When you’ve been away from the Hoku Awards – formally, the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards – as I have, for several decades, the current final ballot is a stunner.
The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts members now vote online – the final ballot was released yesterday (April 10) – via email. The old-fashioned paper ballot is so yesterday.
I served on the HARA board of directors for the first 10 years, in the era of KCCN-AM deejays Krash Kealoha, Kimo Kahoano, and Jacqueline “Skylark” Rosetti and station manager Ronnie Hope. I attended every awards night for 10 years, when arrivals of nominees were just as much fun as the show. Everyone looked forward to what Melveen Leed would be wearing, and what kind of zany commute Frank DeLima had planned.
The event now is in its 48th year, heading for the Big 5-0, and some reflections and observations are logical:
- Jake Shimabukuro, the ‘ukulele wizard is likely to pick up two disc-shaped prizes for Instrumental Composition and Group of the Year, with collaborator Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac) Yes, he’s a group now.
- There’s a scarcity of female singers; only three are nominated this year. Death has silenced the like of Auntie Genoa Keawe, Lady of Love luminary Loyal Garner, and Hawaiian/jazz stylist Teresa Bright.
- Mahi Beamer, a legendary Hawaiian trouper, died in 2017, and the release of his haku mele put him on the ballot belatedly. He could win.
- Marquee acts like Keali‘i Reichel, Robert Cazimero, Jerry Santos’ Olomana, and the Tita Melveen have pulled back their recording efforts, so chartbuster songs and allied concerts are virtually on pause.
- Recording acts still release CDs and DVDs, mostly sold by the acts, who are challenged to get noticed without the customary radio airplays in the past; music stores are gone, and even Costco also stopped selling recordings years ago.
- Yet there are 32 categories in the HARA competition, indicative that the beat goes on. Academy voters have till May 2 to cast ballots. The Hoku event will be from 3 to 10 p.m. June 21, at the Hawaii Ballroom of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel; for tickets, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/48th-na-hoku-hanohano-awards
The full list of categories and nominees:
Album of the Year:
- “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises) – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Producers
- “Two Of Us” by Kailua Bay Buddies (Tin Idol Productions) – Gerard K. Gonsalves, Producer
- “Where I’m Going” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music) – Imua Garza & Kala`e Parish, Producer
- “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Peʻa Records & Entertainment) – Kalani Pe`a, Wailau Ryder, Michael Casil & Allan B. Cool-Peʻa, Producers
- ʻMusic Manʻ by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music) – Gerard K. Gonsalves & Kapena DeLima, Producers
- “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records) – Seven Suns, Producers
- “`Ano`ai” by Weldon Kekauoha (Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment) – Weldon Kekauoha, Producer
EP of the Year:
- “A Cozy Christmas” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
- “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
- “Written On My Heart” by Jeff Rasmussen (Mango Tree Music Records LLC)
- “Play Loud”, Vol. 1 by Kapena School Of Music (KSMCE Music Hub)
- “Stewards Of The Earth” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
Hawaiian EP of the Year:
- “Ho`i Ke Aloha” by Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter (Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter)
- “Kauluwehi” by Gregory Juan (Kahikina Productions)
- “Hawaii Island Mele” by Keoki Kahumoku (featuring Sonny Lim) (Hawaiian Harmonics)
- “Hanohano Wailea” by Sandy Essman (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Pahumoa” by Wayne Kamake`e`aina (Wayne K Productions)
Single of the Year:
- “Don’t Let Me Fade” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
- “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
- “Gravity” by Gerard K. Gonsalves (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Le Tu`una” Oe by Josh Tatofi (Josh Tatofi)
- “Kickin’ Back” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music)
- “Killin’ Island Time” by Kala`e + Kalena (Kala`e Parish Music)
- “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
Hawaiian Single of the Year:
- “He Mele No Ka Pāo`o” by Gregory Juan (Kahikina Productions)
- “Ka Leo Kupuna” by Hi`ikua (Kanemakua Records)
- “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho)
- “Keali`i: A Mele For King Kamahele” by Hoku Zuttemeister (Kaleiola Records)
- “Pua Hone” by Sandy Essman feat. Kenneth Makuakane (Tin Idol Productions)
