Hawaii Tribune-Herald Sunday, April 16, 2017 9 Start building your home in Hawai‘i today! Customizable plans an d material packages that simply save you time and money. Connect with an HPM Home Design Consultant Call us or visit our website today! 2017 Merrie Monarch Festival “I’m really looking forward to seeing them again,” Kawelu said of Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila. The kane of Hilo’s Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani have knocked on the door the past several years, getting its name called during Saturday night’s awards ceremony the past four years. Last year, kumu hula Nahoku Gaspang’s men grabbed everyone’s attention, finishing first in kahiko, second in ‘auana, second in kane overall and third in the overall judging. Gaspang, who is bringing men and women this year, wouldn’t make a prediction but said her experienced kane group is “always ready.” Other halau that know what it’s like to win it all at Merrie Monarch include Kawaili‘ula, under the direction of Chinky Mahoe, and Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, under the direction of na kumu hula Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook. Both are perennial contenders, with Kawaili‘ula winning it all in 2013 and Kamuela in 2008. Kekai O Kahiki won kane overall titles three consecutive times from 2009-11 and the overall title in 2010. The halau’s beloved kumu, O’Brian Eselu, died just prior to the Merrie Monarch in 2012, but the halau is still strong under kumu hula La‘akea Perry. The last time a wahine troupe has won the Merrie Monarch’s overall title was in 2011, when Maui’s Halau Ke‘alaokamaile captured hula’s most coveted award. Its kumu hula, Hawaiian entertainment superstar Keali‘i Reichel, returns to the festival this year as a judge. Joining him as stage-side arbiters are Ainsley Halemanu, Lahela Ka‘aihue, Pualani Kanahele, Etua Window From page 6 HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald President Luana Kawelu is introduced during the 2016 Merrie Monarch Festival. The last time a wahine troupe has won the Merrie Monarch’s overall title was in 2011, when Maui’s Halau Ke‘alaokamaile captured hula’s most coveted award. Its kumu hula, Hawaiian entertainment superstar Keali‘i Reichel, returns to the festival this year as a judge. See WINDOW Page 11
mm2017a
To see the actual publication please follow the link above