Ho'okahiko Award Ceremony @ Duke's Waikiki March 19, 2009

Aloha Kakou!
Wow, what a wonderful Thursday it was last week at Duke's Waikiki! Please enjoy the photos that will tell you more than words about the Ho'okahiko Award that Nalani Kanaka'ole & Sig Zane have received.
Here is a quick review of the scene...
The Outrigger Staff Kimberly Agas, VP of Operations gave a wonderful introduction into the ceremony, and introduced Aunty Pualani Kanahele, who gave a speech filled with inspiration and wisdom. She wished Nalani's birthday (March 19) with the original Mele Inoa for her younger sister.
There was a special presentation by Lono Padella, and Outrigger Staff, who danced to the mele Hi'ilawe, sang by Unlce Po'onui and Kawika Kahiapo of Kaukahi. It was beautiful.
Then Ross Anderson, Senior General Manager of Duke's, presented the Ho'okahiko Award. After receiving the symbolic trophy, both Nalani and Sig gave a speech, as their family, friends and colleagues looked on.
Congratulations Nui to both Nalani and Sig!!!!
PS: Also, please check the Starbulletin report as well!
Aloha & Peace!
Reiko













































































































































Past Ho'okahiko Award recipients include:
1999 - Pualani Mossman (Hawaiian music entertainer and hula performer)
2000 - Aunty Genoa Keawe and Violet Pahu Lilikoi (Hawaiian music entertainers)
2001 - George Kanahele (expert on Hawaiian culture and hospitality)
2002 - Wright Bowman, Sr. (master woodworker and canoe builder)
2003 - Nona Beamer (educator, author, composer and musician for Hawaiian culture)
2004 - Esther Kakalia Westmoreland (traditional Native Hawaiian weaver)
2005 - the Kamaka Brothers (ukulele craftsmen)
2006 - John and Poakalani Serrao (master quilters and Hawaiian quilt designers)
2007 - Kau'i Brandt (Hawaiian music entertainer and hula performer

DUKE’S WAIKIKI TO HONOR NALANI KANAKA’OLE AND SIG ZANE AS 2009 HOʻOKAHIKO AWARD RECIPIENTS

Aloha Kakou!

Wow, I'm finally back... technical difficulties (mahalo Kuha'o for saving me!)
I just want to quickly bring you up-to-date with what's hot!
Well, my boss and his wife are going to be recognized this week for the wonderful things that they do. Please read on as this will give you a full scope of what they have contributed to the arts and culture scene here in Hawai'i.
Aloha and Peace!

Love Reiko

HONOLULU –– Two renowned island treasures, who also happen to be husband and wife, Nalani Kanala’ole and Sig Zane, will be presented with Duke’s Waikiki’s 2009 Hoʻokahiko Award for their dedication and contribution to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and tradition. Nalani will be honored for continuing ancient Hawaiian Hula and Sig will be recognized for maintaining Hawaiian values and culture through his clothing designs. The private ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Duke’s Waikiki.



“Nalani and Sig deserve recognition for their work that perpetuates Hawaiian culture,” said Ross Anderson, senior general manager at Duke’s Waikiki. “The Hawaiian ways would be lost if it wasn’t for people like them and we’re proud to honor them with this year’s Ho’okahiko Award.”



Kanaka’ole is the daughter of the late Edith Kanaka’ole – one of the most regarded Hawaiian cultural leaders of her time. She is a renowned choreographer, cultural consultant, educator of Hawaiian practices, and Co-Kumu of Halau O Kekuhi.



Dedicated to perpetuating ancient, traditional-style hula and oli (chant), Kanaka’ole and her family started the Edith Kanakaole Foundation in 1990. The Foundation seeks to increase indigenous Hawaiian cultural awareness and participation through educational programs and scholarships. Today, Kanaka’ole serves as the Artistic Director of the Foundation and also as the Director of the Native Hawaiian Art School.



Kanaka’ole has directed many groundbreaking musical pieces and stage performances throughout her lifetime. In 1998, she and her sister, Pualani, documented Halau O Kekuhi’s roots in ancient Hawaiian myths with the launch of the album “Uwolani,” which received Hoku Awards in the Hawaiian Language Performance and Haku Mele categories. In 2003, Kanaka’ole also collaborated with Peter Rockford Espiritu's Tau Dance Company to produce ”Hanau Ka Moku: An Island Is Born“ at the Hawaii Theatre. She also co-directed “Kamehameha Pai’ea,” a drama about the warrior Chief Kamehameha, and “Holo Mai Pele,” the first hula opera to be broadcast to a national audience on PBS.


In addition, Kanaka’ole co-founded two organizations: Hika’alani, a Hawaiian Cultural Protocol Group, and Puana, a Native Hawaiian organization established for stage and film production scriptwriters. She also judges the Merry Monarch Festival in Hilo and teaches Hawaiian studies at Hawaii Community College.



Kanaka’ole’s husband, Sig Zane, is an artist and cultural practitioner who designs and creates elegant, Hawaiian floral clothing that is printed and cut by hand. A native of O’ahu, Zane moved to Hilo and became a student of Hawaiian culture in the 1970s. After joining Kanaka’ole’s Halau O Kekuhi, he developed an understanding of Hawaii’s plants and their uses in Hawaiian culture.



Zane eventually married Kanaka’ole. The taro planted in Zane’s garden for his son’s first baby luau inspired his first clothing design because the new taro shoots are called ‘oha and symbolize ‘Ohana in Hawaiian culture. When his designs became popular amongst friends and family, he integrated other plants valued by Hawaiians including taro, hala, ‘ie’ie, and kukui into his fabric designs. With success at his fingertips, Zane opened his first retail store, Sig Zane Designs, in Hilo in 1985. His second store opened in Wailuku, Maui in 1999. By using symbols significant to Hawaiian culture in his clothing line, Zane perpetuates Hawaiian culture and tradition teaching others to appreciate Hawaii’s agriculture and heritage.



Duke’s Waikiki believes strongly and sincerely in Aloha, because it believes that the spirit of Aloha is the best of Hawaii’s traditions. The Hawaiian word “hoʻokahiko” means “cling to the traditions,” and the Duke’s Hoʻokahiko Award was established to honor those who, today, live and exemplify those traditions.



Named “Best Place to Take Visitors” by Honolulu Magazine in the 2008 Hale ‘Aina Awards, “Best Place to Go on a Sunday” by Honolulu Weekly in its 2008 Readers’ Picks, and 2008 “Best Nightlife Venue” in Hawaii by Zagat Survey, Duke’s Waikiki pays tribute to Duke Kahanamoku and provides an authentic and enjoyable Hawaiian-style dining experience. Duke’s Waikiki is located at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, beachside in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel. Validated parking is available at Ohana East Hotel. Reservations: (808) 922-2268, website: www.dukeswaikiki.com

Mahalo for the Girl's Day Web Sale Success!