Here are results as they were announced:

"Let's show them how we do it," claimed one of the group leaders minutes prior to performance in a nearly 90 person group huddle; and "show them" they did! As did all senior groups competing in Heiva I Honolulu 2010.

As one of the annual sponsor's of Heiva I Honolulu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is back yet again providing services and gifts to help make it all possible!

In flight from Papeete via Los Angeles to Honolulu for more than 22 hours of travel, Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Director of Tahiti's House of Culture made the arduous journey against an already maximized personal schedule to support Tahiti Nui International at Heiva I Honolulu. As a long standing Board Member of Tahiti Nui International, Heremoana first joined the organization to assist in aligning the promotion of the tahitian culture abroad with that of the motherland. As an award winning dancer, chief ra'atira or group leader, and an accomplished orero and chanting specialist, Heremoana brings to the Heiva I Honolulu organization a reputable and current perspective. In Tahiti, Heremoana is continuously involved in projects - film, music production and more. Upon his return to Tahiti, he will be back on another long journey, to Paris!

Another eventful day at the Waikiki Shell concluded last night, March 19, 2010 in grand style with local group Tamatoa from Kaneohe, Oahu and their interpretation and presentation of the story of the TARO, leaving viewers with a message to "respect the land, the water, and the taro." Earlier in the evening with just as much style and color, a visiting group from Ishikawa, JAPAN graced the Heiva I Honolulu stage with their Otea Anuanua, The Rainbow. Green, pink, yellow, purple and red tahitian "more" skirts, like the colors of a rainbow moved "to and fro" as Tiare Heipua, our visiting group, danced to the rhythms of Tahiti. As defending Hura Ava Tau Champions, Tiare Heipua returns for their third year to Heiva I Honolulu with hopes to yet again be awarded "Hura Ava Tau (Jr. Division) Overall Otea First Place".

Over 170 soloists competed in this years' Heiva i Honolulu competition today at the Waikiki Shell. The older age categories were extremely competitive reversing the trend where most of the competitors were on the younger side. Finalists in each age group will compete tomorrow and from there compete for the Overall soloist.

Towards the evening it got a little colder than we're used to. So if you are planning on coming Friday or Saturday, you might want to consider bringing a sweater or jacket just in case.

Group competition begins tomorrow. Gates open at 8:30 am. Tickets are $15, $10 (children 4-10). Many groups competing are in the Hura Ava Tau division, or junior division. Groups will perform aparima's, otea, paoa, and other traditional Tahitian dances.

Who exactly is determining the overall group and soloist titles? This year features five veteran judges who will observe and score hundreds of dancers and group performances in aparima, ahupurotu, drumming, paoa, and the overall performance of some of the best.

Several award-winning groups are vying for the overall title this year, including returning title-holder Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui of Waipio. Group leaders (ra'atira) Kevin and Aulii Kama are bringing back their group in a race to establish themselves as the top group.

Scoring these groups is a job that requires knowledge of the history of Tahitian dance, the mechanics, the mastery of the Tahitian language, an eye for details, an appreciation and experience in the making of traditional clothing and an unbiased approach to the presentations.

The judges for Heiva i Honolulu 2010 are:

Jeanne Moua Larsen
Jeanne has traveled the world to promote the culture of Tahiti. In 1988, Jeanne won the prestigious title of Mrs. Tahiti in the Mrs. woman of the world pageant. She is the niece of the ÒLegendary Madeleine MouÕaÓ, who was responsible in reviving the traditional dance of Tahiti.

Roiti Sylva
Roiti is a Tahitian dance instructor, choreographer and educator. She is an assistant to the professor of the Tahitian language at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has been very influential in promoting and educating the public about the cultures of Tahiti.

Etua Tahauri
Etua is well known as a master carver who specializes in making Hawaiian and Tahitian drums. He is a regular sponsor of the Merry Monarch, Keiki Hula and many Tahitian dance competitions. Tahauri also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Tahiti Nui International.

Iaona 'Papi' Teriipaia
Iona 'Papi' Teriipaia who is originally from Bora Bora and raised in Taha'a and Ra'iatea by his adoptive father, the late, revered Tahitian culture authority Manutahi Ma'o came to Hawaii in 1969 on a Latter-day Saint mission to serve as chief of the Polynesian Cultural Center's Tahitian village. He is a skilled carver, musician, drummer, dance teacher, choreographer and competition judge. He has been a cultural specialist with Tihati Productions since 1973 and is also currently Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tahiti Nui International, an organization that he and three others helped to establish.

