Kona HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase Ignites Community Spirit and Celebrates Young Talent

On August 9, 2025, the Kona HI-PAL/Community Policing program proudly hosted the 1st Annual Kona HI-PAL Youth Music Showcase, featuring 10 talented contestants — six individuals and four groups/bands. The event drew a crowd of about 200 attendees, all coming together to support and celebrate our community’s young musicians.

The event’s top prize was an incredible opportunity for the winner to record a single with Grammy-nominated artist LT Smooth.

The showcase opened with a performance by the Kealakehe High School Polynesian Club, featuring a variety of traditional Polynesian dances and closing their segment with a fire knife dance.

Thanks to the generous support of the Hearo Foundation, four beautifully handcrafted koa plaques were awarded in these categories:

· Best Individual Performance (ages 5–10)

· Best Individual Performance (ages 11–16)

· Best Group/Band Performance

· Best Overall Performance

The Best Overall Performance winner also received a custom-made ukulele from the Hearo Foundation, plus the chance to record with LT Smooth.

Award winners were:

· Best Individual (5–10): London West

· Best Individual (11–16): Lily Malapit

· Best Group/Band: Iron Pigz

· Best Overall Performance: Na Leo Kū! who took home the special ukulele and recording opportunity.

Special guest judges Kenny Tagavilla and Isaiah Tavares played a vital role in selecting the winners. They also treated the audience to live performances — Kenny with his song “Kona Grown” and Isaiah with “Yessah Blessah.”

This inspiring showcase was made possible through collaboration with LT Smooth and his band, the Hearo Foundation, and the University of the Nations. It was truly an honor to collaborate with LT Smooth in bringing this vision to life. The night ended perfectly with his heartfelt performance of “Live.”

Our mission was simple but powerful — to inspire keiki to pursue their passion for music, embrace hard work, and believe. Music connects generations, preserves culture, and offers a positive path forward. Through this event, we gave our youth a safe space to express themselves and the encouragement to dream big.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to LT Smooth, The Hearo Foundation, the University of the Nations, the Roberts Foundation, Bryan Fujikawa of KGH Catering, and Sefa Mikaele and the Kealakehe High School Polynesian Club for their generous support and contributions. Your dedication and aloha have made a meaningful impact, and we are deeply grateful.