Dennis Fujimoto
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KAPAA — Tahiti Mana, a group from Honolulu, finished the two days of Heiva i Kauai Ia Orana Tahiti as the overall winner, capturing top honors in the group drumming, aparima and otea competition that wrapped up Sunday afternoon at Kapaa Beach Park.

In addition to its group accomplishments, Tahiti Mana earned second place in the soloist competition with Raimana Delage taking the silver in the 16-18 age group vahine competition. Makela Matheson finished second in the 19-25 tane class. Tahiti Mana also controlled the 25-29 tane division with George Martin and Lesao Maikai-Iakopo taking first and second places, respectively.

The Heiva i Kauai, sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Kauai, is a celebration of Tahitian culture and features compeitition and exhibition performances of Tahitian dance including otea, aparima, and ahupurotu. The event also brings more than 40 crafters to the craft tent with many featuring Tahitian and other Pacific Island items. Vendors in the food area offer a variety of ethnic foods and Polynesian artists and artisans demonstrate various cultural practices.

Solo competition

4-6 Vahine: Cheyla De Fries, Chloe Jacinto, Cecelia Macabeo

4-6 Tane: Waipuna Lee-Tolentino

7-9 Vahine: Chardonnay Guillory-Kinimaka, Kaleia Ketcham, Shatla Aiolupotea

7-9 Tane: Maviri Gauthier

10-12 Vahine: Tumata Denis-McRight, Megan Taylor, Jordanna Takaki

10-12 Tane: Lohiau Guillory-Kinimaka, Jaeden Victor-Basuel, Ruutira Lee-Tolentino

13-15 Vahine: Vanessa Alcones, Tiffany Kiilau, Sophia Rivera

13-15 Tane: Kailikea Kekuawela, Laamea Guillory-Kinimaka

16-18 Vahine: Kawela Kanuha Ezzo, Momi Poerava Tolentina, Tehani Perkins

16-18 Tane: Kai Saronitman, Raimana Delage, Quintyn Eblacas

19-25 Vahine: Kawailehua Engle-Kamanao, Makela Matheson, Melanie Uta

19:25 Tane: Charles Kanuha Iopa, Chazton Sasil, Makana Keanaaina

25-39 Vahine: Heather Ruth, Lani Custido, Nohelani Ancheta

25-39 Tane: George Martin, Lesao Maikai-Iakopo

40-Plus Vahine: Pualaa Norwood

Junior Champion Vahine: Tumata Denis-McRight (Temana Rose Productions)

Junior Champion Tane: Lohiau Guillory-Kinimaka (No Te here o Tiare)

Senior Champion Vahine: Heather Ruth (Te Vai Ura Nui)

Senior Champion Tane: Charles Kanuha Iopa (Te Mau Aito o Hiro

Group Competition

Otea: Tahiti Mana (Honolulu), Te E A O Te Turama (Big Island), Tava Nui (Maui)

Aparima: Tahiti Mana (Honolulu), Tava Nui (Maui), Te E A O Te Turama (Big Island)

Drumming: Tahiti Mana (Honolulu), Tava Nui (Maui), Merahi Productions (Big Island)

Ahupurotu: Tava Nui (Maui), Merahi Productions (Big Island)

Overall winner: Tahiti Mana (Honolulu)

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