Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 Nowemapa 1987 — Darren Quemado Wins Singles Competition [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Darren Quemado Wins Singles Competition

Darren Kama'ehu Quemado of Aiea won the title of "Waimea's Ke Alohi Hula" (Waimea's Brilliant Hula Dancer) at the Seventh Annual Singles Kahiko Hula Competition held Oct. 3-4 as part of Waimea Falls Park's 10th Annual Makahiki FestivaL Quemado, 21, entered the competition with a mele entitled "Ke Uwalo Mai Nei O Uka", whieh focuses on the unique characteristics and cultural value of the i'iwi, apapane and elepai'o birds. Pualilia Taga!og won second plaee and Celeste Stewart placed third.

Waimea Falls Park hosts the only hulacompetition in the state for individual dancers. In addition to the impressive title, Quemado was presented with a pahu drum. More than 3,500 people took in the finals eompetition and Makahiki festivities Oct. 4. Close to 6,000 enjoyed the weekend event.

A total of 14 contestants competed in the semifinals Oct. 3, with 10 of those going on to the finals the next day. Scores from both days were added to determine the winners. Judges for the competition were Keith Awai, Chinky Mahoe and Wayne Chang on Oct. 3 and Maupuana de Silva, Aloha Dalire and Kealoha Kalama for the oct. 4 finals.

Darren Quemado