Okay, so I wasn't going to write anything regarding this issue, but quite frankly, I just can't help myself. Instead of writing to the Honolulu Weekly, the Midweek, or the local news stations like some people, I might as well make use of this great weblog so I can be assured that the people I really want to read this, will.
Ever since my sister won Miss Hawaii, there have been rumors flying around about how the pageant was rigged. Funny, the same thing happened when she won her prelimenary, Miss Diamond Head. I keep telling her it's all a bunch of warped compliments.
I'll insert a link for you to read the article in Honolulu Weekly and you'll see why I've chosen not to publish a response myself. In my opinion, the people going to such lengths to contest the pageant have obviously never won a contest themselves. In my opinion, it merely sounds like a disgruntled stage mom trying to live vicariously through her daughter.
I hold nothing against the daughter. I feel incredibly sorry for her. What kind of parent teaches their child that if they don't get their way something's wrong with the world? NEWSFLASH-life aint fair! However, if it was, according to our standards, there would be no compassion, no gratefulness, and probably no love in the world. That's what life is all about. We all have the choice to allow heartbreaks and times of despair to make us BETTER or BITTER. I hope this girl opens herself to the lessons and growth she can experience through this circumstance. She's the perfect candidate for a powerful testimony someday. Look at Oprah Winfrey. Was her life fair?
I don't mean to sound like I'm lashing out too harshly. I'm a very protective older sister, but at the same time, I believe in setting examples for those around us. The example I get from these people, is the kind of parent I NEVER want to be. I pray that I'll never instill jealousy in my children, God willing that I have them. Our human nature does that for us enough.
May I also add, in my sister's defense, that just because someone works for Hawaiian Airlines doesn't mean they know everyone in the company. There are gate agents, customer service reps, mechanics, baggage service people, pilots, cleaners, refuelers, and of course, flight attendants. The judges that are being questioned happen to be a former Hawaiian Airlines employee and a marketing executive. What does that have to do with a furloughed flight attendant? It is also being questioned as to why her employment status wasn't disclosed. Duh...because she's unemployed!! Was she supposed to say that on statewide television?
It's all very juvenile. I'm trying not to sound juvenile myself, so I get the feeling I should conclude here. Madonna once said that if people aren't talking bad about you, you haven't "made it" yet. Like I said earlier-warped compliments. However, all of this is unfortunately no compliment to the contestant or her parents. Shame on them for putting their daughter through this.
www.honoluluweekly.com
Refer to the "Honolulu Diary."
"Warped compliments" True.
All I can say is, did these people really watch the pageant? I can't understand how people can watch the pageant, then think that it was rigged. You can see Kanoe gave it her all and she deserved the crown. And I know a lot of people that will agree.
Posted by: Abigail at July 4, 2003 3:23 PMi love the way the guy is quoted that his complaint has nothing to do with the fact that the runner up was his sister... but its all about fairness.
such B.S.
The conflict of interest is NON-EXISTANT. Shes been furloughed=unemployed=no job. DOH! If all the judges signed papers claiming they don't know the contestants that should be enough. What was in it for the judges anyways!
I caught most of the show and I will admit that Kanoe brought me to tears during the talent portion. She blew them all away. Period.
Posted by: buddyclub at July 4, 2003 10:08 PMIt's a shame to have people say that kind of stuff all because things didn't go his way. If everything went my way and not the way of the Master plan, I would have not been the person I am. When I was at the Miss Diamond Head/Miss Waikiki pageant, Kanoe possessed a quality that shined throughout the whole evening. I wished I was there for Miss Hawaii, although the people I talked to who saw it on TV or who was there live, clearly said she stood out. That same quality was obviously there. And what about the internet votes, that should say something about the viewers watching at home. Anyways Maila, Kanoe is very lucky to have a sister like you. And Kanoe, don't let anyone or anything bring you down. Keep your head up.