Christmas Single of the Year:
- “This Christmas” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
- “Let It Snow!” by Christy Leina`ala Lassiter (Christy Leina`ala Lassiter)
- “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
- “Noel” by Kenny Tagavilla & Sandy Essman (Kenny T. Music & Tin Idol Productions)
- “My Christmas Wish” by Rasmussen & Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
Music Video of the Year::
- “Don’t Let Me Fade” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music)
- “Puddle Jumping” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
- “Pretty Mama Dancin’” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music)
- “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
- “Run It Back” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
Hawaiian Music Video of the Year:
- “He Hoaaloha Nō” by Darrell Aquino – (Mana Recordings)
- “Ka Naʻi Aupuni” by Kalani Pe`a feat. Jake Shimabukuro & Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- “Ka Ua Pa`ūpili” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- “Kaimana Hila Leahi Medley” by Kapena (KDE Records)
- “Lei Onaona” by Pewa – (Pewa)
Instrumental Composition of the Year:
- “The Secret Of Moloka`i” by Andrew Molina (Andrew Molina) – Andrew Molina, Composer
- “Don’t Let Me Fade” by Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva Music) – Brittni Paiva, Composer
- “Puddle Jumping” by Darrell Aquino – (Mana Recordings) – Darrell Aquino, Composer
- “Kula Blues” by Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood (JS Records/FortyBelow Records) – Jake Shimabukuro, Composer
- “Mālie” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music) – Kenneth Makuakāne, Composer
Song of the Year:
- “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings) – Darrell Aquino, Composer
- “Hanohano Kilauea Ku I Ka La`i” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises) – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composers
- “Le Tu`una Oe” by Josh Tatofi (Josh Tatofi) – Josh Tatofi, Composer
- “Kickin’ Back by Kala`e” (Kala’e Parish Music) – Kala`e Parish & Craft Brewz Music, Composers
- “Kuleana” by Storm (Tin Idol Productions) – Sandy Essman & Gerard K. Gonsalves, Composers
Female Vocalist of the Year:
- Charly for “Charly” (Tin Idol Productions)
- Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter for “Ho`i Ke Aloha” (Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter)
- Sandy Essman for “Hanohano Wailea” (Tin Idol Productions)
Male Vocalist of the Year:
- Darrell Aquino for “Blue Hilo Moon” (Mana Recordings)
- Kala`e for “Where I’m Going” (Kala`e Parish Music)
- Kalani Pe`a for “Kuini” (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- Kenny Tagavilla for “Music Man” (Kenny T. Music & Tin Idol Productions)
- Weldon Kekauoha for “`Ano`ai” Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment)
Group of the Year:
- Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood for “Blues Experience” (JS Records/FortyBelow Records)
- Kala`e + Kalena for “Kala`e + Kalena + Kalikimaka” (Kamakoa Productions)
- Kapena for “Tribute” (Revive The Live)
- Nuff Sedd for “Cup Of Aloha” (JPK Productions)
- Seven Suns for “Many Feathers” (Ineffable Records)
Most Promising Artist of the Year:
- Charly for “Charly” (Tin Idol Productions)
- Isaiah Tavares for “Blessed Man” (Waianae Records)
- Kahiau Lam Ho for “Ho`omālamalama” (Kahiau Lam Ho)
- Kapena School Of Music for “Play Loud, Vol. 1” (KSMCE Music Hub)
- Kawika Boro for “Ua Kō `Ia Iho Nō” (Zeo Music LLC)
Alternative Album of the Year:
- “North Shore” by 808Imposters (Tin Idol Productions)
- “The Ride” by Bad Papa (Bad Papa)
- “Malama Aina” by Big Chief Thunder (Bamboo Room Recording)
- “El Misfits: Elvilive” by El Sancho (El Sancho)
- “Alter Natives” by Eric & Cathy Lagrimas (On The Up Records)
- “Disasterville” by Eyes Of Red (Tin Idol Productions)
Anthology Album of the Year:
- “An Anthology Of Love “30 Year Anniversary”” by Darrell Aquino (Daddy Leopard Records) – Darrell Aquino, M. Kalani Souza, Mark Caldeira & Michelle Aquino, Producers
- “He `Umi Makahiki” by Institute of Hawaiian Music (Institute of Hawaiian Music) – Keola Donaghy, Producer
- “”Ku`u Mana`o” by Kawika Kahiapo (Pono Records) – Kawaika Kahiapo, Producer
- “Christmas Memories” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music) – Kenneth Makuakāne, Producer
- Timeless” by Maggie Herron (Herron Music) – Maggie Herron, Producer
Christmas Album of the Year:
- “Slack Key For The Holidays” by Jeff Peterson (Jeff Peterson Productions)
- “Kala`e + Kalena + Kalikimaka” by Kala’e + Kalena (Kamakoa Productions)
- “Twas The Night Before Christmas” by Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
- “Sean & Mali’s Na’auao Christmas” by Sean & Mali’s Na’auao (Maliona Records)
Compilation Album of the Year:
