[PICS] 2010 HARA Lifetime Achievement Awards

Legends honored at HCC

Photos by Dennis Oda / doda@starbulletin.com

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) presented their Lifetime Achievement Awards during the First Annual Na Hoku o Hawaii Music Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center on Saturday. Hokus were presented to George Kaiinapau, Jr., Rev. Ida Keliiokalani (Hanapi) Chun, the Isaacs Ohana, Boyce Kaihihikapuokalani Rodrigues and the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau. Above, Karen Aiu did an impromptu hula while in the crowd during the ceremonies.

By John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com

A mele ma‘i (genital chant) by Ka‘upena Wong, performances by the three surviving children of Vickie I‘i Rodrigues and five of the seven surviving members of the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, and a kolohe (risqué) hula by Kimo Alama Keaulana were highlight moments as the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) presented the 2010 HARA Lifetime Achievement Awards on May 29 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

HARA has traditionally presented the Lifetime Achievement Awards in March, but scheduled them this year as part of the first annual Na Hoku o Hawai‘i Music Festival. The Festival opened with a reception/concert May 27 and concludes with the 2010 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on May 30.

Approximately 700 family, friends, Hawaii music industry professionals and music fans turned out to celebrate the accomplishments of three individuals (Ida Keli‘iokalani Hanapi Chun, Boyce Kaihihikapuokalani Rodrigues and the late George Kainapau) one family (Alvin Isaacs and his three sons) and one group (the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau) for a total of 15 individual honorees.

Of the 52 living recipients from previous years — 50 recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award plus two recipients of its predecessor, the Sidney Grayson Award —nine attended the luncheon: Haunani Apoliona (who was honored for her work as a member of Olomana, 2008) Mahi Beamer (1991), Danny Kaleikini (1995), Eddie Kamae (twice, as a solo artist in 1992, and as a member of the Sons of Hawai‘i in 2009), Lydia Ludin (2003), Noelani Mahoe (2002), Nina Keali‘iwahamana Rapoza (1992), Marlene Sai (2004) and Ka‘upena Wong (2004). Read more

First annual Na Hoku o Hawaii Music Festival announced

Artists confirmed to participate: Henry Kapono Natalie Ai Kamuu Amy Hanaialii Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole Danny Kaleikini Pali Kuuipo Kumukahi Hoku Zuttermeister Jake Shimabukuro Anuhea Cyril Pahinui Makaha Sons Kalapana Mailani Kealoha Friends of Adam Na Leo John Cruz Kapala Kamuela Kahoano Kawaikapuokalani Hewett Halau Hawaii and Kumu Hula Karen Aiu

By Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.com

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts has announced a new partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and production company 4 Miles LLC to present the first annual Na Hoku o Hawaii Music Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center.

“This project is not about promoting any one artist or art form,” said 4 Miles partner Dawn Kaniaupio. “It’s about strengthening our industry and our cultural practices.”

The four-day festival, which will feature a variety of music and cultural workshops in addition to daily concerts, kicks off May 27 and will culminate with the first-ever HDTV broadcast of the 33rd annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on May 30. Funding for the events was made possible by a $150,000 grant from the HTA, which is part of a $1.238 million “marketing opportunity fund” to be used to help stimulate travel to Hawaii. Read more