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

Hapa Haole Hula 2006 Press Release

Press Release Kaua`i Mokihana Festival
Nathan Kalama 822-2166
Email: KMFKauai@msn.com

TO: All Media

Media contact: Carol Bain, 808-246-2111 bain@kauai.net

Festival Contact: Nathan Kalama; PH: (808)-822-2166 email: KMFKauai@msn.com

Mele Apana wins First Place at Hapa Haole Hula

Hapa Haole Hula succeeds each year to bring the best of the Hawaiian and Haole cultures together creating an atmosphere of friendship and aloha to overflow the crowded ballroom at Kauai Beach Hotel and Resort. Friday evening, April 28, cheers and hugs greeted the dancers of first place winners of the Business Group, Papa Laua`e O Makana and first place Business Soloist, Mele Apana.

Typically, some of the best entertainment that includes audience participation occurs during intermission. While hula and musical judges work feverishly to tally the scores, host Nathan Kalama brings the novel and the sublime to the stage.

Visitors from Alaska, Delaware, India and New Zealand, chosen from the audience to be island princesses for the event representing Maui, Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai respectively, performed a hula hoop hula competition. The Kauai island representative Ipu Maxwell-Brown from Aotearoa, New Zealand, won by overwhelming applause, likely due to home island advantage.

A dozen spontaneous hula competitors from the audience danced to the song “Hanalei by Moonlight”, and lovely Mokihana Poai was acknowledged the winner. Aunty Makuana Yasui performed two superb hula, proving that a life of dancing hula enhances graceful movement.

All this transpired under the royal gaze of the honorary king and queen, Gottfried and Dsjomer Dilpinger, visitors from Austria chosen from the audience who were delighted to receive lei and special seating for the entire event. These memories will likely be shared with hundreds of relatives and friends upon their return home.

Hapa Haole Hula Competition features songs inspired by the Hawaiian culture and lyrics are usually in English. Performing musicians included Kawika “Butter” Defries, Boy Apana and Keola Alalem's impressive falsetto. A special music award went to Papa Laua'e O Makana, featuring Lady Ipo Kanahele.

Hapa Haole Hula Competition Results by category winner:

• Halau Opio Solo – Nanea Nobrega

• Halau Opio Solo – Dominique Pascua

• Hotel Solo – Jodi Keala Hashimoto-Omo

• Businesses Solo:

1st place – Mele Apana

2nd place–Yuko Yoshida

3rd place–Chanell Flores

• Business Group Winners by Sponsor:

1st place – Papa Laua'e O Makana

2nd place–Dr. Robert Ancheta, Optometrist

3rd place–Menehune Plantation

Judges for the event listed by theme: Music – Kahanu Smith; Hotels–Stella Burgess; Hula – Aunty Nani Higa; Head judge and executive alakai – Kevin KenuE Kasparavich. Auditors for the event: Ho'ola Lahui Hawai'i, Kauai Community Health Center.

With a goal to acknowledge the cultural talents of those who work in the visitor industry, Hapa Haole Hula May Day is a fundraiser for the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival. Event sponsors include Hawai`i Tourism Authority, County of Kaua`i Economic Development Office, Kauai Beach Hotel and Resort, Halau Hula O Hali'ileo, Gateways, T&R Trophies, Kauai Worldwide Communications, Kahikolu Productions, Dr. Robert Ancheta, Optometrist, The Ladies of Ke Ala O Ka Laua'e, Menehune Plantation and Papa Laua'e O Makana.

Photos by Silver-Eaton Photography 1st place Business Group:Papa Laua'e O Makana

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. ###

Japan Kauai Mokihana Festival 2006

Results for the

Japan Kauai Mokihana Festival

held March, 2006, in Tokyo.

