Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 1989 — ʻAha Mele Celebrates Choral Tradition [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAha Mele Celebrates Choral Tradition

I he rine tradition 01 Hawanan choral music was celebrated at the 'AhaMele 1988 songcompetition of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs eonvention November 18 in Kailua-Kona. Mistress of ceremonies Haunani Apoliona (president, Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu), announced the five clubs participating in the evening's songfest, highlight of the annual convention. Three entered in competition, and two in adjudication (judged for merit but not to compete). Eaeh choir presented a song of ehoiee and the competition song, "Moloka'i 'Aina Kaulana," ehosen in honor of former AHCC president, the late Benson W.K. Lee, who was from Moloka'i. Taking the first plaee Governor's trophy in the competition was the Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, directed by Nora Knowles. The club was chartered in December 1949. The choir of seven men and 22 women, dressed in club colors of white and pink, dedicated their performance to Thelma K. Lindsey, whose arrangement of "Kona Kai 'Opua" by Waia'u/Kanuha was performed with strength and beauty. Receiving the second plaee Lieutenant Governor's award was the 'Ainahau O Kaleponi Hawaiian Civic Club of California, for their rendition of "Na Lei O Maunakea" by Helen M. Cassidy, arranged and directed by H. Jay Mannion. The eight men and 15 women, clad in turquoise and white, were impressive with their full sound.

Taking third plaee in the competition with their warm, lush voices was the Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club, directed by Stephanie C. Stucky. The choir of six men and 18 women performed "E Maliu Mai" by Irmgard Farden Aluli, arranged by

Leila Hohu Kiaha. The adjudicated clubs were: Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club, directed by Debbie Kelsey, with "Nani 'Oe" by Robert Cazimero and Manu Boyd, arranged by Leila Hohu Kiaha; and the Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club, whieh dedicated its performance to the memory of its former member, Benson Lee. Led by Nola Nahulu, the 12 men and 22 women clad in their trademark white outfits with red quilt design, shared a medley of songs of Moloka'i arranged by Leila Hohu Kiaha — "Moloka'i Ku'u One Hanau," "Moloka'i Nui A Hina," "Olu O Pu'ulani," and "Ka Mana'o No La." Judges for the competition were: Dorothy K. Gillett, Aaron Mahi and Beatrice Ravenscroft, Kauanoe Kamana Wilson and Kalena Silva. Eaeh participating choir was presented with a framed copy of the competition song. Hawai'i Nature Center offers these interesting Saturday classes in February: Learn how to make haku (wili style) leis using flowers and greens that dry for a long-lasting hatband. Bring your favorite greens to use. Honey Justman teaches this class on February 4. On February 18, Steve Kastner will lead a nature photography class. Leam how aprofessional photographer captures nature on film. Bring camera, tripod, film, etc. Call 973-0100 for reservations, information.

In a unified finish to the song competition, all five groups singing in the 'Aha Mele joined together to sing the competition song, "Moloka'i 'Aina Kaulana."

The Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, led by Nora Knowles, won the first plaee Governor's trophy in the 'Aha Mele song competition.

wm"'"-;.. m... w mmmmmmmmmmummu Five generations of a Hawaiian family gathered last month to celebrate the 85th birthday of Edward Kaha'i at the Pearl City home of granddaughter Keola Horita. Kaha'i was bom in Lahai'na, Maui on Dec. 18, 1903. He is retired twice, from careers as a quarterman/electrieian at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, and from the State of Hawaii Honolulu International Airport where he was an electrician. In 1973 he was named state employee of the year. Surrounding Kaha'i in center are, clockwise from left: his great-great grandson Shane Keith Kawika Searle, age 2V2 months; Shane's mom, great-grand daughter Kanani Jennifer Madera; daughter Apolei Bargamento; grand-daughter Keola Horita, and his wife, Bertha Kaha'i.