By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Ken Tatafu's friends and relatives share in the joy of his
participation in "Hawaii Stars," when he sang
"This is the Moment."

Entertainers of exceptional
ability have a night
to shine

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

"Hawaii Stars," the popular locally produced television show featuring amateur entertainers, on Friday will broadcast perhaps the most significant show in its five-year history.

The hourlong "Concert of Extraordinary Abilities," hosted by Carole Kai and Kimo Kahoano, features performances by six people of various disabilities. The show was taped May 22 at the Hawaii Theatre before an audience of about 1,300.

The performers:

Chris Serna, 16, originally from the Philippines and who now attends Pearl City High School, is blind. Serna played the piano.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Keao Wright sings "Castle in the Clouds."

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Keao Wright, 8, of Kaneohe, who is blind, sang.

Stephanie Zane, 31, of Honolulu, who has Down Syndrome, danced the hula while the Krush sang "Honolulu City Lights."

Matthew Tanielu, 12, of Molokai, who has Attention Deficit Disorder, performed a Hawaiian chant.

Nathan Chang, 14, of Honolulu, who has a mild cerebral palsy, sang.

Ken Tatafu, 11, who has spinal bifida, also sang.

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Host Carole Kai and the Krush congratulate Stephanie Zane
after her hula performance. She danced to "Honolulu City
Lights," sung live by the Krush.

Several other professional entertainers also participated, including I.E. Augie Tulba, B.B. Shawn, Forte, KQMQ's "Wendy from Waianae," kumu hula John Kaimikaua and Brian Robertshaw.

Each contestant was given $10,000 to be donated to the charity of their choice. Their parents took home $1,000 each in gift certificates.

The winner will receive a trip for four to Disneyland with air transportation donated by Continental Airlines, a $300 Ala Moana gift certificate and a $75 gift certificate from Crazy Shirts. First Lady Vicky Cayetano will present the winner with the Perpetual Trophy.

"This is the most rewarding show we've ever done because it brought out the best in people," said Carole Kai. "This program presents the strength, courage and love of the human spirit.

"Each kid was a star to showcase their talent and become a genuine star for that moment."

Hawaii Stars

Special show: "Concert of Extraordinary Abilities"
Time: 9 p.m. Friday
Station: KHON/FOX