Anastashia Keahi returned this year with a second winning status by consuming as many hot dogs in a two minute time period for the Redondo's Hot Dog eating contest at Hofgaard Park on February 19. As she earns the undefeated champion title for her second year in a row, she also left with a $100 cash prize for her efforts.
As the hot dog eating contest ended, Joe Kaneholani and Pono Nero took the stage where they continued with the Music in the Park event. Despite the light drizzle of rain and cloudy weather, Kaneholani and Nero played and sang beautiful songs as visitors and island locals enjoyed the sweet meles (songs) that filled Hofgaard Park.
Throughout the three day event of the eating contest and Music in the Park, there were food trucks that served ono (delicious) island cuisine.
There were two artisan booths that sold crafts like tikis, jewelry and more.
On February 20, the Spam Musubi eating contest took place where an island local scarfed down as many as he could leading him to win cash prize of $100. Artist Keola Akau took the stage for day two of Music in the Park where he blessed more visitors and island locals with his musical talent.
The Kim Chee eating contest took place February 21, where there was a close call between the same island local who won the Spam Musubi eating contest and soundman Keith Dasalla. Dasalla took a small break to participate in the hopes redeeming himself from last year's Kim Chee eating contest.
"I was hoping for first place and missed it by a few ounces," says Dasalla. "I took second and received a cool t-shirt with the logo of the Kim Chee."
This year, the contestants also took on the challenge of a spicier brand than last years brand.
"They used a hotter Kim Chee and it was little harder to eat because of the taste," Dasalla said. "Not that it tasted bad because I love eating Kim Chee."
Dasalla said he will compete again next year with the hopes of taking first place.
On the last day of the Music in the Park event, Kahalau Loeiki, with the company of his little fur friend, sang beautiful traditional and contemporary Hawaiian favorites that brought smiles to visitors and island locals.
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