Most Promising Artist of the Year

1. ABRIGO OHANA, Ekahi (Abrigo Ohana)
2. KAINALU, Kainalu (Mellowsoul)
3. STARR KALAHIKI, Salt (Kipuka)
4. KAWENA, Salty Kisses (Kawena Mechler)
5. JOHN IOANE KEANAAINA, JR., Na Mele O Ioane Keanaaina (no label)
6. JOSH TATOFI, This Love (Waiehu)

Female Vocalist of the Year

1. NATALIE AI KAMAUU, A (Keko)
2. RAIATEA HELM, Sea of Love (Raiatea Helm)
3. STARR KALAHIKI, Salt (Kipuka)
4. LEHUA KALIMA, Rising in Love (Kalima)
5. MAILANI MAKAINAI, Aina (Mountain Apple)

EP (“Extended Play” Release) of the Year

1. CHRISTMAS FROM HAWAII, Fran Kalb and Glenda Delenstarr (Rising Star)
2. HOLIDAYS IN HULAVILLE VOLUME 1, Hot Club of Hulaville (Hulaville)
3. INTIRE PROJECT, THE, The Intire Project (Aumakua)
4. NA MELE O IOANE KEANAAINA, John Ioane Keanaaina, Jr. (no label)
5. SALTY KISSES, Kawena (Kawena Mechler)

Religious Album of the Year

1. CHUCKY BOY CHOCK AND FRIENDS, Chucky Boy Chock (New Song Music)
2. LITTLE PRAYER, Dennis and Christy Soares (Elation)
3. NOW IS THE TIME – LIVE WORSHIP FROM HOPE CHAPEL WEST OAHU, Hope Chapel West Oahu (Hope Music)
4. SENT, THE, Kamalei Mark Teves (no label)

Group of the Year

1. EKOLU, Simply for Love (Waiehu)
2. HIIKUA, Aia I Hiialo (Kanemakua)
3. DENNIS KAMAKAHI & STEPHEN INGLIS, Waimaka Helelei (Aumakua)
4. NUFF SEDD, Life…In a Song (Goofyfoot)
5. WAIPUNA, E Hoi Mai (Poki)

Hip Hop Album of the Year

1. DROWN ‘EM IN BEATS – SAVE ‘EM WITH RHYMES, Nocturnal Sound Crew & Slapp Symphony (Slapp Symphony)
2. ILLNOMADIC, Navid Najafi (Aumakua)
3. NOW! SERVING FAMILY DINNER – A SPORKFUL OF FUNK!!!, Family Dinner Band (Pass Out)
4. REFLECTIONS, Tripple Los (Gotthos)

Compilation Album of the Year

1. HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS, A, Various Artists (HCUCC), Kenneth Makuakane, Jon Brekke, Charles Buck, Lisa Doud, Jeff Orig, and Tasha Tavares-Makuakane – producers
2. HOALA IAPANA, Various Artists (no label), Dave Tucciarone – Producer
3. ISLAND STYLE UKULELE, Various Artists (Neos), Bob St. John and Pati St. John – Producers
4. REBUILDING – YOU GOTTA START SOMEWHERE, Various Artists (Voyager)Kenneth Makuakane – Producer
5. SOUL SEARCHING – WORLDWIDE COMPOSERS VOL.2, Dennis Soares (Elation), Dennis Soares – Producer

Single of the Year

1. AINAHAU, Waipuna (Poki)
2. AMAZING GRACE, Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)
3. HIDEAWAY, Kapena (featuring Kalena Ku), (KDE)
4. I FOUND MY LOVE IN WAIKIKI, Brad Kawakami (Lele)
5. WALK AWAY, Bruddah Waltah (Rubbah Slippah)

Male Vocalist of the Year

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, Hula (Mountain Apple)
2. SHAWN ISHIMOTO, John Valentine Presents Shawn My Kine of Music V.3 (Studio Valentine)
3. WILLIE K, Warehouse Blues (Maui Tribe)
4. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, Kaunaloa (Kuana Torres Kahele)
5. HENRY KAPONO, Henry (Kapono)

