Traditional Hawaiian music prevailed as expected last night but by a closer margin than usual as the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts presented the 2010 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

Ho'okena—Manu Boyd, Horace Dudoit III, Glen Smith and Chris Kamaka—added another three Hokus to its career total as “;Nani Mau Loa—Everlasting Beauty,”; a finalist at the 2010 Grammy Awards in February, won awards for group of the year and Hawaiian-language performance.

Boyd added the third Hoku with a win for “;Hanohano Helumoa”; in the haku mele category for the best first-time recording of a newly written song or chant primarily in the Hawaiian language.

The three wins were the most for any artist this year. That makes nine Hoku awards for the group that was founded in 1989 but which traces its roots back to an earlier group, Kipona Leo Hawai'i, that performed in the mid-1980s.

Two Hokus for Anuhea Jenkins, niece of Na Leo Pilimehana member Nalani Jenkins Choy, made her the top winner representing contemporary and pop music. Her debut album, “;Anuhea,”; won in the most promising artist and contemporary album categories.

“;This award is not just an award, it's kind of an obligation,”; Jenkins said as she accepted the Hoku for most promising artist.

She said the award brought with it the duty to continue working and improving. “;I will uphold this award to the best of my best of my abilities.”;

Three other artists made multiple trips to the winners' podium: Jake Shimabukuro, Lorna Lim and Uluwehi Guerrero added two Hokus apiece to their collections.

Shimabukuro spoke of the blessings music had brought to his life. “;I started playing ukulele when I was 4 years old, and my mom was my first teacher. She taught me to love music and to always share.”;

Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom beat Mailani Makainai and Ku'uipo Kumukahi for album of the year, but Makainai won the showdown for female vocalist and Kumukahi's “;E Ku'uipo E Hula Mai Me A'u”; prevailed over Gilliom's “;Friends and Family of Hawai'i”; in the island music category. Raiatea Helm was also an also-ran for female vocalist, but she won for best music video/DVD over a field that included Willie K.

Willie did not go home empty-handed: His DVD took top honors over a strong field to win him the title of male vocalist of the year.