HereTama Nui takes Heiva I Honolulu title

In front of a nearly full seating capacity, defending local Tahitian dance group Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui of Waipi'o nearly walked away with a second title but in the end it was the inspiring performance of HereTama Nui of Pearl City who claimed top honors at this years Heiva I Honolulu. Led by brothers Allen and Christopher Ramento as well as guidance from their mother Denise Ramento, the group brought the crowd to their feet with their program themed to the legends of the bamboo. The dance group not only took the overall title, the group also was awarded several soloist awards, 1st place in the very competitive Drumming category, 1st place in Ahupurotu, the Best Costume award and Best Ra'atira.

"It's like watching the Heiva in Tahiti," commented Roiti Sylva, one of five on the judging panel at Heiva I Honolulu. She added that the event was unique because in addition to all the traditions of Tahiti it also added the storied background and experience of many dancers and musicians involved in the Hawaiian hula community. The event is also unique because of the support received by sponsors both here in Hawaii and Tahiti. Tahiti Pearl Market, based in Tahiti donated many black pearls and cash for the awards. Aloha Hula Supply, based in Honolulu, donated cash and gift certificates. Tihati Productions, also of Honolulu and a major provider of Polynesian dance performances for the tourism industry in Hawaii also was a major sponsor. Other sponsors included Tahitian Instruments by Chief Miko (drums), Black Pearl Designs (promotions and marketing), Polynesian Cultural Center (prizes including tickets to the new show "Ha"), Cabana Vacation Suites (official hotel), City and County of Honolulu (facilities), Hula Supply Center, and Tahiti Imports.

The event was held at the Waikiki Shell over the weekend. Fourteen dance groups from Hawaii, Japan and the mainland competed in aparima, ahupurotu, drumming and the overall category consisting of paoa, hivinau, and the fast paced ote'a. In addition, 31 dance groups were represented by nearly 180 soloists.

Soloist Lucie Wilson (Laie, HI) from the group Ranihere took to the stage to claim the overall Vahine award and DJ Kekuaokalani of Nonosina Hawaii, also from Laie, took the overall Tane title. Awards for each age group were given to both vahine and tane. Dancers ranged from the very youngest (4 years old) to the more experienced 36 and "beautiful" and "handsome" as Masters of Ceremony, Cathy Teriipaia, Teriimana Mo'o and members of the local music group Vaihi graciously introduced each age group.

In the Hura Ava Tau (Jr) group division, Tiare Heipua, a group from Japan who also claimed last Septembers' Heiva I Japan title, was awarded the overall junior group title. This is the third consecutive year they have won the title here in Honolulu. Their award-winning performance was based on the colors of the rainbow. The group is led by group leader (ra'atira pupu) Heikapua Sabarsah.

"This success is due to the support received from the near one hundred volunteers, the unaccounted hours from the Board and administrative team, the dance groups and ra'atira pupu, vendors, and from sponsors," stated Raymond Mariteragi, President of Tahiti Nui International. "I've received numerous calls from group leaders, dancers, and parents expressing their joy for the way the Heiva was run," added Rose Perreira, Senior Vice President and Event Coordinator.

Without further delay, here are the results of Heiva I Honolulu 2010

SOLOIST AWARDS

AGE 4-6 TAMAHINE
1. Tiffany Alcos of HereTama Nui
2. Jazzlyn Samuseav of Marania Haoragi
3. Kiana Aniya of HereTama Nui

AGE 4-6 TAMAROA
1. Kaleb Poniatowski of HereTama Nui
2. Jason Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii

AGE 7-10 TAMAHINE
1. Momoka Narita of Tiare Heipua
2. Ku'umanu Kupau of Maohi Nui
3. Lily Sabarsah of Tiare Heipua

AGE 7-10 TAMAROA
1. Skyler Ramento of HereTama Nui
2. Jordan Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
3. Mykle Keni of Nonosina Hawaii

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAHINE
1. Denise Robinson of Manutahi Tahiti
2. Miyu Mitsuhashi of Tiare Heipua
3. Jazmine Melchor of Maohi Nui

AGE 11-13 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAROA
1. JD Melchor of Maohi Nui
2. Ronson Farin-Yadao of Manutahi Tahiti
3. Kaiko Gouveia of HereTama Nui

AGE 14-17 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAHINE
1. Charzell McAngus of Maohi Nui
2. Kiana Gordon of Te Mana O Te Ra
3. Angela Cezar of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

AGE 14-17 TAURE'ARE'A TAMAROA
1. Keenan Chung of Maohi Nui
2. Keanu Neill-Mesiona of Manutahi Tahiti

