WAIMEA — Janet Kahalekomo said the secret is to teach na moopuna before they learn to say “no.” Kahalekomo was enjoying the broad overview of the Waimea Town Celebration from the patio of the West Kauai Visitor Center, flanked by
WAIMEA — Janet Kahalekomo said the secret is to teach na moopuna before they learn to say “no.”
Kahalekomo was enjoying the broad overview of the Waimea Town Celebration from the patio of the West Kauai Visitor Center, flanked by her family following the family’s demonstration of Hawaiiana.
“It was just another lei,” Janet said. “I was working with my moopuna on their lei for Na Paniolo Hat Lei Contest.”
The “just another lei” earned Janet grand prize honors in the adult division Saturday for her creation using cymbidium orchids, hand-woven dried roses and native uki grass. Jane also earned second place in the adult division, most beautiful category.
“There were more than 80 entries and they were all beautiful. They looked like they just came down from the mountain,” said Aletha Kaohi of the West Kauai Visitor Center.
Janet’s tutelage of passing on instruction paid off as her granddaughter, Kalena Kahalekomo, earned grand prize honors in the Grade 9-12 division. Kalena also won first place in the unique category of her division.
Another granddaughter, Layla Sahut-Gray, finished in third place for the beautiful category in the grade 6-8 division.
“It doesn’t look as good as when I made it,” Layla said, joining her grandmother in viewing the entries on display. “I started making lei when I was in the kindergarten.”
Winners
Adult Division, Grand Prize: Janet Kahalekomo.
Adult, Beautiful: Brandee Kanahele, Janet Kahalekomo, Kauai Iki.
Adult, Unique: Carmen Allen, Carlina Vea, Jerry Albarado.
Grade 9-12, Grand Prize: Kalena Kahalekomo
Grade 9-12, Beautiful: Bullah Kanahele, Kustom Vea, Stacey Kanahele.
Grand 9-12, Unique: Kalena Kahalekomo, Kustom Vea (2nd and 3rd places).
Grade 6-8, Grand Prize: Chase Merenian
Grade 6-8, Beautiful: Conner Kanahele, Niryanne Santiago, Layla Sahut-Gray.
Grade 6-8, Unique: Niryanne Santiago, Maile Sahut-Baniaga, Kyrah Piikea Sahut.
Grade 3-5, Grand Prize: Kyra McMurray.
Grade 3-5, Beautiful: Braden Sanpei (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
Grade 3-5, Unique: Pualani Jany, Braden Sanpei, Maikao Baniaga.
Grade K-2, Grand Prize: Urijah Acoba
Grade K-2, Beautiful: Urijah Acoba (1st, 2nd), Keola Lee Rivers.
Grade K-2, Unique: Urijah Acoba, Halia Albarado (2nd, 3rd).
