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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 5:16 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2008

Annual Hawaii Music Awards releases list of winners

Advertiser Staff

Nearly 30,460 people cast ballots for the annual Hawaii Music Awards, marking the largest voter turnout in the event's 11-year history, according to organizers.

Among the tight races: Two Japanese recording artists, Tokyo (Agnes Kimura) and Osaka (Kaulana), battled back and forth until the last few days of voting when Kimura stayed on top, according to event organizers. Voting, which started Jan. 14, wrapped up today.

The Tikiyaki Orchestra and Waitiki went head-to-head for the top spot was the Exotica Music Category. And in the Seasonal Category, Afatia (Seasons of Love) was leading up until the last two days before being edged out by Abe Lagrimas (A Pass Out Records Christmas).

Faith Thompson Ako from Rohnert Park, CA (KuKahi CD) won the Traditional Hawaiian Music Category, with her tremendous support from her local church and neighborhood community.

The Hawaii Music Awards winners banquet will be held March 15 at The Willows Restaurant, 901 Hausten St., Honolulu.

Tickets: $50 per person, dinner and show; 6-9 p.m.; 951-6699. Cocktails, 5 p.m. Hawaiian attire, semiformal.

Here's a list of the award winners for the 2007 recording industry entries:

Adult Contemporary Category

Rob Yamahoha / Better

Anthology Category

Ekolu / The Best of Ekolu

Compilation Music Category

Legends of the Ukulele 2

Contemporary Hawaiian Music Category

Paul Shimomoto / Sentimental Alibi

DVD Music Category

Keali'i Reichel / Kukahi

Exotica Music Category

Waitiki / Rendezvous In Okonkuluku

Gospel/Inspirational Music Category

Jon Almosara / Thankful

Hip Hop Music Category

Ryde or Die Movement / Business

International Hawaiian Music Category

Agnes Kimura / Ho'omana'o - My 30 Years

Island Contemporary Music Category

Mighty J / Calling Out

Jazz Music Category

Angela Crandall / Shine

Pop Music Category

SDIB*

Reggae Music Category

Natural Vibrations / From the Heart

Rock Music Category

82 Fifty / Take a Chance and Let the Music Play

Seasonal Music Category

Abe Lagrimas Jr. / A Pass Out Records Christmas

Single Music Category

Tsunami Wave Riders / Island Dreamin'

Cyril Pahinui / He'eia

Steel Guitar Music Category

Ken Emerson / Slack & Steel Kauai Style

Traditional Hawaiian Music Category

Faith Thompson Ako / Ku Kahi

Ukulele Music Category

Jake Shimabukuro / My Life

World Music Category

Mahealani Uchiyama / A Walk By the Sea

The following categories are single entry nominees. Because there was no contest we only acknowledge the artist as "Recognition Awards" for keeping the categories open.

Children's Music Category

Allison / Kuhio Bay

Classical Music Category

David Strattford / Romantic Classics

Comedy Category

Augie Tulba / The Augie Show Season 1

Country Music Category

Steve Zuwala / Tough Guys

Film Score

Jake Shimabukuro / Hula Girls

Folk Music Category

Makena

Polynesian Music Category

Vaihi / Nave Nave

Rhythm & Blues Music Category

B.E.T. / Big Everytime

Ska Music Category

The Golfcart Rebellion / Make Way for Progress