Anthology Album of the Year

1. ISLAND IN YOUR EYES, Various Artists (Mountain Apple), Jon de Mello – Producer
2. JOURNEY OF LIGHT…THE EARLY YEARS, Leiohu Ryder (Ululoa),Leiohu Ryder and Jake Rohrer – Producers
3. KEKUMUWAI, Pandanus Club (Makuakane), Kenneth Makuakane, Chris Keliiaa, and Tash Tavares-Makuakane – Producers
4. LIVE A LITTLE…HAWAIIAN STYLE Vol. 2, Various Artists (Mountain Apple), Jon de Mello – Producer
5. TROPICS, Henry Kapono (Kapono), Henry Kapono and Lezlee Kaaihue – Producers

Instrumental Album of the Year

1. HAWAIIAN AT HEART – UNIQUE UKULELE ARTISTRY, Harold Uchino (He-U)
2. MYSTICAL SOUL, Dennis Soares (Elation)
3. OPEN TUNING IMPROVISATIONS, Dennis Soares (Elation)
4. PEACE LOVE UKULELE, Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)
5. REJECTS FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY IMAGINARY MOVIE, David Kauahikaua (Tiki)
6. UKULELE ISLAND, Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane)

Slack Key Album of the Year

1. IN MY HEART – HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR & UKULELE INSTRUMENTALS, Doug and  Sandy McMaster (Aloha Plenty)
2. KAMAALUA, Patrick Landeza (Addison Street)
3. NA LANI O MAUI – MAUI SKIES, TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR, James Kimo West (Westernmost)
4. WAIMAKA HELELEI, Dennis Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis (Aumakua)
5. WAO AKUA (THE FOREST OF THE GODS) HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR INSTRUMENTALS, George Kahumoku, Jr. (Daniel Ho)

Island Music Album of the Year

1. E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. EKAHI, Abrigo Ohana (Abrigo Ohana)
3. MYSTICAL MOLOKAI, Eddie Akio Waimakanui Tanaka, Jr. (Mystical Molokai)
4. NO KUUIPO, Ahumanu (Ululoa)
5. SEA OF LOVE, Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)

Jazz Album of the Year

1. SALT, Starr Kalihiki (Kipuka)
2. SENTIMENTAL SWING – VIOLIN, Duane Padilla (no label)
3. TONE COLORS, Les Peetz, Dean Taba, and Noel Okimoto (OK No Name)
4. UKULELE JAZZ LIVE IN CONCERT HILO, HAWAII, Benny Chong (no label)
5. WE GO TO HILO, Glen Goto and Friends (Sweet Brown Pitbull)

Contemporary Album of the Year

1. CONTAGIOUS, Kanohowailuku Helm (Anahaki)
2. HENRY, Henry Kapono (Kapono)
3. KAINALU, Kainalu (Mellowsound)
4. MY JOURNEY, LT Smooth (Rhythm and Roots)
5. RISING IN LOVE, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

Reggae Album of the Year 

1. FEELING GOOD, Micah G (HI Finest)
2. GOT THIS MUSIC, Natural Vibrations (GO Aloha)
3. LOVE TOWN, Kolohe Kai (GO Aloha)
4. SIMPLY FOR LOVE, Ekolu (Waiehu)
5. WAYS & MEANS, The Green (Easy Star)

Hawaiian Album of the Year

1. A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko)
2. AIA I HIIALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple)
4. HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
5. KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Rock Album of the Year

1. DEEP WATER, Allan Thomas (Black Bamboo)
2. INVENT, Sing the Body (Aumakua)
3. LEGS OF OUR OWN, The Throwdowns (The Throwdowns)
4. PIMPBOT, Pimpbot (Pass Out)
5. WAREHOUSE BLUES, Willie K (Maui Tribe)

Album of the Year

1. A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko), Dave Tucciarone, Iolani Kamauu and Natalie Ai Kamauu – Producers
2. AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple), Dr. Trey and Jon de Mello – Producers
3. E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki), Kale Chang and Waipuna – Producers
4. HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple), Jon de Mello and Robert Cazimero – Producers
5. KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele), Kuana Torres Kahele and Dave Tucciarone –  Producers

