Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 2, 1 February 2002 — Kilinahe's Waikīkī Shell debut: Hoʻomau 2002, Feb. 17 [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kilinahe's Waikīkī Shell debut: Hoʻomau 2002, Feb. 17

By Manu Boyd Kilinahe, whieh means soft, gentle rain, describes the up-and-coming group by the same name, who prefers mellow, nahenahe Hawaiian music, Seen and heard at numerous events around town over the the last few months, Kilinahe will make their debut at "ka Pūpū o Waikīkī" (Waikīkī Shell) for the 17th 'Aha Mele Ho'omau, the benefit for O'ahu Hawaiian immersion schools, "Kama and I both speak Hawaiian," said group spokesperson Kanai'a Nakamura, "but Koa and Keola understand it too," Group members are Nakamura, Kekoa Kaluhiwa, Keola Chan and Kama Hopkins, "We formed the group last April after winning an audition for a contract at the Willows," said Nakamura, The recently refurbished Willows, on Hausten Street in Mō'ili'ili has for decades featured Hawaiian music along with its sumptuous fare, "We're there on Fridays from 6:30-9 p.m,, and also open up eaeh concert in this season's

Hawai'i Theatre Hana Hou series," (See Feb, 8 calendar listing), Joining Kilinahe at Ho'omau are Ku'uipo Kumukahi, award-winning vocalist and reigning female vocalist of the year; Robi Kahakalau, multi-Hōkū winner and Hawaiian language instructor; Weldon Kekauoha, another award winner who also performs with The Mana'o Company; and Snowbird Bento, the singer/dancer

who wowed the audience with her one-point-shy of the Miss Aloha Hula title at last year's Merrie Monarch, But the real stars of distinction at Ho'omau are the keiki whieh the event benefits, Haumāna (students), who will also perform in the first half, hail from four Pūnana Leo preschools: Honolulu, Kawaiaha'o, Ko'olauloa and Wai'anae; four public kula kaiapuni: Ānuenue, Nānākuli, Pū'ōhala and Waiau; and one charter school: Ke Kula 'o Samuel M, Kamakau, These O'ahu kula (schools) are part of a Hawai'i-wide effort, offering quality educational opportunities to children through the medium of Hawaiian language, February is "Mahina 'Ōlelo Hawai'i," and Ho'omau 2002, Feb, 17, is the perfect event for the entire family to celebrate and support such an auspicious designation, Gates open at 3:30 for picnics, Concert starts at 5 p.m, Tickets are $18 (reserved), $15 (general), $10 for keiki, and manuahi for those four and under, For information, eall 834-1697. E ola ka 'ōlelo Hawai'i ! ■

Hanana Kūikawā

KILINAHE: Kanai'ei Ncikcirnurci (secitecl), Keimei Hopkins, Kekoei Keiluhiwei einel Keolei Chcin, At center is group clcincer, Mōliei Petersen,

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