Local documentary "Ki ho'alu (Loosen the Key) Keola Beamer," was awarded an Emmy in the audio category at the 36th annual Northern California Area Emmy Awards.

The film, directed and produced by Ken K. Martinez Burgmaier for Hawaii Public Television, is the first Hawaiian music documentary to receive an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

"I am overwhelmed with being honored with the Emmy Award and we must thank King Kamehameha for bringing over the Spanish and Mexican vaqueros, our paniolo (cowboys) to help with cattle and the wonderful gift of the guitar to our Islands, that passed it on to all the Hawaiian musicians that have been perpetuating slack-key guitar today and for tomorrow," Martinez Burgmaier, of Jazz Alley TV-Maui Reflection Films, said in a statement.

The film includes footage of Keola Beamer, Nona Beamer, George Winston, Ledward Kaapana, Cyril Pahinui, Cindy Combs, Ozzie Kotani, Willie Nelson, John Kolivas, Moanalani Beamer and the rich history of ki ho'alu.

San Francisco/Northern California is one of the 20 chapters awarding regional Emmys. The ceremony was on May 12.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.