Song of the Year

1. E IKE I KA NANI AO POLIAHU by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett from E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. KUU PUA PAKALANA by Natalie Ai Kamauu from A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko)
3. NA VACQUEROS by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. NAU HOOKAHI by Robert Cazimero from HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
5. RISING IN LOVE by Lehua Kalima from RISING IN LOVE, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

Favorite Entertainer of the Year

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO
2. RAIATEA HELM
3. HI`IKUA
4. WIILIE K
5. KUANA TORRES KAHELE
6. LEHUA KALIMA
7. NATALIE AI KAMAUU
8. MAILANI MAKAINAI
9. JAKE SHIMABUKURO
10. WAIPUNA

2012 TECHNICAL FINALISTS

Graphics Award

1. JON de MELLO AND ROBERT CAZIMERO, for HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
2. JON de MELLO AND KEITH USHER, for AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple
3. NEAL IZUMI, KAUILA BARBER, AND ESTHER SADA, for SALT, Starr Kalahiki (Kipuka)
4. GRANT MIYASAKI, for SEA OF LOVE, Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)
5. KUHAO ZANE AND KAMELE ESKARAN, for KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Liner Notes Award

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, for HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
2. KAMA HOPKINS, for AIA I HIIALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, for KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. STEPHEN INGLIS, for WAIMAKA HELELEI, Dennis Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis (Aumakua)
5. NEIL J. HANNAHS, for E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)

2012 ADJUDICATED FINALISTS

Note: Each of these categories is voted on by a separate panel of judges.

Haku Mele

1. KUONOONO, by Puakea Nogelmeier from E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. KUU HOA HIIKUA, by Kalehua Krug from AIA I HI`IALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. WAIKAHULI, by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. WAIMAKA HELELEI, by Rev. Dennis Kamakahi from WAIMAKA HELELEI (Aumakua)
5. WAIMANU I KA LAUOHA, by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Hawaiian Language Performance

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, Hula (Mountain Apple)
2. HI`IKUA, Aia I Hiialo (Kanemakua)
3. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, Kaunaloa (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. NATALIE AI KAMAUU, A (Keko)
5. WAIPUNA, E Hoi Mai (Poki)

Engineering Award

1. WENDELL CHING for Lover’s Race (Afflatus)
2. WENDELL CHING, CARL NOA AND MATTHEW HONDA for Self Titled. Hot Rain (Afflatus)
3. JEFF GAETH for Shoestrings, Jeff Gaeth (Puna)
4. MATTHEW HONDA, TATSUYA SATO, AND JAY FRANCO for Drown ‘Em in Beats – Save ‘em with Rhymes, Nocturnal Sound Krew & Slapp Symphony (Slapp Symphony)
5. SHAWN PIMENTAL AND MICHAEL GRANDE for Rising in Love, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

International Album of the Year – NEW CATEGORY

1. HAWAIIAN MUSIC FOR HULA, Kapalili (Studio 273)
2. KA PILINA, Park Sang Eon (Gois, Inc.)
3. KAYO HULA, VOL. 2, ASIAN MELE HULA, Various Artists (Maunaloa)
4. MY SWEET LEI, Na Lei (Amane)
5. OHANA, Kaulana (Kaulana)

The 35th Annual  Nā Hōkū  Hanohano Awards will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012, in the Kal!kaua Ballroom at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. It is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and other partners, and will be telecast live on KFVE. Tickets are $150 General Admission, $135 Kama‘!ina, and $125 for HARA members. For tickets, please contact (808) 593-9424, or purchase online at http://www.nahokumusicfestival.com/eventinfo.htm. For more information, please visit www.nahokumusicfestival.com.

We hope this message finds you in great spirits and good health. Mahalo for your contributions to Hawaiʻiʻs music industry. In addition to producing the Na Hoku Hanohano Festival, Awards and various events in Mele Mei, your Board of Governors realize the need to have an open door for its members and the music community as a whole.

