Winners of Hawai‘i Island Festival Falsetto & Storytelling Competition Announced

Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Competition second-place winner Kekoa Kane takes the stage. Darde Gamayo photo.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Winners Competition, the Hawai‘i Island Festival brought back four previous awardees to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa stage on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.

Returning to the stage were2011 junior division winner Dwain Young, 2007 winner Chris Agpoon, Benson Kam from the 2005 competition and 2013 winner Kekoa Kane.

Performing two songs of their choosing, each contestant was tasked with telling the story of the song before they sang.

With harmonic voices filling the ballroom in the style known in Hawai‘i as “leo kiekie,” the male voices effortlessly soared to heights that any woman would envy.

The stories entertained the crowd, who responded with hoots of laughter as well as tears of appreciation.

As the crowd awaited for the final tabulation of scores, the crowd was treated to an impromptu mini concert as well-known Hawaiian music musician judges Lito Arkangel, Kainani Kahaunaele and Kehau Tamure told their own stories of the significance of the song they chose.

Finally, the winner of winners were announced.

Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Competition Winner Benson Kam with his proud ‘ohana. Darde Gamayo photo.

With a total of 843 points, third place went to Chris Agpoon.

Kekoa Kane of the group Huewa placed second with a score of 865.

Taking home the first-ever “winner of winners” Olelo Hawaii Award was Benson Kam, who edged past Kane by a mere six points with a total score of 871 points.

Additional Hawai‘i Island Festivals events are scheduled.

The 42nd Waimea Paniolo Parade is set for Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, starting at 10 a.m. at Waimea Cherry Blossom Park and ending at Waimea Baseball Field.

Clyde “Kindy” Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Competition third-place winner Chris Agpoon entertains the crowd. Darde Gamayo photo.

The Waimea Annual Ho‘olaule‘a is also scheduled for Saturday at Waimea Park. The free, family event will include music, craft vendors food vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Royal Court appearances and the 35th Annual Kupuna Hula Festival will span Sept. 13 to 16 at the
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.

For more information on the Hawaii Island Festival, visit hawaiiislandfestival.org.