Merrie Monarch 2008

[Lei Liko]

...is next week. Are you ready (http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/about_merrie_monarch_festival.html)? It's my Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's combined!

Miss Aloha Hula Contestants (http://www.kitv.com/merriemonarch/15694954/detail.html)
Wahine Halau (http://www.kitv.com/merriemonarch/7973972/detail.html)
Kane Halau (http://www.kitv.com/merriemonarch/8036919/detail.html)

Leilani Rojas and Aureana Tseu competed for MAH last year. Kapalai`ula DeSilva competed 2 years prior, I believe.

Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu`uanahulu are back after a 2 year hiatus! Also back are O'Brien Eselu's Ke Kai o Kahiki (kane), Chinky's Hula Halau o Kawailiula, Ellen Castillos Puka`ikapuaokalani Hula Halau (wahine), and Halau Hula o Hokulani (Larry & Hokulani DeRego).

Noticeably absent are last year's Overall winners, Halau I Ka Wekiu. DAMN. I really wanted to see those boys in their malos again. Images of them as Lohiau are still fresh. ;)

Also absent are Kaleo Trinidad's men, Snowbird's gang, the girls from Na Lei o Kaholoku, and Manu Boyd's halau. :( A lot of new faces and old ones we haven't seen for a while this year.

I know Sistah Pua'i Mana'o is soaking up the Haili VB Tournament (her most favorite weekend, MM is 2nd), but hopefully she'll be in here soon!

Unfortunately I'll be missing it this year as I prepare for my trip to Sedona...but hopefully several HTers will go and give us the scoops!

[tutusue]

Lei, didn't you magically appear on HT one year around MM time? I remember your eloquent discussion of the subject. Please postpone your trip to Sedona! :D

[Pua'i Mana'o]

the tourney is in full swing today. The māhū are in full force. The Issue are battling hard (so far undefeated, yay!), which means tomorrow will be a heavy day to see if they make it out of their pool.

Yes, we love us our MM, but there is something ~special~ about Haili. :D

[LikaNui]

Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu`uanahulu are back after a 2 year hiatus! Hooray! And have you seen Sonny's spot for Kau Inoa? Very well done.
Who are the judges this year?

Also back are O'Brien Eselu's Ke Kai o Kahiki (kane), Hooray again! And is O'Brien still the emcee at the Paradise Cove Luau shows?

Chinky's Hula Halau o Kawailiula, WHOA! Not to rain on this thread, but... parents, protect your children. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Leo Lakio]

Noticeably absent are last year's Overall winners, Halau I Ka Wekiu.The two kumu have promotion of their new album (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/musicmontage_article/kumz/) taking up time these days; no time to train for MM.

[kiwidiva]

Oh yes, SO EXCITING!

My friend Kapalai Da Silva emailed recently to say she has a ticket for me but due to work, I cannot go this year. She didn't tell me that she is going for Miss Aloha Hula again!! Sneaky girl!!!

I LOVE O'Brien Eselu's kane - I saw them in Japan in 04 after they won MM and they were absolutely AWESOME.

is O'Brien still the emcee at the Paradise Cove Luau shows

I still see him out there now and then but he is so skinny, I hardly recognize him! I thought he had the gastric bypass but he says he didn't!! He has been sick though so I just hope he is taking care of himself, especially now - I'm sure it's a lot of stress getting ready for MM!!!

I saw Halau I Ka Wekiu's kumus promoting their new CD on the Sunrise morning show - was it this morning? Dunno but it was good to see them!

I think it's great that groups take time off and then come back - it spreads the winnings around and makes it even more of a treat for us fans when they do compete.

[LikaNui]

I still see him out there now and then but he is so skinny, I hardly recognize him! I thought he had the gastric bypass but he says he didn't!! He has been sick though so I just hope he is taking care of himself, especially now - I'm sure it's a lot of stress getting ready for MM!!! Thanks for the quick answer! I never thought of him as fat, just... fluffy. And I hope the sickness was nothing serious. Such a nice man!

Ooh, just now advertised, while watching the KITV 5pm news -- this coming Saturday at 6pm on KITV is The Best Of Merrie Monarch 2007.

[Lei Liko]

Lei, didn't you magically appear on HT one year around MM time? I remember your eloquent discussion of the subject. Please postpone your trip to Sedona!

