Film of ancient hula epic
debuts at Hawaii Theatre

Tickets are now available for the June 1 world film premiere screening of "Holo Mai Pele," the epic story of the goddess Pele and her sister, Hi'iaka, at the Hawaii Theatre.

In the fall the hourlong television program will be broadcast nationally on PBS's award-winning "Great Performances" -- in the isles, on Hawaii Public Television. The film features the renowned dance company Halau o Kekuhi, the first time traditional Hawaiian dance and chant has been selected to be broadcast nationally in a major theatrical setting.

The premiere event will also include a performance by the halau and commentary from kumu hula Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka'ole of Hilo, and filmmaker Catherine Tatge. It is a benefit for Pacific Islanders in Communications and HPTV.

A limited number of tickets for premium seating, along with the post-show reception, are available for $100 through HPTV by calling 973-0289. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more may buy tickets for $15 apiece. For more information, call the box office at 528-0506.

On June 2 a half-day workshop on "The Making of Holo Mai Pele" will be held at Ward Warehouse with Kanahele and Tatge for $40 each, or $30 for PIC members and students. For reservations, call Tau Marketing and Communications at 941-5097.

Free hula fest celebrates
story, culture of Molokai

A free hula festival will be held on Molokai 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19 at Papohaku Beach Park at Kaluakoi.

The 11th Annual Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko -- A Celebration of the Birth of Hula on Molokai will feature performances from all islands and Japan. Hawaiian crafts will be demonstrated and available for purchase. Hawaiian food and Molokai specialties will also be sold.

A series of lectures and storytelling about the island's history will be presented by kumu hula John Kaimikaua from 7 to 8 p.m. May 16, 17 and 18 at Kulanaoiwi.

He will also conduct excursions to archaeological sites. On May 16 meet at Coffees of Hawaii at 9:30 a.m.; on May 17 meet there at 3 p.m. On May 19 a hoolaulea will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Papohaku Beach Park.

For information, call Kaimikaua at (808) 672-3220.

Musical guests help
TV's Tiny make a splash

TV personality Tiny Nitro Tadani will get a little help from his friends during the Pepsi Tiny CD Concert taking place 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Hawaii Theatre.

Tadani will be host to several musicians who performed on his "Tiny CD." Featured will be Rocky Brown, Dita Holifield, Ellsworth Simeona, Bruddah Sam, Lina Girl, Forte!, Jeff Rasmussen, Tani Lynn Fujimoto and special guests Jake Shimabukuro, Lopaka Colon and Reign.

Tickets for the Pepsi Tiny CD Concert are available at the Hawaii Theatre box office for $25, or $20 with an Oceanic Kupa'a Card.

For more information, call 528-0506.

Click for online
calendars and events.

---

Send WatDat? questions, stories
or any other story ideas or comments to:
Features, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080,
Honolulu, HI 96802 or send a fax to 523-8509
or E-mail to features@starbulletin.com.
Please include your phone number.