According to the Merrie Monarch website, congratulations to Kumu Hula Leinaala Pavao Jardin and Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala on earning Second in Overall wahine in announcements that followed the auana hula presentations on Saturday night … thank heaven for live television coverage (how do you decide between the University of Hawaii mens volleyball, or hula?). Congratulations on finishing second in wahine kahiko, and first place in wahine auana.
Earlier on Thursday, congratulations to Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao (Toni Torres of the Kauai District Health Office said she’s the newest Public Health Nurse … did we get to see her during the recent public health week open house?) on earning the Miss Aloha Hula title and the Hawaiian Language Award … Ui Castor of the Kauai Museum and Jean Souza of the Kauai Ocean Discovery both said Jaedyn used to be in Hilo, but moved to Kauai because balancing her job and practice was difficult.
Congratulations to St. Theresa School principal Wendy Souza, Father Edwin Conselva, and all those hands on a highly successful carnival (St. Theresa School is the last surviving Catholic school on the island) where Jean Souza was disappointed she missed out on the Peas and Pimento (Larry Manuel said nothing could start until Father Edwin blessed the food). A lot of the carnival attendees waited for the food so they could get home to watch the Merrie Monarch. Judge Randal Valenciano was helping Becky Komaki turn out those malasadas for the West Kauai Methodist Church, and Jocelyn Barriga said they’ll be doing the andagi at the Kauai Soto Zen Temple bon dance in June.
For those who can’t wait, Hui Alu is presenting the Okinawa Festival on May 10 at the Kukui Grove Center (remember Congresswoman Jill Tokuda helping cook andagi at the last one?).
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Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-0453 or at dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.