The Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Ala Moana Hotel was an extremely lengthy program but one that was loaded with fabulous Hawaiian talent. It started at approximately 1 p.m. May 3 with an outstanding performance by Kimo Keaulana and Lei Hulu and wound up near dusk with award-winning Puamana leading the crowd in "Hawaii Aloha."
Puamana for many years was made up of the late Irmgard Farden Aluli, her daughters Mihana Souza and Aima McManus and her niece Luanna McKinney. Among the highlights were hard-working emcee Kimo Kahoano and Hailama Farden dancing an impromptu hula to "Boy From Laupahoehoe," written by Irmgard. They were terrific. Puamana was the last act and the women sang more of Irmgard’s songs, with hula by the Puamana Ohana Dancers including 95-year-old Mokihana Aluli Teves.
Ken Makuakane, a singer, guitarist, record producer, engineer and songwriter, who was covered with lei, put on a show within a show upon receiving his award. Na Leo — Nalani Choy, Angela Morales and Lehua Kalima — sang for him, there was hula and his group Pandanus Club performed. Ken also gave a deeply moving speech. Great stuff.
The Ho‘opi‘i Brothers, Richard and the late Sol Ho‘opi‘i, were winners. Richard’s son Kai filled in for Sol on their hits. Eight members of the family danced hula and there was much comedy. Nina Keali‘iwahamana, one of the great voices of Hawaii, sang for winner Jimmy Mo‘ikeha, a singer and longtime hotel exec.
Lifetime award winner and radio star "Whodaguy" Ron Jacobs had the crowd in stitches with his comedy about island entertainers, celebrities, politicians and personalities from all walks of life. Funny indeed! Noelani Mahoe and the Leo Nahenahe Singers performed for the late Harold Hakuole, a versatile musician, singer and arranger. Henry Allen, a singer, songwriter, musician and producer, was another award winner.
The Krash Kealoha Industry Award went to the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club. Their strong manly voices under the direction of Aaron Mahi were very well received. (For photos of the event, visit honolulupulse. com.) …
This month the Halekulani is presenting its 2015 Na Hoku Hanohano Sunday lunch concert series, in partnership with Mele Mei, at the House Without A Key. Mele Mai is a celebration of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture. Puamana performs Sunday, noon to 2:30 p.m. On May 24 it’s Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom and May 31 Cyril Pahinui has the stage. …
Eurocinema Hawaii’s independent film festival dates are Oct. 15-22, with its red carpet awards gala set for Oct. 23 at the Moana Surfrider. Now in its sixth year, EuroCinema Hawaii has a new screening partnership with Consolidated Theatres at Ward Stadium and Kahala 8, and a continuity partnership with presenting sponsor Luxury Row.
Officers of EuroCinema Hawaii are: Patrick Gey, president; Chris Lee, vice president; Elizabeth Kawananakoa, vice president; and Carmen DiAmore-Siah, treasurer and secretary. Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale is festival founder and board member. Consultant is former Gov. Neil Abercrombie. …
Singer Jimmy Borges performs with the Honolulu Jazz Quartet at Medici’s May 22 in Manoa Marketplace. The HJQ is made up of bassist John Kolivas, saxman Tim Tsukiyama, pianist Dan Del Negro and drummer Von Baron. Cover charge is $25. Call 351-0901 for reservations.
Kolivas said: "My mother, Dolly Kang Lott, used to take me to Keone’s on Lewers Street to hear Jimmy Borges and (pianist) Betty Loo Taylor when I was a teenager in the 1970s. Jimmy and Betty and their solid bassist, Duane Park, were big influences on me as a kid." …
Lotsa Laughs in the Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon comedy "Hot Pursuit." Every time Sofia speaks in her delightful accent she gets laughs as the pair is chased by killer drug cartel members and cops. It brought back memories of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy in "The Heat." …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
