Hoku awards take a bow after their first 25 years

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Na Hoku Hanohano Awards are given for outstanding achievement in Hawai'i music. Tuesday's ceremony marks the awards' 25th year. Advertiser library photo Na Hoku Hanohano Awards 25th annual evening honoring recording achievement in Hawai'i Tuesday at the Hawaii Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Highlights: 4:30 p.m.: No-host cocktails 5:30 p.m.: technical awards, dinner 7:30 p.m.: awards ceremony $95 235-9424 Performers: Peter Moon Band (Peter Moon, Martin Pahinui), Jay Larrin, Nohelani Cypriano, Kawai Cockett, Olomana, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Keali'i Reichel, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, The Brothers Cazimero and Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett's Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa 'Olapa Kahiko Also: KFVE (Channel 5) provides live TV coverage from 7:30 p.m.; rebroadcast at 10:30 p.m. May 26

And through the years, triggering memories galore.

Reflections, after a quarter of a century:

• What the award name means: Literally, "the stars of distinction," coined by the late Napua Stevens, a radio-TV Hawaiiana expert.
• Tickets to the first awards night were $20, a dinner affair; there was radio (KCCN) coverage but no TV. Tickets this year cost $95, including dinner.
• The trophy originally was made of wood but has evolved into an acrylic one.
• Apparel ranges from black-tie to the whimsical; one year, Melveen Leed appeared in silver garb resembling aluminum foil. Eddie Kamae & the Sons of Hawai'i have donned their trademark palaka shirts worn with coveralls, Sam Kapu Jr. has sported a tux top worn over shorts and sneakers. Footgear has been footnoted, too: Jon de Mello bounced about in geta (Japanese wooden slippers) once, while Jerry Santos of Olomana was hip in goza (matted) slippers. The Honolulu Skylark went one better — barefoot.
• Arrivals in the old days were outrageous and bold, and comedian Frank DeLima delivered the best laughs whenever he participated. One year he paraded in with the 65-member Damien High School band and Chinese lion dancers, another year wearing hospital scrubs, still another as a cowpoke on a horse (with Na Kolohe as the head and the hindquarters). He also has been whisked in via ricksha, lunchwagon and garbage truck. The late Freddie Morris sailed in an outrigger canoe for something really different.
• The tears flow: 'Ukulele stylist Jake Shimabukuro wept the year Pure Heart swept the awards. Karen Keawehawai'i also cried — losing her eyelashes — the year she was a promising-act winner.
• Chicken-skin moment, 1: when the estranged Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was joined on stage by his former Makaha Sons partners.
• Chicken-skin moment, 2: When Iz was ill and hospitalized and watching the proceedings from his sick-bed at The Queen's Medical Center. Yep, he won, and producer Jon de Mello delivered his Hoku trophies after the ceremony.
• Queasy riders: when Keola Beamer and Kapono Beamer attended separately, they also sat at separate, distant tables.

Wayne Harada is a voting member of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts.