Heua‘olu Sai-Dudoit of Hilo crowned falsetto champion

The Maui News

For his rendition of Kalamaula, Hawaii Island artist Heua'olu Sai-Dudoit was crowned the 20th annual Richard Ho'opi'i Leo Ki'eki'e Falsetto Contest Champion on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Sai-Dudoit is an alumni of Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu and is currently attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa pursuing degrees in Hawaiian Language and Business, according to a news release.

He enjoys singing and playing music and is a contributing artist to the music innovation program, Mana Maoli. In his spare time he likes to bodysurf and play volleyball.

Sai-Dudoit was awarded the Hawaiian Language Award, winning two nights in a residential suite with daily breakfast for two at Ulana Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua -- a value of $7,737.00 -- as well as earned the Sheldon Keahiawakea Brown Music Award, among other gifts and prizes.

Kauai's Kaliko Pascua finished second place for "Po La'ila'i" and Wailuku's Ian Ali'inoa Aquino was third for "Ka Meheu o ke Ahi Lapalapa."

Other contestants included Krissan Kama from Wailuku and Via Tiumalu Jr from Kihei.

In celebration of 20 years of the Richard Hoopii Leo Kiekie Falsetto Contest, Festivals of Aloha along with Haku Collective softly released a legacy project entitled "Hawaiian Falsetto Vol 1" All proceeds go back into producing this contest.

The official launch of the album is set for October 7 and will be on all digital platforms with limited physical copies. To purchase a CD, email sfdhawaii@gmail.com.