Pacific Media Group and Hawaii’s Finest Crown Hawaii’s Finest Talent 2022
HONOLULU, HAWAII (DECEMBER 9, 2022) – Following an 8-week statewide contest to find new local artists, KQMQ FM – HI93 Oahu, KLHI FM – HI92 Maui, KSRF FM – HI95 Kauai, and KAPA FM Hawaii announced winners of Hawaii’s Finest Talent – a musical performance contest.
Pacific Media Group’s local music radio stations statewide solicited listeners to enter the contest for an opportunity to win cash, roundtrip air travel on Southwest Airlines, a professional studio recording session, radio station exposure, and a performance at Hawaii’s Finest 13 Year Anniversary Bash at the Hawaii Convention Center on Friday, December 16, 2022. Musical acts from across the state competed in two categories – over and under 18 years old. After much deliberation, the winners are:
In the 18 and under category: Hui Pū, a blended sound of 3 talented young musicians. Seen in their contest entry below, their performance includes guitarist Donovan “Dre” Alos, Grand Canyon University student from Mililani; on bass, Macyn-Shayne Hanawahine, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama student from Kapolei; and on ukulele Kala’i Kealoha, Saint Louis School student from Pālolo.
In the 18 and over category: Chavis Cabanting, originally from Lanai and now an O’ahu resident. He has been playing the ukulele for as long as he can remember and is grateful for the support he has received. He is excited to see how far his passion for music will take him. His performance can also be seen below.
“Following HI93 Oahu’s successful annual tattoo contest, we continue to celebrate local culture by featuring local music brought to life by Pacific Media Group listeners statewide,” says Kelsey “K-Smooth” Yogi, Program Director, Hi93 Oahu. Kawika “Veeka”, Program Director, Hi92 Maui adds, “So stoked for the enthusiasm that was brought on by the contestants. This was a unique opportunity and we’re happy to have our listeners have a hand in this fun campaign.”
“Hawaii’s Finest thrives to represent and support all things Hawaii. Through hard work and the Aloha spirit, we promise to never give up or forget where we come from,” says Paulele Alcon, CEO Hawaii’s Finest. Alcon continues, “Our brand and clothing company was born on Molokai and opening this contest up to a statewide audience with Pacific Media Group was extremely important to me.”
“Pacific Media Group is uniquely positioned to conduct this type of talent search”, explained Joshua Mednick, Regional Vice President for Pacific Media Group. “Pacific Media Group was born on the islands and remains 100% local to this day. With the only statewide audio platform in Hawaii, leveraging our collection of live and locally programmed radio stations enables us to connect directly with the local music scene on all islands.” Mednick continued, “This is just cool! To be able to provide ‘undiscovered talent’ access to sponsorship, studio time, radio airplay and exposure on stage is something we do not take for granted. We are very grateful to our sponsors, especially Southwest Airlines and Hawaii’s Finest for helping us make dreams come true for local performers.”
Tickets to see the winners perform at Hawaii’s Finest 13 Year Anniversary Bash Concert can be purchased at https://www.hifinest.com/events.