KAPA‘A — Garrett “Asu Ole Afi” Chaney came all the way from Utah to capture top honors at the inaugural Po Afi Samoan Fire Knife Competition Saturday night at Kapa‘a Beach Park.
Chaney topped the ages 19-39 category to earn the Mayor’s Office “Overall Highest Score”, and the Fight Like A Ninja – Ice 4 Fire “Aloa Spirit” awards.
Kaua‘i fire-knifer Pomaikai Libre finished second in the ages 19-29 category, and earned the Heiva I Kaua‘i “Showmanship” award.
Po Afi, translated to mean “night fire,” was presented by iSiva FireKnife Crew that includes the Michael Drake ‘ohana.
“I would say it’s a success,” Michael Drake said Sunday while recounting the night’s experiences at the fire knife station at the final day of Heiva I Kaua‘i. “People kept coming. We ran out of tickets at 700 people, and they still kept coming in.”
Drake said following a story that appeared in The Garden Island, the event went viral and people were calling from all over. “I’m coming,” they said, expressing their support for the Samoan cultural event.
Tepairu Manea, president of Heiva I Kaua‘i, said next year’s heiva will feature Po Afi in a more prominent position during the programming.
Results
Age 12 and under: Elias Moananu (Mauga Mu, O‘ahu), Tua Moananu (Mauga Mu, O‘ahu), Micah Whitney (Toa Ole Afi, Kaua‘i).
Ages 13-18: Cyson Woodward (Independent, Kaua‘i), Dylan De Leon (Independent, Kaua‘i), Turner Ruutia Lee (Te ‘E‘A o Te Turama, Hawai‘i), Shawn Nerida (Independent, Kaua‘i).
Ages 19-39: Garrett “Asu Ole Afi” Cheney, (Mauga Mu, Utah), Pomaikai Libre (Independent, Kaua‘i), Kamuela Nobriga-Ferris (Independent, Kaua‘i).
Special O.G. age 40 exhibition: Pete Whitney (Toa Ole Afi, O‘ahu).
Mayor’s Office Overall Highest Score: Garrett “Asu Ole Afi” Chaney, (Mauga Mu, Utah).
Fight Like a Ninja – Ice 4 Fire Aloha Spirit: Garrett “Asu Ole Afi” Chaney, (Mauga Mu, Utah)
Heiva I Kaua‘i “Showmanship: Pomaikai Libre (Independent, Kaua‘i)
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