Head Judge
Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu
Heremoana is the director of La Maison de la Culture (House of Culture). Award winning dancer, chief ra'atira and an accomplished orero and chanting specialist.

Here are some of the criteria that the judges are looking for:
Tane (50 points)

Costumes (5 points)
Creative, neat

Pa'oti (20 points)
Fast & smooth movements of the legs while keeping the back straight, maintaining a great upper body form and arm position, all in sync with the drumming

Traditional and Creative Steps (12 points)
knowledge of basic steps is impportant. Appropriate & creative use of other steps, all in conjunction with the drumming

Overall Presentation (13 points)
Poise, stamina, excellent timing & coordination

Possible Penalties
Up to 4 pts deduction for short pareu


Vahine (50 points)

Costumes (5 points)
Creative, neat, & according to standards

Fa'arapu (20 points)
Fast and smooth movements of the hips while keeping the back straight, maintaining upper body form and arm position, all in sync with the drumming

Traditional and Creative Steps (12 points)
Appropriate & creative use of other steps, all in conjunction with the drumming

Overall Presentation (13 points)
Poise, stamina, excellent timing & coordination

Possible Penalties
Penalty is applied.
Up to 4 pts deduction for short pareu

Monday morning, March 15, Hawaii News Now morning show Sunrise will be featuring the Tahitian dance group Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui, the defending Hura Tau Overall group. The live performance will be at 8:20 am. KFVE will both broadcast the performance and interview with Tahiti Nui International producer Rose Perreira and marketing director Mana Mo'o.

Tune in and check out the competition or cheer on the best group of 2009.

Heiva i Honolulu 2010 will take place Thursday-Saturday March 18-20, 2010 at the Waikiki Shell. Thursday will be the soloists 1st and 2nd rounds, (2:00pm-9:30pm). Friday will see the soloist finals and most Hura Ava Tau (Jr) group performances. Saturday will feature Hura Tau (Sr) group competition and soloists vying for the overall award.

Complete list of performances are available online on the website and blog.

Tickets are $15 (Adults), $10 (Children 4-10) available at the Waikiki Shell box office, Blaisdell ticket office and ticket outlets in Macy's. Online available at ticketmaster.com

Check out the Hawaii News Now video here »

Special thanks to Terri Inefuku, Hawaii News Now Sunrise Producer.

This will be a first for any Tahitian dance competition. We're giving away secrets of the competition. We're giving recognition to all the soloists who placed the year before, judging and scoring tips, photo highlights, vendor information, and last but not least, summaries and details about each dance groups' performance. Information was provided by each group leader (ra'atira). Not to mention that the 32 page program is in full color from cover to cover. If you want to keep the memories of the event, this is the perfect solution.

Souvenir event program will be available starting Thursday, March 18 for $10 each.

Get 'em while you can. The new 2010 Heiva i Honolulu shirt will be available starting Thursday, March 18th. It's a great way to remember the time you've spent preparing for the event or just a fun way to remember taking in the dance, music and drumming of the competition.

The new design features a traditional tattoo band on the front and a stylized variation of our 2010 Heiva i Honolulu logo full of color and fun.

The shirt is available in adult sizes (S,M,L,XL) $10, XXL $15, and XXXL $18. Childrens sizes (S,M,L) $8 each (design is modified to fit the smaller sizes).

Heiva i Honolulu 2010 performance schedule

THURSDAY – MARCH 18, 2010

12:00 pm Gate and Booths open to the Public

1:30 pm Greetings & Welcome
Orero by Heremoana Maamaatuaiiahutapu
Acknowledgements:
VIPs, Emcees, Judges, & House drummers

2:00 pm – SOLO COMPETITION - ROUNDS 1 & 2
(More skirts for the Vahine and Maro for the Tane)

Tamari’i Division:
2 - 3 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa (Exhibition)
4 - 6 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
7 - 10 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

Taure’are’a Division:
11 - 13 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa
14 - 17 yrs: Tamahine & Tamaroa

BREAK

Vahine/Tane Division:
18 – 21 yrs: Vahine & Tane
22 – 26 yrs: Vahine & Tane
27 – 35 yrs: Vahine & Tane

Ta’ata Pa’ari Division:
36yrs & above: Vahine & Tane


FRIDAY - MARCH 19, 2010

8:30 am Gate and Booths open to the Public

9:00 am Greetings & Welcome
Pure (Blessing) by invitation
Acknowledgement of the VIPs, Emcees, & Judges

