StarBulletin.com

Lei makers compete for cash on Saturday


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POSTED: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

One-of-a-kind flower lei creations will compete for cash awards in the Saturday Lei Day celebration at Kapiolani Park.

The island floral spectacular, with musical entertainment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hawaiian craft exhibits and demonstrations and food booths, is expected to draw a large crowd because Lei Day falls on a weekend this year, said Kaiulani Kauahi, city Parks and Recreation Department culture and arts coordinator.

Lei queen Jamie Kaohulani Detwiler, a social worker with the Army at Schofield Barracks, will be crowned at the opening of the festivities. To be invested as princesses are Lauri-Ann “;Kaui”; Quihano, rental manager with Hawthorne Pacific, and Marie Paresa, a counselor at Farrington High School. This year the members of the Lei Day court were selected in the makua age category between 31 and 54 years of age. In alternate years the court is chosen from young adult candidates, the makua age group and senior citizens.

Cash awards ranging from $60 to $250 are presented in several categories of neck leis and hat leis. The mayor's grand prize for best in the show brings a $500 award. There is a category for beginners.

Entries must be delivered between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Saturday at the park. Information on the contest is available at the city website: http://www.honolulu.gov/ parks under “;park events and activities”; or by calling Todd Hiranaga at 973-7250.

The Royal Hawaiian Band will open the Lei Day program at the bandstand at 9 a.m., and entertainment throughout the day will include performances by Kapena, Na Wahine o ka Hula Mai ka Puuwai, Maunalua, Polynesian Cultural Center dancers, Halau Hula o Hokulani, Super B. Boy Crew, Kolohe Kai and Nesian N.I.N.E.

Musicians in the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association will play from 12:15 to 3 p.m. in the lei exhibit area.

A Tutu Hale for children will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. with storytelling, lei making and other crafts taught by kupuna.

The 83rd annual event is supported by sponsors Hawaiian Electric Co., Times Supermarket and a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.