Group Wahine Auana

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

2. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama

3. Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Japan -- Kumu Hula Emi Hachisuga

Group Wahine Kahiko

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

2. Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Japan-- Kumu Hula Emi Hachisuga

3. Hau’oli Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Arlene Hau’oli

Group Kupuna Auana

1. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama

2. Minoakalani Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Minoakalani Ushijima

3. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

Group Hui/Ohana Auana

1. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama

2. I O Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Ikuko Onozawa

Group Keiki Auana

1. Minoakalani Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Minoakalani Ushijima

Group Kana Auana

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

Group Kane Kahiko

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

Solo Mrs Mokihana Hula Japan

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa; Dancer: Chinami Takahashi

2. Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Japan-- Kumu Hula Emi Hachisuga; Dancer: Ayano Mochizuki

3. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua00 Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama; Dancer: Yasuko Koike

Solo Kupuna Mokihana Hula Japan

1. I O Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Ikuko Onozawa; Dancer: Keiko Katsuragi

2. Minoakalani Hula Studio-- Kumu Hula Minoakalani Ushijima; Dancer: Sachiko Koyata

3. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama; Dancer: Hiroko Miyata

Solo Keiki Mokihana

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa; Dancer: Yuki Tsuburai

2. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama; Dancer: Yuki Tsuburai

Solo Mr Hula Auana

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawap Dancer: Masaki Mori

2. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama; Dancer: Joe Tanagawa

Solo Kaikamahine Auana

1. Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa; Dancer: Ayano Toyosawa

Solo Ms Mokihana Hula Japan

1. Hui Hula Naleikalakupua-- Kumu Hula Yukiko Hanayama; Dancer: Erina Iino

THREE SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS:

Overall Award: Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

Music Award: Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa; Musical group name: Na Lei

Kilohana Award: Hula Halau Kahula O Hawaii-- Kumu Hula Kyoko Kubokawa

Return to home page

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.

###

Hapa Haole Hula May Day 20005 Press Release

To: ALL MEDIA PRESS RELEASE – May 2, 2005
From: Kaua`i Mokihana Festival - Contact: Nathan Kalma 808-822-2166 Event Coordinator
PR Contact: Carol Bain 246-2111 bain@kauai.net

Watanabe Wins Hapa Haole Hula 2005 Solo
(Photo of Yumi Watanabe below)

Dancing to the upbeat tempo of “Kuhio Beach Mele”, Yumi Watanabe won first place business solo in 2005 Hapa Haole Hula May Day at Radisson Kaua`i Beach Resort Saturday, April 30, sponsored by Ke`ala O Ka Laua’e Halau Hula. The award for best musical performance was won by the group Na Punua O Kaua'i.
As always, event coordinator Nathan Kalama created audience participation, assigning visitors from the Netherlands, Japan, Canada and the mainland to be honorary May Day King, Queen and Princesses for a day. These delighted, honorary ali`i awarded Karlyn Sukehira their “people’s choice award for the best hula danced to “Beautiful Kaua’i”. Sukehira also won the Hotel Solo first place.
“Hapa haole music and hula is usually upbeat and lighthearted but sets a demanding pace to dance to,” Kalama explained. “It takes stamina, fitness and much practice to perform the dancing well, often for long duration. This is the popular music visitor’s love, and the performers that work so hard to professionally entertain are given the acknowledgement they deserve at this event.”
In the business group category, sponsored by Anuenue Wireless, Inc., Aunty Beverly Apana Muraoka led the Healani’s Hula Halau & Music Academy dancers to first place dancing to “Coconut Island”. A syncopated version of “Sophisticated Hula” brought Rohutu Entertainment second place.
Continuing in the business solo category, sponsored by Gaylord’s Kilohana Luau, Monica Maycong won 2nd place. Naomi Navarro won 3rd place sponsored anonymously. Rohotu Entertainment sponsored Veronica Pablo and Nicole Balbarino. Kauaian Days sponsored Heu`ionalani Bandmann..
The event was a fundraiser for Kaua`i Mokihana Festival and Hawaii Hotel Association Charity Walk (Saturday May 21, 2005). Sponsors include: Hawai`i Tourism Authority, County of Kaua`i Office of Economic Development, WalMart, Radisson Kaua`i Beach Resort. Many local businesses contributed, including: Hanalei Bay Resort, Kenui Aloha Lei Greeters, T&R Trophies, Lady Ipo Ferreira. ###
Kauai Mokihana Festival Website>

Miz Kaua`i Tita 2005

To: ALL MEDIA PRESS RELEASE – Updated 2 p.m. April 30, 2005
From: Kaua`i Mokihana Festival
PR Contact: Carol Bain (808)246-2111 bain@kauai.net

After the last pupu was tasted by the judges and the last sticky poi ballot was counted by the auditors, Chanelle Flores began her reign as Miz Kaua`i Tita 2005 waving to her fans who packed the Jasmine ballroom at the Radisson Kaua’i Beach Resort Friday night. Seven contestants with “tita-tude” battled for the honor, though da kine competition was rough. Thanks to excellent security this year, only minor bruising and poi throwing occurred (nah--just kidding).

