Queens gather crowns, titles

PUHI — Diandra Melchor and Jaeda Vega topped a field of 11 beauties Saturday, capturing the titles of Miss Kauai USA and Miss Kauai Teen USA, respectively, before an enthusiastic audience of more that 300 people at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.

Melchor also earned the Interview and Swimsuit special awards en route to her crown at the pageant which consisted of a judge’s interview, and swimsuit and evening gown phases. She was able to let the audience get to know her through a series of questions posed by the pageant’s first Miss Kauai USA Liane Ancajas and Miss Kauai Teen USA Gianna Riopta.

Vega picked up the Hospitality award for the number of ads sold for the program booklet, Popularity for the number of pageant tickets sold, and the Evening Gown award en route to her Miss Kauai Teen USA 2015 title.

Saturday’s pagent is the second Kauai preliminary pageant for the Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant which will take place in November, said Alicia Jones, the executive director of the state pageants.

Marli Genegabus earned the Miss Garden Isle Teen USA title, and Harley Broyles was crowned the Miss Garden Isle USA.

Kaira Kaaihue earned the Photogenic award en route to being named the Miss Kauai Teen USA first runner-up.

Drewan Pigao earned the Congeniality award en route to being named to a tie for the second runner-up position with Shaylia Pimental in the contest described as very tight by emcee Emma Wo, the Miss Hawaii USA 2015.

On the keiki stage, Phoenix Longley was crowned Kauai’s Jr. Teen Miss 2016.

Serena Bryant, earning the Interview and Photogenic special awards, was graced with the sash of Kauai’s Pre-Teen Miss 2016.

Savannah Miranda, earning the special awards for Congeniality, Casual Wear and Formal Dress, was crowned Kauai’s Mini Miss 2016.