihue & Kapaa, Hanalei Video & Music, and Menehune Plantation at Eleele. For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Nathan Kalama 822-2166. Visitors to the two day event will also be able to find island-made crafts.

All crafters interested in having a table in the lobby of the hotel for both days contact Edee Bandmann at 634-5352.

"Some of our most talented cultural performers work in the hotel industry, “ Kalama said, “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.” There are cash prizes for all divisions. Kauai 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.”

The event will be hosted this year at the Kauai Beach Resort Hotel Grand Ballroom with judges selected from non-hotel-industry organizations. This event is sponsored in part by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua`i Economic Development office. ###