AGE 18-21 VAHINE
1. Lucie Wilson of Ranihere
2. Poerava Goo of Tahiti Toa
3. Alexa Ashley Cezr of Tiare Ura O Tahiti

AGE 18-21 TANE
1. Peter Flores of Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui

AGE 22-26 VAHINE
1. Heather Jose of Te Vai Ura Nui
2. Ai Yoneda of Tiare Heipua
3. Kapua De Ramos of Maohi Nui

AGE 22-26 TANE
1. Keawe McArthur of Maohi Nui
2. Glenn Salonga of Manuia
3. Joseph Pauole of HereTama Nui

AGE 27-35 VAHINE
1. Ayuka Hattori of Tiare Heipua
2. Chiharu Yamazaki of Tiare Heipua
3. Melanie Esquerra, Independent

AGE 27-35 TANE
1. DJ Kekuaokalani of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Jonathan Ulibas of Maohi Nui
3. Ken Watada of Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui

AGE 36 & ABOVE
1. Miyako Konishide of Tiare Heipua
2. Kaori Torita of Marama Hau Nui
3. Kaori Yamamoto of Te Hei Ura Polynesian Studio

AGE 36 & ABOVE
1. Alvin Mariteragi of Nonosina Hawaii
2. Lawakua Gabriel of Manutahi Tahiti

OVERALL VAHINE
 
Lucie Wilson of Ranihere

OVERALL TANE
 
DJ Kekuaokalani of Nonosina Hawaii
 
 
GROUP AWARDS

HURA AVA TAU (JR) APARIMA
1. Tiare Heipua
 Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, and Heitiare Komatsu - Ishikawa, Japan
2. Marama Hau Nui
 Masako Ishibashi - Kamakura, Japan
3. Mehetia Productions
 Charelle Kahanuala Silva - Kaneohe, HI

HURA AVA TAU (JR) AHUPUROTU
1. Tiare Heipua
 Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, and Heitiare Komatsu - Ishikawa, Japan
2. Hot Lavalava Productions
 Naninohea and Kahealani Kapana - Honolulu, HI
3. Mehetia Productions
 Charelle Kahanuala Silva - Kaneohe, HI

HURA AVA TAU (JR) DRUMMING
1. Tiare Ura O Tahiti
 Jerrold Martinez - Aiea, HI
2. Tiare Heipua
 Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, and Heitiare Komatsu - Ishikawa, Japan

MAMA RUAU AHUPUROTU
1. Te Vai Ura Nui
 Charles and Cathy Temanaha. - Honolulu, HI
2. Te Hei Ura Polynesian Studio
 Kapuahau'oli Arai and Kazue "PuaUra" Nishida. - Hyogo, Japan

HURA TAU (SR) AHUPUROTU
1. HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI
2. Te Vai Ura Nui
 Charles and Cathy Temanaha. - Honolulu, HI
3. Nonosina Hawaii
 JonRaymond and Tiani Mariteragi - Laie, HI

HURA TAU (SR) DRUMMING
1. HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI
2. Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
 Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI
3. Maohi Nui
 Mervyn Lilo - Aiea, HI

HURA AVA TAU - JUNIOR OVERALL
1. Tiare Heipua
 Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, and Heitiare Komatsu - Ishikawa, Japan
2. Tamatoa
 Tino Moe - Kaneohe, HI
3. Tiare Ura O Tahiti
 Jerrold Martinez - Aiea, HI

HURA TAU - SENIOR OVERALL
1. HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI
2. Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui
 Kevin & Auli'i - Honolulu, HI
3. Nonosina Hawaii
 JonRaymond and Tiani Mariteragi - Laie, HI

COSTUME
HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI

RA'ATIRA 
HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI

PERPETUAL TROPHY - JUNIOR
 
Tiare Heipua
 Heikapua Sabarsah - Ishikawa, Japan

PERPETUAL TROPHY - SENIOR
 
HereTama Nui
 Allen Ramento, Christopher Ramento and Denise Ramento - Pearl City, HI

More information, videos and photos may be found at the official website of Tahiti Nui International, www.tahitinuiinternational.com

Soloists beat

With Heiva i Honolulu starting today, soloists will be vying for this years' overall award. All age groups are eligible. But if you aren't able to compete, there are several other events coming up throughout the year.

In fact, if you want to really get in tune and sync with the beat, check out Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas' website. They have the soloist beat online so you can download, listen and practice your routine over and over. Add it to your iPod. There may be some slight variations at the actual event, but you should be able to practice and anticipate timing. There are many who are very creative and this would allow even more planning on their part.

