For Immediate Release POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL NA KA MAHINA MALAMALAMA FESTIVAL, AUGUST 30 Evening Concert to Feature the Makaha Sons, Robi Kahakalau, Fiji, and Cyril Pahinui La'ie, HI – August 13, 1997 – The graceful dancing of Hawaii's keiki (children) and music from some of the islands' brightest stars will light up the Third Annual Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival, taking place at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Saturday, August 30. The daylong Festival highlights the beauty of the Hawaiian culture, and gives special emphasis to the teaching and dancing of hula among the youth of Hawaii. "The Hawaiian Festival is a personal favorite of mine and a super entertainment value for families to close out the summer," said Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, special events manager for the PCC. "The music is great and the keiki hula competition is shaping up to be a very strong and popular event this year." The day's activities for the Festival feature the following: • Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Pacific Pavilion • Island Activities, 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Hawaiian Village • Hawaiian Civic Club Song Festival, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Aloha Theater • Ali'i Luau Concert, 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., Ali'i Luau Restaurant (Featuring the Makaha Sons, Robi Kahakalau, Fiji, and Cyril Pahinui) Dela Rosa is elated that 12 hula halau (schools) from Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island have registered thus far to participate in this year's Seventh Annual Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition. The hula halau taking part are as follows: • Halau Hula 'O Napunaheleonapua, Kumu Hula Rich Pedrina • Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Hula Joan S. Lindsey • Hu'i Park Hula Studio, Kumu Hula Kepo'omaikalani Park • Hula Hui 'O Ka Lehua Makamae, Kumu Hula Donovan Collier • Kano'eau Dance Academy, Kumu Hula Ke'ala Kukona • Ka Pa Nani 'O Lilinoe, Kumu Hula Lilinoe Lindsey • Hula Halau 'O Kanani, Kumu Hula Kanani Brighter • Aloha 'O Pu'uwailani Halau Hula, Kumu Hula Donna Noelani Sylvester • Mohalapuaonaonamaokahula, Kumu Hula Mapuana Vai • Lehua Dance Co., Kumu Hula Kaulana Kasparovitch • Halau Hula 'O Hokulani, Kumu Hula Hokulani & Larry DeRego • Ke'alakahi, Kumu Hula Camille Kanani Collins The Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition is an ongoing tribute to two prominent La'ie kumu hula (teachers) who have done much to perpetuate the teaching of hula at the PCC. Sally Moanikeala Wood Nalua'i was the PCC's first hula instructor when it opened in 1963 and continued until 1980, after which she became a consultant. Her niece, Sunday Mariteragi, initiated the keiki hula competition after years of teaching hula in La'ie. Once a PCC dancer herself, Sunday—at her aunt's urging—began teaching hula to La'ie children in 1981. Two years later, she was invited to hold her lessons at the PCC. It was a delight for visitors and inspired the start of the keiki hula competition. Dela Rosa says the Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival has been priced with local residents in mind. The kamaaina (local resident) rate is just $7.00 per person and includes access to the villages and canoe pageant. The Ali'i Luau Concert is an additional $10.00 per person. Residents opting instead for the Horizons night show can do so for $8.95. For more information or to make reservations, please call 293-3333. #### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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