About Town 07-21-18

From left: Keahe Guiteras, Tylee Calicdan, Leimakamae Freitas, Tasha-Rose Miyataki, Petilisa Tilini-Livai and Sarah Battles. Courtesy photo
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Six to represent Hawaii Island at Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA

On July 7 at the Grand Naniloa Hotel-Crown Room, young women around the island of Hawaii competed in the third annual Miss Hawaii Island USA pageant to earn a spot representing the Big Island.

Six women will advance to the Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant in November. Competitors are Hilo residents Tasha-Rose Miyataki, 25 (Miss Hawaii Island USA); Petilisa Tilini-Livai, 23 (Miss Orchid Isle); Sarah Battles, 21 (Miss Kilauea USA); Tylee Calicdan, 15 (Miss Orchid Isle Teen); and Keahe Guiteras, 16 (Miss Kilauea Teen); as well as Kona resident Leimakamae Freitas, 17 (Miss Hawaii Island Teen). The competitions are part of the Miss Universe brand.

The winners of the competitions will proceed to the national pageants just as Kylyn Rapoza did in June in Shreveport, Louisiana. To date, only two women from the Big Island have earned the state title.

The Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant will take place Nov. 18 at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu.

Hawaii creative content companies and artists invited to SXSW meet and greet

South by Southwest is seeking Hawaiian talent across all sectors of creative content to continue the state’s escalating momentum in the 32nd annual event to be held March 8-17 in Austin, Texas.

A meet and greet will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Honua Studios, 73-4855 Kanalani St.

In 2018, more than 40 delegates from the various sectors attended from the islands, and top musical artist Makana performed in four concerts along with Maui’s Lukas Nelson.

“We’re looking for contemporary musicians and bands to enter our 2,000 artists showcase program, film makers to submit for juried screenings and interactive multimedia developers, imagineers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, gamers, venture capitalists, advertising and marketing pros, incubators and coders to join other propeller-heads from over 60 countries March 8-13,” SXSW Pacific regional development manager Phil Tripp said in a press release. “Our three major festivals and conferences are a great opportunity for Hawaiians to network, broaden contacts and show their wares to an eager audience of global delegates.

There is no charge, but attendees must RSVP as space is limited. Either by email at tripp@sxsw.com or text 512-669-3321.