CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Miss Aloha Hula candidate Devynne Sue, left, and other members of kumu hula Ed Collier's Halau o Na Pua Kuku, practiced the kahiko "A Kaua'i I Ke 'Olewa Iluna" in preparation for the Merrie Monarch Festival.

In the eyes
of the judges

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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Collier chants. The festival's hula competition opens on Thursday night.

Merrie Monarch Festival on air KITV 4 will air the 41st annual Merrie Monarch Festival live, Thursday through Saturday. The live coverage begins at 6 p.m. each night, following KITV 4 News. KITV 4 News anchor Paula Akana will show viewers what it takes to prepare for this year's competition with her hourlong special, "Backstage at the Merrie Monarch," airing at 7 p.m. tomorrow. In addition to the live TV coverage, KITV 4's Web site, www.thehawaiichannel.com, will be offering comprehensive coverage of the festival, especially for hula fans outside the state. Web users can watch live, streaming video of each night's competition, and will be able to get results and video highlights of the performances.

Merrie Monarch

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