Should the winner not be able to fulfill her duties as Miz Kauai Tita during the year, these contestants will try to fill her size ten shoes in the following order: Camae Trinque is 1st runner-up; Leina’ala Olivas is 2nd runner-up; Nai`a (Vicente) Finch is 3rd runner-up. Other worthy contestants included: Tavina Butac-Smith, Roberta Fernandez and Mikala Shofner.

New categories were introduced this year, as the judges wanted more than the usual conch-shell blowing and naughty hula. This year, each tita had to perform under pressure by creating a lei on stage in four minutes “Outta Da Bag”. The Bump & Grind talent portion was expanded to allow any unique demonstration of skill, including a martial arts demonstration by Mikala Shofner, and Camea Trinque crocheted a beanie while using three hula hoops(you had to be there). The audience sang along with Leina’ala Olivas as she strummed ukulele to “Hotel California”.

The poi-eating contest proved more difficult than expected when each was given a one-pound bag and told to “Eat as much as can in three minutes.” Those who applied the technique of tearing a hole in one bottom corner and sucking noisily were most successful. It was no surprise that more than one contestant began to throw poi at a neighbor. After the three-minute signal, one contestant was still hungry and would not stop eating. “Don’t come between a tita and her poi,” she snarled. Security, in the form of an impressive tita bouncer, Kamaile, was called in at that point and the contestants calmed down.

The sticky situation did not faze the master of ceremonies, Maka Herrod aka “Boomshakalaka Tita”, who kept a strong handle on the agenda, scolded both contestants and audience equally, and sparred jibes with ease. He was assisted by event coordinator Jodi Omo.

The Grab & Grind category challenged the contestants to create the best pupu snack. The combination of beef jerky, sweet li hing mui, pumpkin seed, shredded soft, hot ika, spam, roasted peanuts and Vienna sausage, mochi, wonton chips, nori maki arare rice crackers got everyone’s mouth watering.

All contestants were entertaining, refreshing and honest with their definitions of “what it means to be a tita” and some told jokes to make your hair curl. Each demonstrated the right attitude, style and self-confidence of a tita, and all spoke from the heart.

Though some may have blown better conch than Chanelle Flores, it was the original composition “Good Morning Sunshine” performance that put her over the top. The audience gave Flores a standing ovation. Many were jealous and wanted to scratch her. Three judges, Sandy Swift, Kevin Kenui Kasparovitch and Aunty Leimomi Hee worked with diligence to determine the winner and runners-up. Last year’s Miz Kauai Tita winner, Pa’ula Chandler, arrived from ‘Oahu in time to pass the crown to a deserving title-holder for 2005, Chanelle Flores. Duties of the 2005 Miz Kaua`i Tita include riding in the upcoming Kamehameha Parade, and generally being a tita all year long. “No problem,” Flores said, “I have a big heart; but don’t mess with me or else!”

The event was a fundraiser for Kaua`i Mokihana Festival and Hawaii Hotel Association Charity Walk (Saturday May 21, 2005). Sponsors include: Hawai`i Tourism Authority, County of Kaua`i Office of Economic Development, WalMart, Radisson Kaua`i Beach Resort, and many local businesses who contributed. Contestants received beautiful Hawaiian gold or silver jewelry from Don’s Camera & Jewelry, or prizes from South Pacific Galleria, Ching Young Store, Dukes, JC’s Flowers, Hula Moon, Kruzin’ Kaua`i, Island Sandals, Tax Store, Kauai Critters, Visions of Aloha, Hawaiian Paradise Flowers, The Shak, Mamo Arruda, Keoki’s, Goddess Drums, Sheena’s Gift Lines, Flip Art, Cruising Kauai Anchor Cove, Polynesian Café, Value Creation Marketing. ###

Don't Miss These Events on April 29 & 30

Tickets also available at the door while they last.

