The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards show was a very momentous night. Although I didn't win anything, I was so honored to be there and to have the opportunity to perform. I was especially blessed to perform with Hookena. Congratulations to Kealii Reichel, Kainani Kahaunaele (another Kauai girl), Maunalua, Jake Shimabukuro, and many others on their wins.
The best thing about winning an award is having the opportunity to publicly thank those who make everything possible. Thanks to this website, I get to do that all the time! Thank you Takeo for my gown, Laura Aguon for doing my make-up, and Paul Tamaoka for doing my hair. Thank you Mom and John, Kanoe and Keola, Kelii Bandmann and ohana, Aunty Winona, and all my friends who were there with me at the show or in spirit as you watched it on tv.
More than anything, my prayer was that during my performance, people would see something different in me and wonder what it was. It was by God's grace that I was able to perform. That kind of publicity can't be bought. What I'm saying is, please no one feel sorry for me. I was very honored just to be there and genuinely happy for the winners. Like I said before, I can't believe I was even nominated.
I'll post pictures soon!
Posted by maila at May 25, 2004 10:40 PMDearest Maila,
I finally got to check out your website and saw what you had written about the Hoku's. First of all, although (we) didn't win any Hoku's that evening, you've gained a lot of respect from all those other people who has never heard you sing or perform before. You sounded great and you looked very beautiful. Please don't be discouraged by the results of the Hoku's, but let it be a positive fuel for your creativity for your next C.D that I'm sure will be awesome as well! Thank you for sharing your gift with us and I know that we will do more concerts and projects together in the future.
Take care dear and keep in touch.
aloha nui,
Horace K. Dudoit III
"Ho`okena"
My Special Friend, Maila!
Thank you so much for always keeping all the updates on the web. Although I'm in Japan right now, I always check your web site and find out what and how you're doing :)
Although you didn't win anything at the Na Hoku Award, I'm sure you did great and many people were touched by your performance! Keep up your awesome work!!! I'm always cheering for YOU from Japan (^-^)/
May God bless YOU always...
Love,
Tatae
Hey Mai! You were so beautiful last nite and did an amazing job! I was so happy to see you up there, doing your thing and singing your heart out the way you always do, because it gave many the opportunity to see that. And i know you amazed them. I had my friend watch it with me and he was in awe by you:) Keep up the good work, sweetie! God bless...
Posted by: Abi at May 26, 2004 6:54 PMMaila
We wish we had been in Hawaii to see you on TV even if you didn't win any awards this time. The exposure must have been very useful to your career.
We are back in England and enjoying listening to your CD and watching our video of you at the Point with Ben and Albert.
We are looking forward to the new CD and hope you might include a couple of Hawaiian tracks this time.
Jon and Gail
Harrietsham
England
YOU are still AWESOME Mai. God Bless you maybe I'll see you tommorrow @ Piranha Room. Take Care and God Bless you always....
Posted by: Jane at May 28, 2004 8:51 AMHi Maila,
You were able to achieve more than winning an award that evening. You were able to showcase your beautiful voice and share your music and message with thousands of people watching. I stayed up to watch you sing! You were wonderful!
Posted by: Jenn at June 3, 2004 3:58 PMAloha Maila,
I had the honor of meeting and speaking with you briefly at the Hokus. Your performance was outstanding. Just being among all the Hawaiian Stars is aw-inspiring. I run a Fan Appreciation Website for Danny Couch and would be honored if you would grant me an interview. Please contact me if possible.
Mahalo
Lea in Seattle