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