Judge’s dilemma

Traditional or innovative -- that's the dichotomy judges face at Merrie Monarch. But, tradition and accuracy hold sway in the most rigorous category -- that of interpretation of the poetry in chants and songs.

Other judging criteria:

Mele ka'i (performed while coming on stage): Posture, precision of movements, costuming, adornments, grooming, facial expression, hand gestures, body movements, feet movements.

Mele ka'i ho'i (sung while dancers leave): Overall presentation.

Kumu hula Wayne Chang said having judges hold up scorecards has been discussed for Merrie Monarch.

"It might help the contestants, who sometimes vary widely in scoring," said Chang, a former Merrie Monarch judge and competing kumu.

He believes that kumu disappointed about their scores ought to discuss the matter privately with evaluators.

"If there has been a discrepancy, the disgruntled kumu goes to the press and the radio. It's killing the whole thing," Chang. "They should talk to the judges. That's where it would go and no further. That's from the professional end of it -- from kumu to kumu."

Merrie Monarch judges

Cy Bridges: Kumu hula and Cultural Islands director, Polynesian Cultural Center

Ed Collier: Kumu hula, Iolani School

George Kananiokeakua Holokai: Retired hula instructor, Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation

Leina'ala Kalama Heine: Kumu hula, Na Pualei O Likolehua

Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele: Kumu hula, Halau O Kekuhi; assistant professor of Hawaiian studies and language, Hawaii Community College

Victoria Hanakaulaniokamama-lu Holt Takamine: Kumu hula, Pua Ali'i 'Ilima; instructor of Hawaiian music, dance and culture, University of Hawaii-Manoa

Noenoelani Zuttermeister: Kumu hula, UH lecturer