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Hard to judge such
lovely young women

Judging the 2006 Miss Hawaii USA and 2005 Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageants wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be.

With a ballroom full of family and friends looking on, Melissa Benz was named Miss Hawaii Teen USA on Saturday at the Sheraton Waikiki. Minutes later, Radasha Ho'ohuli learned she would represent Hawaii at the 2006 Miss USA Pageant.

It was the end of a pretty stressful night for me -- with so many beautiful and talented young women competing on stage, it was difficult to choose the winners. Miss Hawaii USA first runner-up Sonia Mendoza proved to be the evening's dark horse, scooping up awards for "Best in Interview," "Miss Popularity" and "Peoples' Choice." And second runner-up Amber Stone was in excellent physical shape, which resulted in "Best Swimsuit" and "Best Evening Gown" honors.

Sitting next to the lovely Pamela Young was an added bonus for me, although I was disappointed to find out her long-running "Mixed Plate" program has been canceled. And KITV reporter Jill Kuramoto, a fellow judge sitting across the stage from me, turned heads in a stunning dress. My thanks to 2 Couture's Takeo and Eric Chandler for the chance to participate ...

MY SATURDAY in Waikiki also gave me a chance to meet Cindy Kauanui, who represents local girl Sanoe Lake. The "Blue Crush" co-star is now living in California while pursuing an acting career. You'll be able to see her on the big screen later this year in "Cruel World," opposite Edward Furlong and Jaime Pressley.

Lake is also dropping in on the literary world with the release of "Surfer Girl." She co-wrote the book with Steven Jarrett, and is marketing it toward young women who are interested in surf culture.

"I hope girls reading this book will get a glimpse of a love that has been a huge part of my life," said Lake on the Web site www. surfergirlthebook.com. No word if any public appearances are planned locally in conjunction with the book launch ...

RADIO STATION Star 101.9 announced the lineup for its third annual "Band Camp" concert, scheduled for June 15 at Kapono's.

Big Island natives Pepper have been confirmed to play, along with Senses Fail and the Mad Caddies. More info on this one to come ...