- “Ha`ina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele” by Institute of Hawaiian Music UH Maui College (Institute of Hawaiian Music) Keola Donaghy, Joel Katz, Stephen Fox & Lance D. Collins, Producers
- “Journey Through Hawai`i by Mana Music Quartet” (Mana Music LLC) – Kellen Paik, Producer
- “Notes In A Bottle by Music Tech” (Music Tech) – Bailey Matsuda, Producer
- “”Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a) – Zachary Alaka`i Lum, Producer
Contemporary Album of the Year:
- “Where I’m Going” by Kala`e (Kala’e Parish Music)
- “Wild as the Wind” by Kenny Tagavilla & Sandy Essman (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Timeless” by Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
- “Ryan Hooley” by Ryan Hooley (Ebb And Flow Records)
Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year:
- “Eclectic Much?” by Danny Johnson (Danny Johnson)
- “Two Of Us” by Kailua Bay Buddies (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Music Man” by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music)
- “Island Time” by Rand Anderson and Blue Grass Hawaii (Pumphouse Records)
- “A Matter Of The Heart” by Rasmussen & Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
- “Prison Walls” by Ray Buddy Golden (Mana Music & Media)
Hawaiian Music Album of the Year:
- “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
- “Hoʻomālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho)
- “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- “Lei Hiwahiwa“ by Madison Makanaokahaku Scott (Madison Makanaokahaku Scott)
Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year:
- “Goin Home” by Apokolani (Ouli Wai/TryLookInside)
- “By Special Request” by George Kahumoku (KFRC)
- “Kiho`alu: Stories In Song, Vol. 1″ by George Kuo (Dancing Cat Records)
- “Kī Hō`alu He Welo Aloha” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
Hip-Hop Album of the Year
- “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Cedric Clinton & EDP-Beats (Chi Funk & Our Altered State Publishing)
- “Priced Out Of Paradise” by Punahele & SoundGaruda (SoundGaruda/808)
- “Love Letters II” by PK DREAMZ (PK DREAMZ)
- “Nitty Gritty” by Thomson Enos & Ya’laam aka Wiz Hotep (THP)
Instrumental Album of the Year
- “S-K2″ by Alexander Wong (Alexander Wong)
- “Piano In Paradise” by Kaori Kawabuchi (THP)
- “Relections” by Noah Plays Piano (Noah Hull)
- “Press Start” by Console: The VGM Band (Tyranny Studios)
Island Music Album of the Year
- “He Hawai`i Au” by Desmond Yap (Desmond Yap)
- “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
- “Hawaiian Cowboy” by Slack Key `Ohana (Pacific Records)
- “ʻAno`ai” by Weldon Kekauoha (Ohelo Records & WAY House Entertainment)
Jazz Album of the Year
- “Mindful, Latin And Funky” by Dan Del Negro (Dan Del Negro Music)
- “Pecking Order” by Jeff Gaeth (Puna)
- “Hō`ihi” by Noel Okimoto (Noel Okimoto Music)
- “Omniportal” by Peter Shaindlin & Jay Jaskot (Forward Records)
- “Nago Blue” by Red Nova (Red Nova)
- “Ho`okanikapila, Maui” by Tarvin Makia & Faith Ako (Faith Ako)
Metal Album of the Year
- “Web of Fear” by Anxiety Suite (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Shield of Honor” by Sacred Idol (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Queen of the Vampires” by Storm (Tin Idol Productions)
R&B Album of the Year
- “Hey Yo” by Johnny Valentine & Kailua Bay Buddies (StudioValentineOneMusic)
- “Ua Kō `Ia Iho Nō” by Kawika Boro (Zeo Music LLC)
- “deLUXE” by soLUXE (soLUXE Music)
- “Hey Child” by Stephen Henderson (Ohana Records)
Reggae Album of the Year
- “Bridges Not Walls” by Azato (Tree N One Records)
- “Blessed Man” by Isaiah Tavares (Waianae Records)
- “Tribute” by Kapena (Revive The Live)
- ” Of Aloha” by Nuff Sedd (JPK Productions)
- “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
Religious Album of the Year
- “Free Inside” by Ben Borthwick (Koʻolau Productions)
- “Acoustic Hymns O My Father” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
- “In The Moment” by Jonah Davis (Aʻo ʻUkulele Productions)
- “E Ho`omana Kākou” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
Rock Album of the Year
- “Coming Home” by Average Joes (Play That Disco Productions)
- “Midnight Flames” by Masque (Masqued Melodies)
- “A Tribute To Pat Benetar” by Sandemonium (Tin Idol Productions)
- “Even The Good Die Young” by Stuart Hollinger (Independent)
- “All Things I’ve Considered” by Zach Manzano (Audio Ramen)
‘Ukulele Album of the Year
- “Generations” by Andrew Molina (Andrew Molina)
- “Blues Experience” by Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood (JS Records/FortyBelow Records)
- “Resurgence” by Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)
All of the categories above are voted on by members of the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.
