HARA Lifetime Achievement Awards

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Frances Kirk, center, and Dr. Richard Kelly congratulated Society of Seven members Tony Ruivivar, left, Hoku Low and Bert Sagum after the group was recognized at the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts 2007 Lifetime Achievement Awards luncheon at the Monarch Room on March 10. There was a bit of irony in the honor because eligibility policies during the SOS's heyday in the 1970s and early '80s barred their hits from HARA's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards ballot. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Keynote speaker Gov. Linda Lingle, left, was greeted by Tiffany Asing, UH-Manoa Centennial Events coordinator. Lingle spoke at length on the importance of legislative support for the Music Enterprise Learning Experience program, nicknamed MELE, which will give Hawaii residents hands-on, college-level training for careers in all areas of the music industry. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Presenter Jimmy Borges, left, talked with 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gabe Baltazar. Baltazar reassured the crowd during his acceptance speech that he was using a cane only because he'd strained his back while "moving house" earlier in the week. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Rene Paulo told the audience that he was "overwhelmed by this honor." He was then joined by Gabe Baltazar for a beautiful rendition of "Akaka Falls" arranged for piano and sax. Among the many members of the Paulo ohana in attendance were his wife and longtime recording partner, Akemi Paulo, third from left, and daughters Kathy Paulo-Hirai, left, and Gail Paulo. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
All four surviving members of the Surfers -- Pat Sylva, left, Joe Stevens, Bernie Ching and Clay Naluai -- became the fourth group to be honored for lifetime achievement. Brickwood Galuteria, right, introduced the pioneering Hawaii show group, and a video clip of Naluai singing "He Ain't Heavy" with his brother, the late Al Naluai, was the emotional climax of the program. CLICK FOR LARGE