The empty gourd sounds the loudest, 1971.

Readers Forum

Hula Contest Judging

Editor, The Tribune-Herald:

This is the first time I have written a letter to the editor of any newspaper.

Just couldn’t resist Mr. Lanakila Brandt’s invitation in his letter to you about a Hula Contest, seeking a rebuttal or an augmentive comment.

Have neither to offer, but do have a comment:

How could he or anyone question the integrity of the judges made up of Masters of the Hula, such as Mrs. Lokalia Montgomery and Miss Iolani Luahine. Continue reading

Commentary in response to the first Merrie Monarch Hula Competition, 1971.

Hula Contest

By LANAKILA’ BRANDT

I am writing as chief instructor of the Lanakila’ Brandt Dancers, a participating halau hula in the recent Miss Hula Hawaii Contest and its companion Group Competition, conducted as an adjunct to the 1971 Merry Monarch Festival.

I wish, first of all, to congratulate hula festival coordinator George Naope and his Committee for giving life to a most fervent wish often expressed over the years by the writer and many other hula people: Mahalo a-nui loa e ka Haku ame ke Komike! Continue reading

Rules established for Merrie Monarch Hula Competition, 1971.

For MM Festival

Miss Hula Hawaii Contest Scheduled

The Merry Monarch Festival Committee will conduct a special contest this year for Miss Hula Hawaii, coordinator George Naope has announced.

Contestants, he said, should be between the ages of 18 and 25 and unmarried. Continue reading

First hula competition at Merrie Monarch Festival? 1967.

Fifth Hula Festival Scheduled Friday

The Fifth Annual Hula Festival, sponsored by the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department, is scheduled Friday at 7:30 p.m., at Hilo Civic Auditorium.

The Hula Pageant, under the direction of Mrs. Piilani Nahiwa, will be held in conjunction with the Merry Monarch Festival and Pageant. Continue reading

Death of John P. Hale, 1935.

FORMER JAILER AND KAMAAINA DIES, AGED 77

J. P. Hale Succumbs to Long Illness, Funeral Held Here Today

J. P. Hale, 77, a well-known kamaaina of Hilo who served as jailer at the Hilo county jail during Sheriff Sam Pua’s administration died at his home at 224 Lanikaula St. at 2:30 a. m. today. Death came as a result of a long illness which caused the deceased to be confined in his bed for  many months. Continue reading

Diamond Kekona plays ukulele in London, 1919.

STRUMS UKULELE IN FOGGY LONDON

Diamond Kekona, one of the five Hawaiians with “The Bird of Paradise” playing a two-year contract.

It’s a far cry from Piccadilly Circus, London, to Honolulu, but the faithful reproduction of a former life in the Hawaiian islands as depicted in Richard Walton  Tully’s “Bird of Paradise” is charming Britons who seek a welcome change from fog and storm. Continue reading

Hawaiian boys playing music in Siberia, 1920.

Hawaiian Minstrels Play For Siberian Wolfhounds

This Hawaiian quartet has just returned after touring Siberia and the far east entertaining Uncle Sam’s doughboys under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus. Left to right —John Oku, Charles Dement (leader), John Hickey and Edward Hanapi. The four left here last November. They played in Japan, Siberia, China and the Philippines. They remained in Vladivostok after the American soldiers had departed and the Japanese had taken over the city. Continue reading