Juss Press of Wailuku makes semi finals in the Finest Talent Contest

Pacific Media Group hosts a statewide search for the next big act

KAHULUI--The band Juss Press from Wailuku made it to the group of semi-finalists for the Pacific Media Group's – Hawaii's Finest Talent Contest. The band will battle it out on August 1, for the right to advance and claim the overall grand prize.

The winner of the contest will receive $1,000, a professional recording session, and a performance slot at a future Hawaii's Finest concert, setting the stage for them to become the next big act from Hawaii. Reflecting on the success of previous contests, 2022 winners Hui Pu have seen tremendous growth in their career, booking numerous performances and gaining widespread recognition.

Pacific Media Group radio stations KQMQ - HI93 Oahu, KLHI - HI92 Maui, KSRF - HI95 Kauai and KAPA-FM Hawaii Island announced the return of Hawaii's Finest Talent Contest on Thursday, a statewide competition dedicated to discovering and showcasing Hawaii's emerging musical talents. The contest was not held last year and eager contestants from across the islands have submitted their entries online, and after a rigorous selection process, the semi-finalists were revealed:

Semi-Finalists included:

MAUI:

• Juss Press from Wailuku

KAUAI:

• Local Boy Hittah from Lihue

HAWAII ISLAND:

• Kepa Revelle from Hilo

OAHU:

• King Kai of Manoa Valley

• Noah Chee of Honolulu

• MJ Fuata & Ohana from Waianae

• Kalei from Waipahu

• Hazel Nahienaena from Waianae

• Candice Kealohi from Papakolea

• Caroline Luga from Waipahu

• Makamae Hao from Makakilo

• Jioji Suguturaga from Kahaluu

• Hillside Islanders from Makakilo

• Inaloi from Kaimuki

Semi-finalists will compete in live performances at the HB Social Club on Thursdays from June 20 to August 1, and will have the honor of opening for renowned headliners including Kapena, B.E.T., Malino, Opihi Pickers, and more. Neighbor island artists will be flown to Oahu, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and will enjoy accommodations provided by The SurfJack Hotel & Swim Club

"We're excited to provide a platform for local artists to shine and gain exposure," said Chris Riofta, Program Director of HI95 Kauai.

Kelsey "K-Smooth" Yogi, Program Director of HI93 Oahu added, "Our community has an abundance of talent, and this contest is a fantastic opportunity for these musicians to take the next step in their careers."

"As the only statewide audio platform in Hawaii, Pacific Media Group is in a unique position to create promotions of this magnitude." said Joshua Mednick, Regional Vice President for Pacific Media Group. "Our radio stations across the state are dedicated to serving the communities on every island. Working with Hawaii's Finest to provide a stage to undiscovered talent is just one of the ways we fulfill on that promise. A Big Mahalo to Paulele for his participation and ongoing support of this program!"

"Hawaii's Finest thrives to represent and support all things Hawaii. Through hard work and the Aloha spirit, we promise to never give up or forget where we come from," says Paulele Alcon, CEO of Hawaii's Finest. Alcon continues, "Our brand was born on Molokai and opening this contest up to a statewide audience with Pacific Media Group was extremely important to me."

Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned to HI93 Oahu for updates and to join the excitement at HB Social Club to cheer on their favorite local artists. The journey to finding Hawaii's next big star promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with incredible music and talent. The schedule of events is as follows:

June 20:

Contestants: King Kai from Manoa Valley and Noah from town

Headliners: BET and Kapena

June 27

Contestants: Kalei from Waipahu and MJ Fuata & Ohana from Waianae

Headliners: PeniDean and Keala

July 4

Contestants: Hazel from Waianae and Candice from Papakolea

Headliners: Spawnbreezie and Chardonnay

July 11

Contestants: Caroline from Waipahu and Makamae from Makakilo

Headliners: Micah G and Pohaku

July 18

Contestants: Jioji from Kahaluu and Local Boy Hittah from Lihue

Headliners: Malino and Hammah House

July 25

Contestants: Kepa Revelle from Hilo and Hillside Islanders from Makakilo

Headliners: High Watah and Hui Pu

Aug 1

Contestants: Inaloi from Kaimuki and Juss Press of Wailuku

Headliners: Opihi Pickers and Miah