Kumu Hula Pohaikealoha Souza of Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua will honor graduates of her first Uniki (graduation) class during a concert at 5 p.m. today in the McKinley High School Auditorium.

The three newly graduated kumu hula are Rosaline Dodie Keaolaniakea Holmes, Carol Malina Kaulukukui and Catherine Keuekau'iopuakea Ostrem.

The concert, called “;Kupu A'e,”; will celebrate in dance and song each of Hawaii's ruling alii from Kamehameha I to Queen Liliuokalani.

Reaching kumu status in hula is roughly the equivalent of receiving a doctorate degree in hula. Kumu status can take more than five years of study to achieve and requires the graduate to be an expert dancer, chanter and choreographer, as well as being knowledgeable in Hawaiian history, language and protocol.

Musicians Walter and Luana Kawaiaea, and the Jeff Teves Quartet will perform in the second half of the concert. Walter Kawaiaea is a protege of Kahauanu Lake, and Jeff Teves comes from a long family line of musicians. Many in his quartet have also studied music with Kahauanu Lake.

Tickets are $25. Children 5 or younger will be admitted free. For more information, call 722-0587.