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Posted: Friday, April 1st, 2005 12:47 PM HST

Third straight win for Sonny Ching's halau

By Associated Press

HILO (AP) Maile Emily Francisco has won the Miss Aloha Hula title at the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. The 23-year-old resident of Honolulu's Kaimuki area represented Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu of Honolulu. It was the third straight victory in the Miss Aloha Hula contest by the halau led by William ``Sonny'' Ching. Oahu dancers swept the top five places. First runner-up was Jeri-Lynn Kealolahilahi Koko, of Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La and the daughter of Makaha Sons band member Jerome Koko. Second runner-up was Kaiwipunikauikawekiu Punihei Anthony, of Kaneohe's Halau O Ke Aalii Ku Makani, followed by Pohaikauikani Nuuhiwa, of Heeia's Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka, and Jasmine Orlando, of Hula Halau O Kamuela, based in Kalihi. The competition continues tonight at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium with 19 women's and men's groups competing in kahiko, the ancient, or traditional, hula. Competition concludes tomorrow night with the auana, or modern, hula. (Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)