Posted by: the guy at July 6, 2003 11:38 PMDear Maila,
You hit it right on the mark with your assessment of "warped compliments". Anyone who watched the Pageant clearly saw that Kanoe was the most brightest, talented, composed, and prettiest contestant on the stage. She was hands down the Miss Hawaii 2003! It's sad that a disappointed few had to cry sour grapes and try to bring your Sis down. The parents of Miss 2nd Place should have thought before they spoke out on the matter. They are definitely sending their daughter the wrong message. They need to read Pastor Wayne's book "Indispensible Life Lessons" so they can come back to reality. Tell Kanoe that 99.9% of the state is praying for her to bring back the Crown from Jersey. I am proud of what she has accomplished and even prouder to say that she, like the growing number of us, has given her life to Christ. Remember Romans 8:31 that says "If God is for us, who can be against us". I can't wait for the CD to come out. Maila, your voice is truly a gift from God. I pray for our Church and for our future members who will make "the most eternal decision they'll ever make". May God keep you, Kanoe, and the rest of your family safe on your trip East.
Your Brother in Christ,
Kani Dougan/kaalosdad@hawaii.rr.com
Hey Maila...I watched the entire pageant and I cannot understand how anyone could think that it was rigged. From the moment Kanoe sang, I knew that she was gonna be crowned Miss Hawaii!
In a way, Mr. Johnson has a point though...it is who you know and Kanoe knows God!
Kanoe did an awesome job and I pray for a quick resolution to all these rumors.
Your Sister in Christ,
Puna
After watching the pageant, the results should speak for itself. If you didn't get goose bumps after watching Kanoe's performance, than something was wrong! I watched the program on tape and the only thing that the other girls had going for them during the whole program was the FF button on the VCR. Way to go Kanoe!! You kicked butt!!!
Posted by: dustin q at July 8, 2003 4:19 PMAfter watching the pageant, the results should speak for itself. If you didn't get goose bumps after watching Kanoe's performance, than something was wrong! I watched the program on tape and the only thing that the other girls had going for them during the whole program was the FF button on the VCR. Way to go Kanoe!! You kicked butt!!!
Posted by: dustin q at July 8, 2003 4:19 PMHey Maila! I wouldn't worry about any comments made by those individuals.
First off, I usually don't watch these competitions because they usually bore me and I absolutely have to change the channel during most of their talent showcases. I actually stopped flipping channels because I heard Kanoe singing. She was radiant in her evening gown and did well in her live interview question. She did absolutely everything to earn that win and be crowned the new Miss Hawaii.
Posted by: Jenn at July 9, 2003 10:57 AMIsn't my sister the greatest? Not only is she devoting so much of her website to my defense, but she is a great writer! The woman hasn't even gotten her degree yet! She should've been the one writing the articles in the paper... but like she said, we won't stoop to their level.
Well, Mai, thank you for being such the big sister. You're my best friend and I love you. Can't wait to argue in your defense once your CD comes out. No doubt, there will be critics, but it's only because of the impact you're going to make. Gooooooooo Maila!
Posted by: My Sis at July 10, 2003 9:43 AMThank you lord for your wonderful presence of friendships to our hearts, my humble state of mind can only be read by your glory. Girls, humble yourself and be thankful. You are blessed! Love you all, Mom
Posted by: mom at July 10, 2003 11:41 AMHope to see you soon, I miss all of you!
Posted by: mom at July 10, 2003 11:42 AMWay to say it Mai! No one likes to lose...this is something that I would expect out of a youth pageant. In life there are always going to be those moments when things don't seem fair, however, this should not have been one of them. I'm with Dustin...all the others got the FF button. They saved the best for last in this pageant. I'm not just being biased when I say all this. Kanoe, your true friends and family know how much you deserve this moment and that is all that matters. God bless. I love you!
Posted by: Sherry at July 10, 2003 12:27 PMThank you for all the support! I forgot to say that more than anything else, the accusers need our prayers, especially the contestant. I really feel all of this isn't her doing. If it is, it's not her fault, hence, the title: "Bad Parenting." I know her personally and continue to think highly of her.
Posted by: mai at July 11, 2003 11:43 PM