Keiki Invited to Participate in Second Annual HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase

Hawaiʻi Island keiki age 5 to 18 are invited to showcase their musical talents at the Second Annual HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at ʻOhana Court at the University of the Nations campus, 75-5851 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

The free event is presented by the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section and Hawaiʻi Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) in partnership with Grammy-nominated local musician LT Smooth, the Hearo Foundation Inc., and the University of the Nations.

The showcase begins at 4 p.m. and provides young musicians with a unique opportunity to perform alongside LT Smooth and his live band, giving participants the experience of performing with live accompaniment rather than a prerecorded track.

“We are excited to once again offer this one-of-a-kind event for our island keiki,” said Sergeant Leonard Warren. “The Youth Music Showcase provides young performers with an opportunity to share their talents, build confidence on stage, and gain valuable experience in front of a live audience. We encourage aspiring musicians from across Hawaiʻi Island to participate.”

Last year’s overall winners, Nā Leo Kū, earned a spot on the preliminary ballot for the 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards with their original song, Kona Embrace.

Participants may compete as individuals, duos, groups, or bands. Individual performers will compete in the following age divisions:

• Ages 5-8
• Ages 9-12
• Ages 13-15
• Ages 16-18

Duos, groups, and bands will compete in a separate division.

Registration Information:

Participation is limited to the first 15 performances, with a maximum of three performances in each category. Each performance is limited to three minutes.

The registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.

To register and obtain a HI-PAL waiver and release form, contact Sergeant Leonard Warren at leonard.warren@hawaiipolice.gov. Participants should submit the titles of two songs they plan to perform when registering. Rehearsals with LT Smooth and his band will be scheduled prior to the event.

The Kona Community Policing Section is also seeking volunteer judges for the showcase. Local musicians interested in serving as judges are encouraged to contact Sergeant Leonard Warren for additional information.