Following the lead of a self-driven musician meeting in Hilo to discuss industry concerns, HARA will conduct a series of “Talk Story” sessions within various communities across the state to promote solutions to industry challenges, provide transparency in HARAʻs operations, and increase networking opportunities. An initiating “Talk Story” will be held on Oʻahu and will set the precedent for future gatherings throughout the year.

Agenda:

View Larger Map

For more information, please call the HARA office at 808.593.9424. If you are on Facebook, please RSVP using this event.

Ensuring that members have the opportunity to hear all releases and be able to cast informed votes for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards has always been a challenge. Very little locally produced music gets radio airplay, and even though many audio samples can be heard on the Internet, not all entries can be found there. HARA is not alone with this challenge, the Recording Academy (“The Grammy Awards”) faces the same challenge.

To address this shortcoming, as best we could, we first set up a mailout service that allows members to submit postcards, letters, and even CDs to be mailed out to our member list. We do not give or sell copies of our membership list to anyone, so people wishing to utilize this service must preparing the mailings completely, with postage, bring them to the HARA office. Our office staff wil then affix the mailing labels and take them to the post office for delivery. We later offered an email “blast” service, where members and non-members can prepare a .pdf file, and we will send it out to our email list. Again, this list is shared with no one, and the emailing is done from our office. More information on these service is available on HARA’s Scribd.com website.

We would very much like to be able to allow members to hear all of the audio of nominated releases before casting their ballots. There are many reasons that we cannot do so at this time. The first is logistical–we had over 100 album entries, as well as singles, DVD and other releases entered this year. It would take considerable time and effort to digitize songs from each, prepare them for online listening in a secure area where members alone could listen to them. This would all be done in the same timeframe that the board, our staff and volunteers are working diligently to prepare for our Lifetime Achievement Awards, Mele Mei, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards themselves and our festival workshops.

There are also legal issues–both the recordings and the compositions themselves are copyrighted. Contrary to popular belief, there is no “30 second rule” that allows us or anyone to legally put audio snippets online, although the practice is widespread. The Recording Academy has for the past several offered its members the ability to hear the nominees (those on the final ballot) for the Grammy Awards on iTunes and via other services. Several years ago there was an issue with the entrants in the Hawaiian category, when The Recording Academy could not obtain copyright clearance for all of the songs on one CD on the final ballot in the Hawaiian category. Therefore, in the spirit of fairness to all nominees, the Academy chose not to post audio for any nominees in that category, much to the consternation of the other nominees. We would have to decide whether or not to make a similar policy. If we asked members to submit their own audio and others didn’t, or for legal reasons couldn’t, do we post those that we have or post none of the entries in that category?

Setting up a website to do this is not technologically challenging, but dealing with all of the peripheral issues is. In a perfect world, we would be able to offer a level playing field for all members and entries. Every voter would not only have access to every release and recording, but would diligently listen to every entry in each category that they vote in, and only cast their vote based on the recording’s merits. We are not naive enough to believe that everyone could or would do so. All that we can do at this point is to offer the services that we do, charge a reasonable rate for their use, and encourage our members to do exercise diligence before voting.

It is important to us that everyone understands that our Board of Governor’s is made up of volunteers. None of the members of the board is paid for their services. The fees that are paid for the mailout and email blast services are used to support the organization: to pay rent, insurance, employee salary, other expenses, and to put on the Lifetime Achievement Awards, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, and our workshops.

We do understand the frustrations of recording artists and their desire to have their music heard, appreciated, and considered by all members before they cast votes. We encourage members from all genres of music to be active members of HARA, and share your ideas on how these issues can be addressed. And if, with our members’ help, we can figure out a way to make it work and make it fair for all, we will do so.

This is also a reminder that we experienced technical difficulties with the online submission form in December, and it is possible that we did not receive submissions sent during that time. It is the responsibility of each member to confirm the recpeit of that submission. Please do not wait until the preliminary ballot to come out and discover that your release is not on it! The submission committee is working hard to ensure that all eligible entries are accounted for, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the artist, label and distributor to confirm receipt of each entry.

Please see the form containing details and the price of these services on our Scribd.com account. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the HARA office.

Mahalo.