So if you are planning on participating in the event, this is a must. Tahiti Taurua Nui i Las Vegas takes place May 29-30, 2010 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tickets are $20 per person per day (children’s tickets ages 2-12 $15 each) available at the UNLV Ticket Call Center (702) 739-FANS (3267) or (866) 388-FANS (3267).

Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete

The 31st Annual Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete will be held at Merced County Fairgrounds on Friday March 26th, Saturday March 27th, and Sunday, March 28th 2010.

Those who enjoy a rich experience in traditional culture and dance will be enthralled by Friday’s presentation of the Solo Dance Competition eliminations and Saturday’s finalist performances, ranging in ages of 4 thru adult, beginners thru professional, both men’s and women’s categories.

Friday’s event also includes the Maeva Merced Polynesian Pageant, where lovely ladies and handsome gentlemen compete for the prestigious title of Miss and Mr. Maeva Merced. During the pageant, the Ahuroa (more formal Aparima dance style) Competition will be judged, as well as the Masters solo category finals.

The Solo Dancer Finals will be held on Saturday as well as the Tamari’i (children) Groups and Group Drumming Competition, featuring the most accomplished Tahitian Drumming groups in our area.

On Sunday morning, First Place winners of the Professional Soloists will compete for the Overall Vahine and Tane “Best Dancer Awards”. Also, Couples in Costume will take the floor with their colorful regalia and exciting duets! The afternoon will wind up with the Amateur and Professional Groups demonstrating their proficiency in the marvelous ‘Ote’a drum dances and the lively Aparima of Tahiti Nui! The very best Island Style cusine will be available throughout the event as well as authentic flower and Polynesian Craft Booths for your shopping pleasure.

Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui on Hawaii News Now

If you are on Oahu or can catch Honolulu's KFVE Monday morning, you might recognize the Tahitian dance group Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui. Some of their dancers, musicians and ra'atira will be performing live at 8:20 am. The group is the 2009 defending Hura Tau (Sr) Overall group and will be competing with some of the best groups around at this years upcoming Heiva i Honolulu later this week, March 18-20 at the Waikiki Shell.

It's an exciting time for Tahitian dance as this is the first major event of the new year. It's also one of the largest events as well. Fourteen groups from Hawaii, Japan and the mainland, will be performing over the three day festival and competition. Along with group competition, soloists will also be vying for the coveted overall title.

Tickets for the event are $15, $10 for children (4-10). Available at the Waikiki Shell box office, Blaisdell Ticket outlets in Macy's and the box office at the Blaisdell Center. Online, you can find tickets at ticketmaster.com

Check out the Hawaii News Now video here »

Ready for Heiva i Honolulu?

Living in Kaneohe, we're increasingly noticing more drumming coming from the Ko'olau parks. It's time for Heiva i Honolulu and the start of this years Tahitian dance competition calendar. This is the 8th annual event hosted at the Waikiki Shell. Activities take place March 18-20 and run from noon on Thursday. Friday and Saturday will have a full days schedule starting at 9am on both days. General admission is $15, children 4-10 are $10.

There are 14 groups competing hailing from Hawaii, Japan and the Mainland.

HERE TAMA NUI
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento - Honolulu, HI

HOT LAVALAVA
Naninohea & Kahealani Kapana - Honolulu, HI

IA ORA O TAHITI NUI
Kevin and Aulii Kama - Waipi'o, HI

MAOHI NUI
Mervyn Lilo - Aiea, HI

MARAMA HAU NUI
Masako Ishibashi - Kamakura, Japan

MEHETIA PRODUCTIONS
Charelle Silva - Kaneohe, HI

NONOSINA HAWAII
JonRaymond & Tiani Mariteragi - Laie, HI

OTE'A KIA MANA
Dennis Kia, Robyn Williams, Kapeka Hoffmann, Hauoli Kia-Napaepae - Mililani, HI

TAMATOA
Tino Moe - Kaneohe, HI

TE HEI URA/HAUOLI POLYNESIAN STUDIO
Kapuahau'oli Arai and Kazue 'PuaUra' Nishida - Hyogo, Japan

TE MANA O TE RA
Lisa & Ray Aguilar - Walnut Creek, CA

TE VAI URA NUI
Charles Temanaha - Honolulu, HI

TIARE HEIPUA
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu - Ishikawa, Japan

TIARE URA O TAHITI
Jerrold Martinez - Aiea, HI


The schedule is full of multiple performances by many of the groups. This year will also see both the Hura Tau (Sr) and Hura Ava Tau (Jr) Overall groups defending their titles. Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui will attempt to take home the award for the second time and Tiare Heipua will try for three in a row.