9 :30 am – SOLO COMPETITION - FINALISTS
(Tahitian printed pareu for the Vahine & Tihere for the Tane)

Tamari’i Division
4 - 6 yrs, 7 - 10 yrs. Tamahine & Tamaroa
Taure’are’a Division
11 - 13 yrs, 14 - 17 yrs. Tamahine & Tamaroa
Vahine/Tane Division
18 - 21 yrs, 22 -26 yrs, 27 -35 yrs. Vahine & Tane
Ta’ata Pa’ari Division
36 yrs & above Vahine & Tane
11:30 am – GROUP COMPETITION

11:30 am TIARE URA O TAHITI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Jerrold Martinez (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

12:30 pm MEHETIA PRODUCTIONS – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Charelle Silva (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

1:00 pm TIARE URA O TAHITI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – DRUMMING
Jerrold Martinez (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

BREAK: 1:30 – 2:00 pm

2:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – DRUMMING
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

2:30 pm HOT LAVALAVA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Naninohea & Kahealani Kapana (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

3:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

3:30 pm HOT LAVALAVA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Naninohea & Kahealani Kapana (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

4:30 pm MEHETIA PRODUCTIONS – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Charelle Silva (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI

5:00 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

BREAK: 6:00 – 6:30 pm

6:30 pm TIARE HEIPUA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – AHUPUROTU
Heikapua Sabarsah, Pualani Horiushi, Heitiare Komatsu (Ra’atira pupu) – Ishikawa, Japan

7:00 pm MARAMA HAU NUI – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – APARIMA
Masako Ishibashi (Ra’atira pupu) – Kamakura, Japan

7:30 pm TE VAI URA NUI – Tupuna – AHUPUROTU
Charles and Cathy Temanaha (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

8:00 pm TE VAI URA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Charles and Cathy Temanaha (Ra’atira pupu) – Honolulu, HI

8:30 pm TAMATOA – Hura Ava Tau (Jr) – OVERALL
Tino Moe (Ra’atira pupu) – Kaneohe, HI


SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010

8:30 am Gate and Booths open to the Public

9:00 am Greetings & Welcome
Pure (Blessing) by invitation
Acknowledgement of the VIPs, Emcees, & Judges

9 :30 am – SOLO COMPETITION - OVERALL
(Tahitian printed pareu for the Vahine & Tihere for the Tane)

10:30 am – GROUP COMPETITION

10:30 am TE HEI URA POLYNESIAN STUDIO – Tupuna – AHUPUROTU
Kapuahau’oli Arai and Kazue “PuaUra” Nishida (Ra’atira pupu) Hyogo, Japan

11:00 am HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

11:30 am MAOHI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Mervyn Lilo (Ra’atira pupu) – Aiea, HI

12:00 pm TE MANA O TE RA – Tupuna– AHUPUROTU
Lisa & Ray Aguilar (Ra’atira pupu) – Walnut Creek, CA

12:30 pm TE MANA O TE RA – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
Lisa & Ray Aguilar (Ra’atira pupu) – Walnut Creek, CA

1:00 pm HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

BREAK: 1:30 – 2:30 pm

2:30 pm SOLO AWARDS CEREMONY

3:30 pm IA ORA O TAHITI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – DRUMMING
Kevin and Aulii Kama (Ra’atira pupu) – Waipi’o, HI

4:00 pm NONOSINA HAWAII – Hura Tau (Sr) – AHUPUROTU
JonRaymond & Tiani Mariteragi (Ra’atira pupu) – Laie, HI

BREAK: 4:30 – 5:30 pm

5:30 pm OTE’A KIA MANA – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
Dennis Kia, Robyn Williams, Kapeka Hoffmann, Hauoli Kia-Napaepae (Ra’atira pupu) – Mililani, HI

6:30 pm HERE TAMA NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
Allen Ramento and Christopher Ramento (Ra’atira pupu) Honolulu, HI

7:30 pm NONOSINA HAWAII – Hura Tau (Sr) – OVERALL
JonRaymond & Tiani Mariteragi (Ra’atira pupu) – Laie, HI

8:30 pm IA ORA O TAHITI NUI – Hura Tau (Sr) OVERALL
Kevin and Aulii Kama (Ra’atira pupu) – Waipi’o, HI

9:00 pm GROUP AWARDS CEREMONY