Hana woman named first female falsetto champion
named.
Lahela Lee Park of Hana was named the first-ever winner of the inaugural Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha‘iha‘i Falsetto Contest on April 16 in Kapalua.
Conventionally a kane (male) competition, the event was billed as the first female falsetto competition in Hawaii and drew five contestants from around the state, including Lee Park of Kawaipapa, Hana; Polanimakamae KahakalauKalima of Hilo; Leimana Purdy of Waiohuli; Rainbow Ulii of Honolulu; and Teressa Deneen Welolani Medeiros Noury of Lahaina.
Lee Park earned first place for her performance of “Pua Like ‘Ole” that she dedicated to the recently passed kumu
hulu and haku mele, Johnny Lum Ho, according to a news release.
Second place went to Purdy, a senior at Kamehameha School Maui, for her rendition of “Aloha Punalu‘u” and took home $400 in cash.
Third place was awarded to Kahakalau-Kalima, who performed her mele inoa (name song) entitled “He Po Lani
Makamae.” She took home $300 cash.
Lee Park was also presented with the ‘Olelo Hawaii award and was given a complimentary two-night stay at The RitzCarlton Maui, Kapalua, which hosted the competition as part of the 30th annual Celebration of the Arts.
She also took home lei hulu by Hulunani-Leonani Meyer, $600 cash, a performance at Keauhou Shopping Center in Kona, a K-1 Super Soprano ukulele from Kanilea Ukulele, a custom 10 mm bracelet from Hawaii’s Heritage Jewelers and a professional recording opportunity with Napua Greig and Pihana Productions.
A park ranger by day, Lee
Park has worked in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park for 14 years. Musician by night, she performs weekly at Hana Farms and the Hana Maui Resort.
Contestants were judged on their vocals and music, Hawaiian language and overall presentation.
“It’s not about singing high. It’s about knowing when to break the notes up,” said Hulu Lindsey, an award-winning entertainer and recording artist who is also the Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for Maui. “Hardly anyone sings this Hawaiian style of music. I’m honored to be the namesake of this contest. I am honored to help keep the tradition alive.”