KEAUHOU TOPS AT KA HIMENI ANA: Marlene Sai and Richard Towill, fourth from left, congratulated Keauhou - Aina Asing, left, Kahanuola Solatorio, Zachary Lum and Kaipo Tilton - on taking top honors in the 2008 Ka Himeni Ana singing competition Saturday at Hawaii Theatre. The young quartet's renditions of "Lei Pua Kenikeni" and "La 'Elima," sung without microphones, won them an album deal with Hula Records. Stephen Inglis and Kalae Mills took second place; Na Leo o Na Keiki Kanikapila o Hula Hui o Kapunahala placed third.

Carmen and Keith Haugen watched the competition from choice seats a few rows back from the stage. It was a big weekend for the couple because they were celebrating the birth of their first great-grandson, Jaryk Kekoaokauaua Lucero, last Thursday.

Gaye Beamer, center, assisted contest judges Mahi Beamer and Nina Kealiiwahamana (seen here enjoying a break at intermission). Contestants were required to perform acoustically; steel guitar was the only instrument that could be electrically amplified. Judges considered the singers' voices as soloists and in harmonizing, and also their pronunciation of Hawaiian lyrics.

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS HONORED AT MACY'S: ProjectFocus Hawaii co-founder Lisa Uesugi, second from left, chatted with guests of honor Jocellyn Ruiz, Jayden Cabaccang and Dylan Hussein at a reception for "Reawakening," an exhibit of kids' photographs of their mothers, Sunday at Macy's Ala Moana. Ruiz, Cabaccang and Hussein were participants in ProjectFocus Hawaii's 2008 photography internship program for at-risk children and teens. Their work touches the heart.

Lorraine Robinson, executive director of Ka Hale Hoala Hou No Na Wahine, left, "Uncle Bobby" Moderow Jr. and Mark Patterson, warden of the Women's Community Correctional Center, congratulated ProjectFocus Hawaii co-founder Laurie Callies on the success of their efforts to help the young photographers and their mothers achieve goals and build self-esteem. "Reawakening" is on display at Macy's Ala Moana until Sept. 14.