MEDIA RELEASE

Announced Sunday, May 27 in Honolulu, the winners are:

* Album of the Year
“Kuanaloa,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
Kuana Torres Kahale and Dave Tucciarone, producers

* Anthology Album of the Year
“Kekumuwai,” Pandanus Club (Makuakane)
Kenneth Makuakane, Chris Kealiiaa and Tasha Tavares-Makuakane, producers

* Compilation Album of the Year
“Ho‘ala Iapana,” Various Artists
Dave Tucciarone, producer

* Contemporary Album of the Year
“Rising In Love,” Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

* EP (Extended Play) of the Year
“Na Mele O Ioane Keanaaina,” John Ioane Keanaaina, Jr.

* Favorite Entertainer of the Year
Jake Shimabukuro

* Female Vocalist of the Year
Natalie Ai Kamauu, “‘A” (Keko)

* Graphics
Kuhao Zane and Kamele Eskaran, for “Kaunaloa,” Kuana Torres Kahale (Kuana Torres Kahele)

* Group of the Year
Waipuna, “E Ho‘i Mai” (Poki)

* Haku Mele
“Ku’u Hoa Hi’ikua,” Hi’ikua, from “Aia I Hi’ialo,” Hi’ikua (Hi’ikua)

* Hawaiian Album of the Year
“Kaunaloa,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

* Hawaiian Language Performance
“Hula,” Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)

* Hip-Hop Album of the Year
“Illnomadic,” Navid Najafi (‘Aumakua)

* Instrumental Album of the Year
“Peace Love Ukulele,” Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)

* Island Music Album of the Year
“E Ho‘i Mai,” Waipuna (Poki)

* Jazz Album of the Year (TIE)
“Salt,” Starr Kalahiki (Kipuka)
“Ukulele Jazz Live in Concert Hilo, Hawaii,” Benny Chong

* Liner Notes
Kuana Torres Kahale, for “Kaunaloa,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

* Male Vocalist of the Year
Kuana Torres Kahele, “Kaunaloa” (Kuana Torres Kahele)

* Most Promising Artist
Starr Kalahiki, “Salt” (Kipuka)

* Reggae Album of the Year
“Simply For Love,” Ekolu (Waiehu)

* Religious Album of the Year
“Chucky Boy Chock and Friends,” Chucky Boy Chock (New Song Music)

* Rock Album of the Year
“Warehouse Blues,” Willie K (Maui Tribe)

* Single of the Year
“‘Ainahau,” Waipuna (Poki)

* Slack Key Album of the Year
“Waimaka Helelei,” Dennis Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis (‘Aumakua)

* Song of the Year (composer’s award)
“Na Vaqueros” by Kuana Torres Kahele, from “Kaunaloa,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Adjudicated Categories

* Engineering
Wendell Ching, Carl Noa and Matthew Honda for “Self Titled,” Hot Rain (Afflatuf)

* Hawaiian Language Performance
“Hula,” Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple Company)

* Haku Mele
“Ku’u Hoa Hi‘ikua,” by Kalehua Krug, from “Aia I Hi‘ialo,” Hi‘ikua (label)

* International Album of the Year
“‘Ohana,” Kaulana (Kaulana)

Additional Awards

* Ki Ho’alu Foundation Legacy Award
Makana

* Moe Keale “Aloha Is” Award
Haunani Apoliona

* Steel Guitar Legacy Award
The Tau Moe Family

— Find out more:
www.nahokuhanohano.org