You're right, Tutu! I was a lurker for quite some time before actually posting. I saw a thread about MM about two years ago and I just couldn't resist!

My trip to AZ will serve two purposes -- a) to take in the natural beauty of Sedona and the Grand Canyon (I've never been to both) and b) to meet the boy's mom and brother for the first time. :eek: I really wanted to go to MM this year, but I knew I just couldn't pull it off. I don't leave til the 9th, so I'll still be able to put in my 5 cents worth!

the tourney is in full swing today. The māhū are in full force. The Issue are battling hard (so far undefeated, yay!), which means tomorrow will be a heavy day to see if they make it out of their pool.

Yes, we love us our MM, but there is something ~special~ about Haili. :D

I remember you telling us last year that Haili is your favorite time of the year! Glad to know the mahu are in full force again...be sure to give them a "H-EYYYYY" for me.

Hooray! And have you seen Sonny's spot for Kau Inoa? Very well done. Who are the judges this year?


WHOA! Not to rain on this thread, but... parents, protect your children boys.

Edited that for ya. ;)

I knew my mention of Chinky would evoke that comment! Heh, is it time to bump his thread again?

Don't know who's going to be judging, but the usuals will likely be there -- Auntie Vicky, Frank Hewett, Cy Bridges, one of the Kanakaoles?

The two kumu have promotion of their new album (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/musicmontage_article/kumz/) taking up time these days; no time to train for MM.

That's right! I know they were just in Japan as well. I imagine Veto and Casupang are just super busy busy these days!

[tutusue]

[...]My trip to AZ will serve two purposes -- a) to take in the natural beauty of Sedona and the Grand Canyon (I've never been to both)
I've not been to Sedona but I have visited the GC. Spectacular!
and b) to meet the boy's mom and brother for the first time. :eek:
Whoooooa!!! This is sounding serious!
I really wanted to go to MM this year, but I knew I just couldn't pull it off. I don't leave til the 9th, so I'll still be able to put in my 5 cents worth![...]
Terrific...I'll look forward to your 5 cents. You now have my permission to go to Sedona! :D

[Lei Liko]

I've not been to Sedona but I have visited the GC. Spectacular!

Whoooooa!!! This is sounding serious!

Terrific...I'll look forward to your 5 cents. You now have my permission to go to Sedona! :D

Thanks tutu!

The boy will be gone on a weekend training during MM, so I'll be watching it with some of the halau girls. Ironically these girls were not chosen to dance or could not make it to Hilo, so party will include some intense discussion, I'm sure!

[craigwatanabe]

Merrie Monarch travellers from the outer islands, make sure you rebook your Aloha Airlines travel plans to the Big Island!

[kani-lehua]

Merrie Monarch travellers from the outer islands, make sure you rebook your Aloha Airlines travel plans to the Big Island!

olana a'i said that she has app. 100 people in her entourage that were flying on aloha for merrie monarch. while i understand aloha's customers' frustration (myself included), think of all the families that will be affected when the app. 3500 employees go on unemployement. so much uncertainty.:(

[Lei Liko]

olana a'i said that she has app. 100 people in her entourage that were flying on aloha for merrie monarch. while i understand aloha's customers' frustration (myself included), think of all the families that will be affected when the app. 3500 employees go on unemployement. so much uncertainty.:(


I saw that on KHON2 last night. Instead of saying "Good luck at Merrie Monarch," now it's "Good luck getting to Hilo!"

Good luck to all halau getting to Hilo safely this week!

[LikaNui]

Someone oughta contact the SuperFerry and get them to do maybe just one run this week, and another after MM is pau.
Problem solved.

[kani-lehua]

Someone oughta contact the SuperFerry and get them to do maybe just one run this week, and another after MM is pau.
Problem solved.


i thought about your suggestion. but, will hilo's harbor be able to fascilitate the ferry? when the big island needed help after the 2006 earthquake, did they transfer the national guard's equipment and dock at hilo? inquiring minds want to know.:confused:

[Leo Lakio]

Before anyone answers kani-lehua here --- we've got Superferry & Aloha Airline threads already, so can we keep this one focused on this year's Merrie Monarch? Thanks kindly.

