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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 1:38 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2007

Maui immersion school marks 20 years with bash

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Punana Leo O Maui, the Hawaiian language immersion preschool, turns 20 this year. To celebrate, it will stage its annual benefit show, Ho'omau, from 9 a.m. until sunset on March 17 at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens amphitheater.

The all-star line-up includes Keali'i Reichel, Auntie Genoa Keawe and Kaumakaiwa Lopaka Kanaka'ole.

There was a Ho'omau before there was a school, said Kili Namau'u, executive director of Punana Leo. The first fund-raiser, held in 1987, was called Kinohi, which means "the beginning."

Other performers will be Pomai and Loeka, No Boundriez, Nuff Sedd, Kohomua, Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi, Na Keiki O Punana Leo O Maui and Kula Kai'apuni O Maui.

A live auction will include such items as a Hawaiian quilt and a pahu drum. Crafters will sell their wares and a range of food booths, as well as a Keiki Zone, will be featured. Food sales will benefit Kula Kai'apuni, Hawaiian language immersion education.

Tickets are $15 ($10 in advance), on sale at Hilo Hatties in Lahaina and Kihei, Bounty Music, Ka'ahumanu Center, Ku'au Mart, Pukalani Superette and Ah Fook's.

Information: Punana Leo O Maui at (808) 244-4676.