PHOTOS: Kalama Immersion Students Take Na Mele Title

By Wendy Osher

Kalama Intermeiate na haumana Kamaehu Kawaa and Melina Calder . With two judges Reiko Fukino Pokipala (left) and Cody Pueo Pata (right). Photo courtesy Johanna Kamaunu.

Students from schools across Maui County competed in the 39th Annual Na Mele O Maui Song & Art Competition, held Thursday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

This year’s theme, Ka Ho`olina Leo a Kahauanu Lake Trio, honored the vocal legacy of the Kahauanu Lake Trio.

Students from Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Kalama, the Hawaiian immersion program at Kalama Intermediate, won the overall perpetual trophy.

A group of students from Molokai High School on the Friendly Isle were honored with the Hawaiian Language award.

A complete list of winners was published in the Saturday edition of The Maui News.

Gordean Bailey, presentation judge; Reiko Fukino, Musicianship judge; Kamaehu Kawaa and Melina Calder-Kalama Immersion 8th graders; Cody Pata, overall judge; and Luana Kawaa, Language judge. Photo courtesy Johanna Kamaunu.

Na Mele O Maui perpetuates Hawaii’s unique culture and heritage through song. The annual competition is open to students in Maui County in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Judges for this year’s event included: Reiko Fukino, music judge; Luana Kawa’a, language judge; and Pueo Pata, overall judge.

All profits from the event go to the Na Mele O Maui, Inc. Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships of $1,000 each to high school graduates pursuing higher education in fields relating to Hawaiian culture.

The event was sponsored in part by the Ka’anapali Beach Resort Association.