[Lei Liko]

Just in case folks didn't see it in this morning's SB, Aunty Luana Kawelu (http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/31/news/story04.html) says that so far no kumu has indicated that they won't be able to come because of what's happened.

I assume that, with all the $$$ and time invested in the MM, no halau's going to back down just yet. Gives more meaning to Hilo or bust!

[tutusue]

Before anyone answers kani-lehua here --- we've got Superferry & Aloha Airline threads already, so can we keep this one focused on this year's Merrie Monarch? Thanks kindly.
Well...transporting halau to and from Merrie Monarch during this very troubling time seems pertinent to me...in this thread...kinda...sorta...really! YMMV ;)

Seriously, I'd rather follow any MM transportation issues here rather than have to toggle between and wade thru the AA and SF threads. Just my 2 centavos. Feel free to give me change!

[LikaNui]

i thought about your suggestion. but, will hilo's harbor be able to fascilitate the ferry? when the big island needed help after the 2006 earthquake, did they transfer the national guard's equipment and dock at hilo? inquiring minds want to know.:confused: Even if Hilo can't accomodate it, it could go Kona side, even if MM participants and guests would have to bus over to Hilo side.
Arranging this would be great PR for MM and for SF, and for the state too, if it will allow it.

(Leo -- transportation to and from MM is indeed relevant to this thread. Maybe even extremely relevant, given the sudden and unexpected Aloha Air shutdown. And hey, nobody has used this thread to make jokes about SuperFerry protesters... yet. :p )

[kani-lehua]

Before anyone answers kani-lehua here --- we've got Superferry & Aloha Airline threads already, so can we keep this one focused on this year's Merrie Monarch? Thanks kindly.

Merrie Monarch travellers from the outer islands, make sure you rebook your Aloha Airlines travel plans to the Big Island!

Someone oughta contact the SuperFerry and get them to do maybe just one run this week, and another after MM is pau.
Problem solved.


LEO LAKIO: the first quote is from craig and the second one is from lika. i merely responded to both. in a previous post, i brought up the fact that:olana a'i said that she has app. 100 people in her entourage that were flying on aloha for merrie monarch. while i understand aloha's customers' frustration (myself included), think of all the families that will be affected when the app. 3500 employees go on unemployement. so much uncertainty

while not every halau is in the same situation as olana a'i, it wouldn't be the same festival if the halau couldn't even get there. hopefully, it will all work out.

[Lei Liko]

Even if Hilo can't accomodate it, it could go Kona side, even if MM participants and guests would have to bus over to Hilo side.
Arranging this would be great PR for MM and for SF, and for the state too, if it will allow it....

Staying over on that side isn't unheard of. Last year, Kapua Dalire-Moe's halau and their musicians stayed in Waikoloa and were bus-ed in and out Hilo each night.

It's a long drive, but that's what happens in Hilo during MM season if if you don't book well in advance like most halau do!

[LikaNui]

Staying over on that side isn't unheard of. Last year, Kapua Dalire-Moe's halau and their musicians stayed in Waikoloa and were bus-ed in and out Hilo each night. It's a long drive, but that's what happens in Hilo during MM season if if you don't book well in advance like most halau do! Amen to that. Typically, people start making reservations for the next year the day after the current MMF ends! :eek:
Lots of 'em stay in Waikoloa and Kona, since Hilo sells out in something like 7 minutes. :p
Hey, if SuperFerry can't do it, maybe one of the cruise ships could. Or how cool would it be for the Navy to step in and help?!? Lingle has tried to step in and halt the Aloha closure (and that didn't work), so now her office should check out some of these alternatives for MM.

[Leo Lakio]

Well...transporting halau to and from Merrie Monarch during this very troubling time seems pertinent to me...in this thread...kinda...sorta...really! YMMV ;)Yes - but the second question about the '06 quake and the like had more potential than the earlier comments to steer this thread into unrelated territory. But no need anybody get all huhu. Remember - I'm the King of Derailment.

[kani-lehua]

the second question had to do with docking in hilo where the merrie monarch festival, as we all know, is held. even though i had participated in the festival as a dancer (many years ago), i didn't realize that halau traveled from kona to hilo. the point i was trying to make was whether or not both hilo and kona harbors were equipped to receive the ferry that could have hypothetically transported attendees of the festival.

