Sales manager chosen from 11 to reign as Narcissus queen
DFS product sales manager Diana Chao was crowned 2013 Narcissus Queen at the Hawaii Theatre on Jan. 12.
Chao, daughter of Shih Hwa Chao and Steven Liu, is a graduate of Roosevelt High School and Chapman University.
The 64th annual Narcissus Queen Pageant was sponsored by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Contestants in the annual competition must be at least 50 percent Chinese.
The 11 contestants were judged in four categories: interview, talent, Chinese evening gown and speech. The 2013 queen and her court of four princesses won scholarships and other prizes, and will represent Hawaii’s Chinese community at events throughout the year, including the Narcissus Goodwill Tour to China.
Laurabeth Yuen Merritt was named first princess. Other princesses are Heather Ku Davis, Kristin Loo Perreira and Mei-Lin Yung Lawson.
Chao was also named Miss Congeniality and took top honors in the talent competition with her piano rendition of “The Storm.”
Tracey Zhang was named Miss Popularity.
Other contestants were Jessica Chen, Deborah Ing, Angela Li, Andrea Wong and Ming Xu.
Workshop to offer tips on avoiding falls
Seniors can learn how to reduce the risk of falling at a free "Prevent Falls" seminar Tuesday offered by Attention Plus Care.
Safety measures, prevention tips and balance exercises that help improve stability are among the topics. The workshop will run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Moiliili Community Senior Center, 2535 S. King St., in Room 105.
Reservations are required; call 440-9372. For more information on Attention Plus Care or Aging in Hawaii seminars, see www.attentionplus.com or call 739-2811.
Celebration to honor Queen Liliuokalani
Enjoy a full day of cultural exhibits, entertainment, workshops, food trucks and keiki activities at the "Huli-A-Mahi Celebration" today at Iolani Palace.
The free celebration, sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, commemorates Jan. 17 as the 120th observance of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and honors Queen Liliuokalani. The commission was formed under state law in 2011 to compile a list of Native Hawaiians eligible to participate in the organization of a governing entity. The initiative is known as Kana‘iolowalu.
Entertainment begins at 10 a.m. with performances from many notable halau and musicians. Kalani Akaka will offer an oli in tribute to the queen at noon, followed by performances by Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Ken Makuakane, Roland Cazimero and others.
Former Gov. John Waihee, chairman of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, will speak at 12:30 p.m.
Also appearing will be slam poets Tui Z and Travis T (11:40 a.m.), Na Palapalai (2:45 p.m.) and 2012 Merrie Monarch Festival winner Halau i ka Wekiu (3:25 p.m.).
Natalie A‘i Kamau‘u will close the event at 3:50 p.m. with a new composition written by state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria.
Exhibits include photos of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1883 to 1905 by Brother Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen. Also scheduled are a performance of the Ku‘e Petition Play and a tribute to Liliuokalani’s musical compositions by Aaron Mahi.
The event will be streamed live at hawaiianroll.org/live and oiwi.tv.
For more information on Kana‘iolowalu or to register and sign the petition, go to kanaiolowalu.org or call 594-0088.