Adjudicated Categories
These are the catagories that are voted on by specialized members of HARA in instances of Engineering, Graphics, Haku Mele, Hawaiian Language Performance and Liner Notes.
Engineering– General
- “Resurgence” by Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)
- Cody Matsuda & Kanoa Kūkaua for “Ka Huliau” by Mailani Maka`ina`i (Ninjas 808 Productions)
- Imua Garza for “Heartache Anniversary” by Rocco Olmstead (Rocco Ryan Music)
- Kapena De Lima for “Tribute by Kapena” (Revive The Live)
- Michael Casil & Calvin Canha for “Cup Of Aloha” by Nuff Sedd (JPK Productions)
- Seven Suns for “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
Engineering –Hawaiian
- Dave Tucciarone for “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho )
- Kenneth Makuakāne for “Kī Hō`alu He Welo Aloha” by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)
- Keola Donaghy, Joel Katz & Wayne Kamake`e`aina for “Pahumoa” by Wayne Kamake`e`aina (Wayne K Productions)
- Michael Casil for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- Michael Grande for “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)
Graphics
- Dancing Hands Co. for “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)
- Daryl Fujiwara for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- Marc C. Antosh for “Ha`ina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele” by Institute of Hawaiian Music UH Maui College (Institute of Hawaiian Music)
- Sam Seibert for “Learning to Die” by Sam Seibert (Sam Seibert )
- Solomon Enos for “Journey Through Hawaiʻi” by Mana Music Quartet (Man Music LLC)
Haku Mele (Composers Award)
- “Hanohano Kilauea Ku I Ka La`i” – Eric Lee & Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composers from “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
- “He Aloha No Ka`ililauokekoa” – Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Composer from “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
- “Ka Leo Kupuna” – Kalehua Krug & Kamuela Kimokeo, Composers from “Ka Leo Kupuna” by Hiʻikua (Kanemakua Records)
- “Ka Nani A`o Nihon” – Chad Takatsugi, Composer from “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
- “Leilehua Ke Kuini O Ke Kai (1955)” – Edwin Mahi`ai Copp Beamer, Composer from “Aloha Pauahi: Voices Of Legacy” by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Le`a)
Hawaiian Language Performance
- “Ho`omālamalama” by Kahiau Lam Ho (Kahiau Lam Ho )
- “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- “Lei Hiwahiwa” by Madison Makanaokahaku Scott (Madison Makanaokahaku Scott)
- “The Islands Are Calling” by Eric Lee (Lee Enterprises)
International Album – Special Recognition Award
- “Aloha from Iāpana” by Kentaro Tsushima (Kepani Records)
- “Brand New Rainbow” by Ryo Natoyama (King Records)
- “Hoa Lanihuli” by Kaulana (Kaulana)
- “ʻUla” by Poma (Poma)
- “Pick Them Up With Ukulele And Guitar” by Junichi Moriyama & Shota Hozumi ( Breeze And Tone)
Liner Notes
- Lynell K. Bright, Chad Takatsugi & Selah Fronda for “Ua Ola I Loko I Ke Aloha” by Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus – (KSCC)
- Michelle Aquino for “Blue Hilo Moon” by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
- Pono Fernandez for “Many Feathers” by Seven Suns (Ineffable Records)
- Riann Nālani Fujihara & Kalani Pe`a for “Kuini” by Kalani Pe`a (Pe`a Records & Entertainment)
- Vaea Iona, Kenny Tagavilla & Tia Tagavilla for “Music Man” by Kenny Tagavilla (Tin Idol Productions & Kenny T. Music)
