I'll Remember You
Goodbye, Don; Hello, Gabby

The 44th Merrie Monarch Festival has come and gone, and it was another fabulous celebration of everything hula. The music was great, the dancing, superb. The parade was a true highlight, with the elegant pa'u princesses resplendent in satin and bedecked with lei. Here and there around Hilo town, the long-time-no-see friends were a delight to run into. Even the weather held up with the famous ka ua Kani-lehua rains waiting till Sunday before showering down.
The Afook Chinen Auditorium was buzzing with many of the most sought-after artisans setting up temporary displays: lei pupu 'o Ni'ihau from Ehulani and Kele Kanahele, gorgeous lei hulu (feather work) from Paulette Kahalepuna and Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa of Kapahulu, the best lauhala hats from Kalapana, Laupahoehoe and Kona, apparel adorned with the stunning contemporary designs of Hawaiian Force, Nelson Makua, Nake'u Awai and Kealopiko, and the fine artwork of Solomon Enos. Joey Lee's silk floral sprays, Dean Ka'ahanui's hand carved jewelry, Randy Lee's hand-block-print linen bags, and the Poke to Your Taste truck parked outside next to the Butler building, serving up special order fresh fish.
Lena Machado remembered
Maile Meyer's Native Books was my favorite this year, and one book in particular, Lena Machado, Songbird of Hawai'i, My memories with Aunty Lena, by Pi'olani Motta with Kihei De Silva, is a winner. As her adored hanai daughter, Motta held a special spot in the life of one of Hawai'i's most beloved songstresses and offers a never-before-seen glimpse into a bygone era.
This songbook includes sheet music for thirty songs, Hawaiian and English lyrics and extensive footnotes plus historical and biographical information (and accompanying photos) for each song. This is a wonderful gift for singers, songwriters and for everyone who loves Hawai'i. You can get your copy from nativebookshawaii.com
Kea'au Idol '07
And the winner is … Gabriella "Gabby" Feola! The Kea'au Middle School eighth grader stole the judges' hearts with a nostalgic, tender rendition of Kui Lee's, "I'll Remember You."
Based loosely on the American Idol original, the final night of competition was held on Saturday April 21 at the bustling Kea'au Village Market.
Although way too young to remember the 1964 original, Feola, 13, chose the classic tune because it was a favorite of her late grandfather, O.B. Buchner of Hawaiian Beaches.
Feola is no stranger to the stage. She's competed in various talent contests since the age of 5. In 1999, she was the first-place keiki winner (and the youngest contestant) in the popular Hawai'i Stars Karaoke Contest. Later, she went on to capture the 2003 Little Miss Hawai'i Island crown with a big performance of American Idol Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This."
Feola, who recently returned to Hawai'i after three years in North Carolina, is "so happy to be back home in the islands." This win takes Feola one step closer to her professional goal of becoming a successful recording artist.
Check out youtube.com and type in "Don Ho Tribute from Puna, Hawaii" to see Gabby perform her winning selection.
Contestant coordinator Sherry Fox thought all the kids did a "fabulous job! They had great energy and just blew me away with their talent. It was the real deal!"
Second-place finisher was Sherry Lozier, 16, of Hilo High; Arieka Longakit, 7, of Ka 'Umeke Ka'eo Public Charter School was third; Oluremi Hammouri-Davis, 8, of Mt. View Elementary placed fourth; and Camerie You, 13, of Waiakea Middle School came in fifth.
Malama Punalu'u Music Festival
Volunteers are needed now for the First Annual Malama Punalu'u Music Festival, scheduled for Labor Day weekend (September 1-2) at the Na'alehu Park. Proceeds will benefit the restoration and preservation of Punalu'u. Contact Jim Spielman, special events coordinator; jim@kaupreservation.org or visit kaupreservation.org
Don Ho
Don Ho, born August 13, 1930 in Honolulu, died on Saturday, April 14. He was 76.
For so many of us, kama'aina and malihini alike, Don Ho was the essence of the tall, tan, 'ukulele-in-hand, Hawaiian beach boy. For a lot of people across the nation and around the world, he was Hawai'i.
I recently had the opportunity to meet Ho at a party in South Kona. Wearing his signature dark glasses, sun visor and a casual sport coat, he was still the king of cool on Waikiki (or any beach, for that matter).
With a blazing red sunset dropping into the azure blue sea serving as a backdrop, he was a complete gentleman, kind, good natured and generous. It was fun to watch a sophisticated group of jet setters melt into his hands as he sang a few lines of his most popular hits. The women swooned, the men stood back and smiled, acknowledging the undeniable: Don Ho was still the man. Aloha e Don … a true son of Hawai'i. Your voice lives on.
Aloha a hui hou as the beat goes on…
Reach Desiree at islandbeat@hawaiiislandjournal.com.
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