Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor
Ariel Enriquez was crowned Saturday evening as Miss Kona Coffee 2015. The Miss Aloha Hawaii 2015 title was won by Keahi Delovio.
First runner-up was Jessica Lloyd and second runner-up was Cheri Lavoie.
Enriquez, 23, was vying for the title for the fifth time and will compete next summer in the Miss Hawaii pageant.
Outgoing queen Jeanne Kapela pinned the crown on Enriquez, while Delovio was presented with crown by outgoing Miss Aloha Hawaii Alyssa Ishihara.
“I’m just feeling so blessed and thankful. Every year you grow and bring something new with you. Sometimes it’s not enough, but tonight it was,†Enriquez said.
“It would take a few days to name all the people I have to thank, because there are so many people in my life who helped shape me and make me who I am right now,†she said.
“I’m really looking forward to promoting Kona coffee and the whole industry. It’s an honor,†she said. “My grandparents came from Japan to work in the coffee fields so it’s kind of in my blood.â€
For her talent, Enriquez – the only flag coach on the Big Island – performed a flag dance.
A Pahoa High School graduate, Enriquez is the daughter of Conrad and Candi Salazar. She wants to become an obstetrician.
Delovio, 17, is a senior at Kealakehe High School and daughter of Makana and Tammy Delovio. She wanted to become a nurse practitioner.
First runner-up Lloyd, 18, is studying culinary arts and is daughter of Aaron and Charlotte Lloyd.
Second runner-up Cheri Lavoie, 23 and daughter of Phil and Naomi, is a graduate of Kealakehe High School and UC Berkeley. She was be an entrepreneur and broker.
— Find out more:
www.konacoffeefest.com
Leave a Reply