Heiva i Waimea crowns two

Te E'a O Te Turama, led by ra'atira Maile Lee, walked away with 10 awards at the 3rd Annual Heiva i Waimea including the overall group title. The event took place this past Sunday, April 19, at Waimea Valley. Soloists from several local groups participated and competed in age groups ranging from 5-25 years.

The setting amid the lush greenery was perfect for crowning a new Ms. Heiva i Waimea and the competition was close. So close that it resulted in not one, but two vahine being crowned. Tanya Cadiente (pictured left), of 'Otea Kia Manu and Teare Zick-Mariteragi, of Te Vai Ura Nui tied for the title. Contestants were judged on a Tahitian culture talent, costume and formal dress. Congratulations to both for doing a great job of showing poise, grace, talent and being an example to younger aspiring girls.

Producer Pola Teriipaia of Manutahi Tahiti, was thrilled with the turnout and reminded all the dancers that they were all winners by portraying the Tahitian culture and taking part in the event.

We have to admit we missed most of the event not realizing that most of the competition would be occuring early on. Lesson learned. Anyway, here are the results:

Age 5-6 Tamahine
1. Azariah Coleman of Marania Haorangi
2. Nicole Graham of Te E'a O Te Turama
3. Sa'ili Williams of 'Otea Kia Mana

Age 7-8 Tamahine
1. Poliahu Sunny Aina of Te E'a O Te Turama
2. Amaya Joy Panajon of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3. Chloe' Dominge of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

Age 7-8 Tamaroa
1. Alex Kekua of Otea Kia Mana

Age 9-11 Tamahine
1. Poerava Lee of Te E'a O Te Turama
2. Shandy Hopeau of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
3. Clarke (Ah-Yoka) Cailing of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Age 9-11 Tamaroa
1. Tamatoa Uta of Te E'a O Te Turama
2. Kaiko Gouveia of Heretama Nui

Age 12-14 Vahine
1. Ashlen Kiniiau - Independent
2. Ciera Dutro of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
3. Shanelle Ramelb of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Age 12-14 Tane
Zacchaeas Uta of Te E'a O Te Turama

Age 15-17 Vahine
1. Alexa-Ashley Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti
2. Raquel Fernando of Napua O Lokelani Polynesian Revue
3. Kalei Onzuka of Maohi Nui

Age 15-17 Tane
1. Kainalu Lee of Te E'a O Te Turama

Age 18-21 Vahine
1.Janice Vidad of Pupu Ote Iti Ra
2. Tanya Cadiente of 'Otea Kia Mana

Age 22-25 Vahine
1. Shannon Paraan-Kahalepauo of Marania Haorangi
2. Olive Tuitasi Morano of Maohi Nui
3. Nalani Nahinu of Marania Haorangi

Junior Couple
Dizsae Josue/Zachias Uta of Te E'a O Te Turama

Senior Couple
Poerava Lee/Kai Lee of Te E'a O Te Turama

Overall Junior Soloist
Poerava Lee of Te E'a O Te Turama

Overall Senior Soloist
Janice Vidad of Pupu Ote Iti Ra

Ms. Heiva
Tanya Cadiente of 'Otea Kia Mana
Teare Zick-Mariteragi of Te Vai Ura Nui

Overall Group
Te E'a O Te Turama
Maile Lee - Honolulu HI