KAPA‘A — Despite an audience of several hundred people attracted by the rat-a-tat of Tahitian drums rattling through the town of Kapa‘a, there was no shortage of parking as the Heiwa i Kaua‘i opened its two-day show at the Kapa‘a
KAPA‘A — Despite an audience of several hundred people attracted by the rat-a-tat of Tahitian drums rattling through the town of Kapa‘a, there was no shortage of parking as the Heiwa i Kaua‘i opened its two-day show at the Kapa‘a Beach Park.
Artisans and crafters whose work depicts items from the South Pacific as well as Kaua‘i occupied two tents that were frequented by spectators who took advantage of the breaks between solo competitions to browse through as well as purchase unique items.
Aunty Stella Miyoshi was honored as the heiwa queen by leaders of the event that has traversed different locations around the island over the past several years.
“I hope nobody is at the Kukui Grove Park,” one gate attendant remarked. The Kukui Grove Park and Pavilion was one of the sites where the event used to take place, and with the remodelling taking place at Vidinha Stadium, the event was settled in at the Kapa‘a Beach Park for this year.
As part of her honor as the heiwa queen, Miyoshi assisted in the distribution of lucky number prizes from her “throne” set up in the judges’ tent, a prime vantage point for viewing the competitive events.
Additionally, food booths, many manned by community organizations as a fund-raising venue, offered a variety of local style offerings.
The North Shore Pop Warner Association was one of these organizations, noting that they need to raise funds for a planned trip to Las Vegas similar to the one they undertook last year.
“We have a lot more players, now,” one of the attendants said while handing out a burger order. “We need to raise a lot more money.”
Another fledgling sports organization offering foodstuff was the Hanama‘ulu Boys Under 14 basketball team that was busy helping quench thirst generated by the hot sun with offerings of bottled water and cold drinks.
The heiwa, headed up by Tepairu Manea, his wife Jo, and a corps of volunteers, picked up where the Tahiti Fete left off several years ago.
The event is designed to showcase the Tahitian and Pacific Island connection to Hawai‘i through the offering of crafts, special entertainment presentations, and competitive dance.
Solo competition took place on Saturday with the group competition reserved for the Sunday schedule.
