For Immediate Release HULA HALAU 'O HOKULANI WINS EIGHTH ANNUAL MOANIKEALA KEIKI 'AUANA HULA COMPETITION AT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER Laie, HI: Hula Halau 'O Hokulani, under the leadership of Kumu Hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego, today won the Polynesian Cultural Center's Eighth Annual Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition. Placing second was Hula Halau Olana, led by Kumu Hula Olana and Howard Ai. Coming in third was Kano'eau Dance Academy and Kumu Hula Ke'ala Kukona. In all, nine hula halau, six from Oahu, two from Kauai, and one from Maui, showcased their talents of the ancient Hawaiian dance form before a crowd of 1,500 at the PCC's Pacific Theater. The keiki hula competition is an ongoing tribute to two prominent Laie kumu hula, Sally Wood Nalua'i and Sunday Mariteragi, both of whom have contributed greatly to teaching hula in Laie. Wood was the PCC's first hula instructor when it opened in 1963 and continued until 1980. Her niece, Mariteragi, is credited with inspiring the start of the competition. Once a PCC dancer herself, Mariteragi—at her aunt’s urging—began teaching keiki hula in 1981. Two years later, she was invited to hold lessons at the PCC. It proved to be a delight for visitors and led to the start of the competition. Mariteragi's keiki hula halau, Napuananionapalionako'olau, also performed an exhibition today. The keiki hula competition is a featured event of the PCC's Fourth Annual Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of Hawaii. The day-long festival also included an array of hands-on entertainment and cultural activities at the PCC's Hawaii Village, and an evening concert at the Ali'i Luau with musical groups Anuhea and Vaihi, and falsetto soloist Keao Costa performing traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Founded in 1963, the PCC has entertained over 25 million visitors by preserving and portraying the spirit, culture, and people of Polynesia to the rest of the world. More importantly is the mission of the PCC, which supports the educational mission of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and provides an extension of the classroom in a workplace setting. Since its establishment, the PCC has employed more than 30,000 BYU-Hawaii students and over $150 million of its revenues have been directed to the University. #### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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