NAWILIWILI — The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday honored Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala for its achievements at the 35th annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition. “I’m impressed with the discipline you show,” said Councilman Jay Furfaro, who watched intently
NAWILIWILI — The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday honored Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala for its achievements at the 35th annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition.
“I’m impressed with the discipline you show,” said Councilman Jay Furfaro, who watched intently as the dancers silently trooped in and took their places while their ‘ohana filled the remaining seats. “Discipline goes with the culture and it’s important to preserve what is Hawai‘i.”
Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao captured the 2010 Miss Keiki Hula title just ahead of her cousin Breeze Ann Pavao.
Reygan Agcaoili, performing with na kane dancers for the first time at the competition, finished fourth runner-up in the Master Keiki Hula competition, earning the Kawena ‘Ula Scholarship for his academic achievements.
Kane dancers of Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala finished second place in the hula ‘auana and third in the hula kahiko group competition during its first appearance.
Kaikamahine dancers, offering an opening oli before the county council, finished fourth in the hula ‘auana group competition.
“This is a testament of what is being passed on,” Councilman Derek Kawakami said. “You represented Kaua‘i.”
During the solo competition, Jaedyn mesmerized the audience with her rendition of Manawaiopuna, a presentation centering around Manawaiopuna Falls.
In preparation for the competition, Jaedyn and her kumu hula, Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin, flew to the falls so Jaedyn could “feel” the essence of the place she performed about. Her delivery at the competition epitomized the power of the waterfall.
“Hula teaches respect for the land and others,” Leina‘ala said. “Our kane performed a number about Anahola and we visited Anahola. During the performance, I told them to imagine dancing back at the Anahola park.”
The power of this experience delivered the commanding performance rewarded by the energy and roar of the audience, the council certificate states.
Kaulana Kou Inoa ‘O Kaua‘i is the number selected by Agcaoili in his bid for Master Keiki Hula. That presentation earned the 11-year-old seventh-grader fourth runner-up and the Kawena ‘Ula Scholarship.
Council Chair Bill “Kaipo” Asing rekindled memories of the days he used to visit his grandparents and struggled because they spoke only in Hawaiian.
“Culture is so important,” Asing said. “It is so great to hear of your achievements and you should be very proud of what you accomplished.”
Leina‘ala said participating in the Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition motivates the children who come back with aspirations to do better the next time.
In introducing her halau performers, she noted how one girl practiced the entire year, but when it was time to take the stage, she didn’t make it. Undeterred, that student continued to practice, and this year, was on the stage.
She added that hula also forces a family to be a family, parents having to work with dancers in creating lei and harvesting material to create the hula accessories, a facet that Kawakami agreed with, his own children being hula dancers.
Kaikamahine dancers include Rochelle Dela Cruz, Annie Funaki, Kaila Harris, Tiffany Ishibashi, Tehani Johnson, Emily Melchor, Krystle Pascua, Breeze Pavao, Jaedyn Pavao, Jelacia Peralta, Kukana Pulawa, Taelor Sagucio, Kaitlin Sandal, Niryanne Santiago, Nika Tapucol, Nalani Ventura and Kylie Wong.
Kane dancers include Rey Agcaoili, Reygan Agcaoili, Reyson Agcaoili, Java Aguon-Kona, Trey Delos Reyes, Luke Hunadi, Kainalu Palama, Jonah Sandal and Kukahiakea‘okaohimaunu Brun.
Visit www.leimokihana.com for more information.