[Leo Lakio]

that was the point i was trying to make.That's okay - I wasn't trying to single you out in any case, or anyone else who had posted before. No one was being bad - I just wanted to give a gentle reminder that, as recent posts had the potential to steer this into territory better covered elsewhere, perhaps we could keep this thread focused on the competition and event itself, as previous threads on MM have done.

Since I can't be at the event, I love to read local perspectives on what goes down - and would rather read about the foibles of ferries and antics of airlines somewhere else.

[LikaNui]

I'll repeat what I said earlier -- transportation issues to and from Merrie Monarch (along with housing issues) are indeed totally viable and important parts of this thread and clearly do belong here.
IMHO, this thread is being derailed more by complaining about that, and then folks defending it, than if the discussion just continued unchastised.
Let's leave moderating to the moderators.

So. Has anyone looked at the Gift Shop page on the MM website? Some very cool stuff this year, as usual.

[WindwardOahuRN]

That's okay - I wasn't trying to single you out in any case, or anyone else who had posted before. No one was being bad - I just wanted to give a gentle reminder that, as recent posts had the potential to steer this into territory better covered elsewhere, perhaps we could keep this thread focused on the competition and event itself, as previous threads on MM have done.

Since I can't be at the event, I love to read local perspectives on what goes down - and would rather read about the foibles of ferries and antics of airlines somewhere else.


I was invited to attend the festival this year. Tickets and housing arrangements all taken care of! But I've got a lot going on right now and we're headed to the mainland in a few weeks. Plus a little inconvenience we commonly refer to as a "work schedule," lol, so I had to turn down the offer. As I'm watching it on TV I'm sure I'll be wishing that I was there.
Maybe next year! Oh---and the flights were on Hawaiian. :)

[WindwardOahuRN]

Let's leave moderating to the moderators.



What a wonderful idea! You first...:D

[kani-lehua]

I'll repeat what I said earlier -- transportation issues to and from Merrie Monarch (along with housing issues) are indeed totally viable and important parts of this thread and clearly do belong here.
IMHO, this thread is being derailed more by complaining about that, and then folks defending it, than if the discussion just continued unchastised.
Let's leave moderating to the moderators.

So. Has anyone looked at the Gift Shop page on the MM website? Some very cool stuff this year, as usual.

pela i'a no!

[Leo Lakio]

Bob Jones weighs in (in MidWeek (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/justthoughts_article/those_brash_new_boys_of_hula/)) on the "bad boys" of contemporary hula - specifically, two California-based kumu hula: Mark Keali`i Ho`omalu & Patrick Makuakane.

[LikaNui]

Bob Jones weighs in (in MidWeek (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/justthoughts_article/those_brash_new_boys_of_hula/)) on the "bad boys" of contemporary hula - specifically, two California-based kumu hula: Mark Keali`i Ho`omalu & Patrick Makuakane. Again?! That same thing about Mark and Patrick comes up every year! (By Jones and many others.)

[Leo Lakio]

Again?! That same thing about Mark and Patrick comes up every year! (By Jones and many others.)Yeah - I notice he alluded to Chinky Mahoe's case, too - people keep bringing that up year after year. ;)

[LikaNui]

Yeah - I notice he alluded to Chinky Mahoe's case, too - people keep bringing that up year after year. ;) I'm confused. Are you saying that people complaining about Mark & Patrick's contemporary hula style is somehow comparable to people complaining about Chinky, convicted on multiple counts of child molestation?
That's a world-class case of "comparing apples and oranges." And I'm pretty sure you didn't mean it that way.

[Leo Lakio]

I'm confused.Please note the wink at the end - twas a gentle tease at you, LN, for your comment about people bringing up the same issues - not about the issues themselves. (I figured you'd get it - sorry for the confusion. I may not have been aware of Mr. Mahoe's story, had it not been for you.)

As to the initial comment - yes, the focus on Mr. Makuakane's & Mr. Ho`omalu's styles will likely surface every year around MM time - at least they are getting recognition for the mavericks that they are while they are active; that has not always been the case in artistic endeavors.

[Lei Liko]

Not really MM related, but eh, it's hula!