Press Release - Annual Events for 2005 -

Press Release - February 2, 2005
TO: All Media FROM: Kaua`i Mokihana
Festival PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746 Contact: Nathan Kalama 808-822-2166
KMFKauai@msn.com
Media contact: Carol Bain, 808-246-2111 bain@kauai.net

NA KAHU O KA MO`OMEHEU

(KEEPERS OF OUR HAWAIIAN CULTURE)

KAUA`I MOKIHANA FESTIVAL 2005 EVENTS

The following events list will be coordinated with the efforts of the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival during 2005

3rd Annual Japan Kaua'i Mokihana Festival

March 6-8, 2005

Kyurian Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Contact Person: Mr. Masami Miyato

Fax: 011-81-463-32-9943

2nd Annual Miz Kaua'i Tita Pageant

April 29, 2005 7pm Ticket =$10

Radisson Kaua'i Beach Resort

Contact Person: Jodi Hashimoto-Omo

PH: 808- 246-1955 jomo@radissonkauai.com

4th Annual Hapa Haole Hula May Day Competition

April 30, 2005 12 Noon $10

Radisson Kaua'i Beach Resort

Contact Person: Nathan Kalama

PH: 808- 822-2166

21st Annual Kaua'i Mokihana Festival

September 18-24, 2005

Island Wide --Varied Admission ; Many Free Events

Contact Person: Nathan Kalama -- PH: 808- 822-2166 email: KMFKauai@msn.com

For Complete Schedule VISIT OUR WEBSITE: http://mokihana.kauai.net

Events sponsored in part by Hawaii Tourism Authority and The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development

Hapa Haole Hula May Day 2005 Press Release

Two Great Events to be held on April 29 and 30, 2005

PRESS RELEASE -

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 PH: (808) 246-5515

CONTACT FOR CRAFTERS APPLICATIONS: Edee Bandman 634-5352

2005 HAPA HAOLE HULA MAY DAY

and the Miz Kaua`i Tita Pageant

Application Deadline Extended

KAUA`I, HI- - Saturday, April 30, marks the 4<sup>th</sup> annual Hapa Haole Hula Competition. Contestants are sought for two divisions: Hotel & Business. Group or solo performers may apply. The event features hotel and business employees and will begin noon at the Radisson Kaua`i Beach Resort ballroom. Contact Nathan Kalama, 822-2166, for applications by April 15

The Miz Kaua`i Tita Pageant will be held Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. at the Radisson Kaua`i Beach Resort. Last year's winner, Pa'ula Chandler, will hand over the title to one deserving contestant.

The prizes include cash, jewelry and gift certificates. There is a $50 entry fee. This event is part of the 2005 Hapa Haole Hula May Day and helps kick off the 21^th anniversary celebration for the Kaua`i Mokihana Festival. Contact Jodi Omo, 246-5515 for Miz Kaua`i Tita applications; postmark deadline April 15 to KMF, PO Box 13, Kapaa, HI 96746.

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. For information about becoming a contestant, or 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.

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.

&ldquo Hapa translates to &lsquohalf&rsquo, Nathan explains, &ldquoso the music and dance are half Hawaiian and half Haole."

Two divisions&mdashone for hotel employees and one for business-sponsored organizations, are featured. Prizes include trophies for the hotel or business to proudly display.

"Some of our most talented cultural performers work in the hotel industry, &ldquo says Kalama, &ldquobut 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.&rdquo There are cash prizes for all divisions.

Kauai businesses can sponsor a group of three dancers or more to promote their business. The event also includes a silent auction fund raiser that allows hotels and businesses to donate products and services of any value. "It's a great way for any local business to participate at any level,&rdquo 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, Kaua`i's largest fund raiser for non-profit organizations, occurs 2 ^nd Saturday in May .

The event will be hosted this year at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort Grand Ballroom with judges selected from non-hotel-industry organizations. Forms for the Hapa Haole Hula event are available from Nathan Kalama, 822-2166, or email KMFKauai@msn.com

This event is sponsored in part by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and the County of Kaua`i Economic Development office.