ByDennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Kenneth Makuakane and
Na Leo Pilimehana win for anthology.
Helm cited at Hokus
By John Berger
Special to the Star-BulletinAlaka'i Paleka and kumu hula Charles Ka'upu kicked a torpid "party" into action last night as the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) presented the first part of the 20th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at the Sheraton Waikiki. The proceedings weren't televised (but tonight's will be, at 7:30 p.m.on KFVE). The duo's references to that fact fueled hilarity.
Attendance appeared relatively light last night. Those who showed witnessed other television-worthy moments:
Harry B. Soria Jr. accepted the Hoku Award for liner notes with the observation that, "This award will have to serve as overdue recognition for George Helm." It was a polite reference to the fact that HARA had ruled, "The Music of George Helm -- A True Hawaiian" ineligible in all other categories. Noting that Helm's recordings "were not recognized at the first Hoku Awards" 20 years ago, Soria cited Helm's first liner notes author, Mel Masuda, and Michael Cord of HanaOla Records for producing the new Helm album and ensuring royalties are paid to the Helm 'ohana.
Cyril Pahinui personified quiet dignity in accepting the Bank of Hawai'i Ki Ho'alu Award; he'll reunite with Bla and Martin tonight as their father is honored with a posthumous and long-overdue Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beloved kupuna Irmgard Aluli ("ever so grateful") thanked one and all as recipient of the ASCAP Composers Award.
Jon de Mello, co-winner with Israel Kamakawiwo'ole in the graphics category for Iz' "In Dis Life," was concise accepting on behalf of the absent Iz.
Angie Morales and producer Kenneth Makuakane were poised and professional as Na Leo Pilimehana's "Anthology I 1984-1996" won anthology honors.
Shardel Kalua Bush gave thanks in English and Mitchell Miles Jr. in Hawaiian, as recipients of $2,500 Bill Murata scholarships courtesy of Lea Uehara and Tropical Music/Poki Records.
Performers included Genoa Keawe, Brothers Cazimero, Palani Vaughan, Jay Larrin, Loyal Garner, Jon & Randy, Del Beazley, and the Krush.
Hoku Awards Online
Visit the Hawaii Association of Recording Artists
Web site tonight for live chat and updates during the telecast.Watch starbulletin.com tomorrow for Mele Melee contest winners.
John Berger has covered the
local entertainment scene since 1972.