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/menofhula/ -- PBS' Independent Lens broadcast premiere of Na Kamalei: Men of Hula, May 6th.

More info about the documentary can be found here: http://www.lehuafilms.com/nakamalei.html

[cyleet99]

This is my first Merrie Monarch. Ever. These women are BEAUTIFUL! And the thing that makes this so great is you can see the work and meaning they put into their hula.

Just wish I understood half of what they are saying and doing.:o

[Leo Lakio]

That's great, cyleet99! Tell us about the stuff you do understand, and give us your perceptions on the stuff you don't - those of us who can't go love having local eyes and ears to fill us in.

Who knows - maybe seeing such an important event in person will inspire you to dig deeper and learn more. I know that my enjoyment of hula increased dramatically once I began to study it and dance it myself.

[kiwidiva]

The Miss Aloha Hula competition was FANTASTIC!

I feel for my friend Kapalai, coming 2nd after initially tying with the eventual winner but she is a class act all the way and I am proud of her achievement. They both would have been worthy winners but unfortunately, there can only be one.

I loved Naomi Pi'ilani Klein, the girl from Waimanalo that interpreted the legend of the Mermaid - that was definitely a highlight for me!

[Lei Liko]

Does anyone know how tiebreakers are determined?

I do feel for Kapalai'ula. Brings back memories of 2001 when Snowbird lost by one point. Still, a job well done and worthy of praise, indeed!

Somewhere out there, Mary Kawena Pukui is smiling down at her great-granddaughter. She must be proud. Kuhi's kahiko was amazing and very moving, and I could tell that even Aunty Pua got emotional at her auana. WOW.

It was great seeing the MAH at this level. The competition was fierce, and that's what I like!

Be back later after Kahiko fun!

[Pomai]

For the most part, last night's Kahiko performances weren't as spectacular as I've seen in the past. And Kahiko is absolutely my favorite dance style.

My favorite performance happened early in the night by Halau,
Na Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalani from Mililani.
Oli: Mai Kahiki Ka Wahine O' Pele.
Ka'i: Ka Huakai' Pele
Mele: Ke Ha'a La Puna I Ke Ahi 'Ena 'Ena
Ho'i: 'O Wau No "O Pele

Dedications to Pele are usually intense and dramatic, as was this performance. Gets my vote as best of the night.

Did Johnny Lum Ho's halau perform last night? I missed it if he did.

One thing I can't stand is happy-looking, smiling Kahiko dancers. They need to look scorned and pissed off, like they're going into battle to roll some heads. So does the theme.

One other note: The Hawaiian Airlines banner displayed at center stage reminded me of the death of Aloha Airlines, and brought this feeling of sadness and loss to me. Something was missing. Almost seemed everyone at the event felt the same. :(

[kiwidiva]

I love kahiko too!

My highlights (in no order):
*Kapua Dalire's wahine recounting the legend of the pueo coming down from the sky to aid a warrior in battle. They wore brown and made owl sounds. I loved it even though I HATE owls (they're bad luck for Maori)
*I know he's controversial but I love Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu's style. I enjoyed both his kane and wahine performances last night.
*Sonny Ching's halau chanted through their whole dance - not an easy feat but they made it look so easy.
*Anytime Natalie A'i Kamau'u is near a microphone it's a highlight for me. I love the strength of her voice.
*KE KAI O KAHIKI - O'Brien's men were fierce and they are just so freakin' HOT!!!

[Lei Liko]

^^^
Agree with everything kiwidiva said!

I have to admit, I did miss seeing the men -- especially Kaleo Trinidad's and Halau I Ka Wekiu.

[kiwidiva]

I did miss seeing the men -- especially Kaleo Trinidad's and Halau I Ka Wekiu.

Yes, I missed Kaleo and Snowbird's guys!

I did like the other guys with all the tattoos --- I think they were Kapua's kane? Oooooooowwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeee - there was some fine Polynesian talent on display!!

[tutusue]

Not really MM related, but eh, it's hula!

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/menofhula/ -- PBS' Independent Lens broadcast premiere of Na Kamalei: Men of Hula, May 6th.

More info about the documentary can be found here: http://www.lehuafilms.com/nakamalei.html
Just a heads up...this Independent Lens episode is now scheduled for May 8.