Here is the group performance schedule:

THURSDAY – MARCH 18, 2010

12:00 pm Gate and Booths open to the Public

1:30 pm Greetings & Welcome
Orero by Heremoana Maamaatuaiiahutapu
Acknowledgements:
VIPs, Emcees, Judges, & House drummers

2:00 pm – SOLO COMPETITION - ROUNDS 1 & 2
(More skirts for the Vahine and Maro for the Tane)

Tamari’i Division:
2 - 3 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa (Exhibition)
4 - 6 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
7 - 10 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Taure’are’a Division:
11 - 13 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
14 - 17 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

BREAK

Vahine/Tane Division:
18 – 21 yrs: Vahine & Tane
22 – 26 yrs: Vahine & Tane
27 – 35 yrs: Vahine & Tane

Ta’ata Pa’ari Division:
36yrs & above: Vahine & Tane


FRIDAY - MARCH 19, 2010

8:30 am Gate and Booths open to the Public

9:00 am Greetings & Welcome
Pure (Blessing) by invitation
Acknowledgement of the VIPs, Emcees, & Judges

9 :30 am – SOLO COMPETITION - FINALISTS
(Tahitian printed pareu for the Vahine & Tihere for the Tane)

Tamari’i Division
4 - 6 yrs, 7 - 10 yrs. Tamahine & Tamaroa
Taure’are’a Division
11 - 13 yrs, 14 - 17 yrs. Tamahine & Tamaroa
Vahine/Tane Division
18 - 21 yrs, 22 -26 yrs, 27 -35 yrs. Vahine & Tane
Ta’ata Pa’ari Division
36 yrs & above Vahine & Tane
11:30 am – GROUP COMPETITION

11:30 am TIARE URA O TAHITI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Jerrold Martinez (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

12:30 pm MEHETIA PRODUCTIONS – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Charelle Silva (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

1:00 pm TIARE URA O TAHITI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – DRUMMING
Jerrold Martinez (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

BREAK: 1:30 – 2:00 pm

2:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – DRUMMING
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

2:30 pm HOT LAVALAVA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Naninohea & Kahealani Kapana (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

3:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

3:30 pm HOT LAVALAVA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Naninohea & Kahealani Kapana (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

4:30 pm MEHETIA PRODUCTIONS – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Charelle Silva (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

5:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

BREAK: 6:00 – 6:30 pm

6:30 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

7:00 pm MARAMA HAU NUI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Masako Ishibashi (Ra’atira pupu) – Kamakura, Japan

7:30 pm TE VAI URA NUI – Tupuna – AHUPUROTU
Charles Temanaha (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

8:00 pm TE VAI URA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Charles Temanaha (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

8:30 pm TAMATOA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Tino Moe (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI


SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010

8:30 am Gate and Booths open to the Public

9:00 am Greetings & Welcome
Pure (Blessing) by invitation
Acknowledgement of the VIPs, Emcees, & Judges

9 :30 am – SOLO COMPETITION - OVERALL
(Tahitian printed pareu for the Vahine & Tihere for the Tane)

10:30 am – GROUP COMPETITION

10:30 am TE HEI URA POLYNESIAN STUDIO – Tupuna – AHUPUROTU
Kapuahau’oli Arai and Kazue “PuaUra” Nishida (Ra’atira pupu) Hyogo, Japan

11:00 am HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

11:30 am MAOHI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Mervyn Lilo (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

12:00 pm TE MANA O TE RA – Tupuna– AHUPUROTU
Lisa & Ray Aguilar (Ra’atira pupu) – Walnut Creek, CA

12:30 pm TE MANA O TE RA – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Lisa & Ray Aguilar (Ra’atira pupu) – Walnut Creek, CA

1:00 pm HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

BREAK: 1:30 – 2:30 pm

2:30 pm SOLO AWARDS CEREMONY

3:30 pm IA ORA O TAHITI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Kevin and Aulii Kama (Ra’atira pupu) – Waipi’o, HI

4:00 pm NONOSINA HAWAII – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
JonRaymond & Tiani Mariteragi (Ra’atira pupu) – Laie, HI

BREAK: 4:30 – 5:30 pm

5:30 pm OTE’A KIA MANA – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
Dennis Kia, Robyn Williams, Kapeka Hoffmann, Hauoli Kia-Napaepae (Ra’atira pupu) – Mililani, HI

6:30 pm HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

7:30 pm NONOSINA HAWAII – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
JonRaymond & Tiani Mariteragi (Ra’atira pupu) – Laie, HI

8:30 pm IA ORA O TAHITI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) OVERALL
Kevin and Aulii Kama (Ra’atira pupu) – Waipi’o, HI

9:00 pm GROUP AWARDS CEREMONY