A new Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA were crowned Nov. 18.
The Miss Universe brand state competition took place on Oahu at the Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii Island was represented by Tasha-Rose Miyazaki, 25 (Miss Hawaii Island USA), Petilisa Tilini-Livai, 23 (Miss Orchid Isle USA), Sarah Battles, 21, (Miss Kilauea USA), Leimakamae Freitas, 17 (Miss Hawaii Island Teen USA), Tylee Calicdan, 16 (Miss Orchid Isle Teen USA), and Keahe Guiteras, 16 (Miss Kilauea Teen USA).
Calicdan earned third runner up-and the Photogenic Award in the teen division, while Kona resident Freitas earned best in active wear, best in gown, social media fan favorite, and the Miss Hawaii Teen USA title. Leimakamae was crowned by outgoing queen, Hilo resident Kylyn Rapoza. This is the second consecutive overall win in the teen division for the Hawaii Island USA organization directed by Lani Walters.
Freitas is the daughter of Virginia Schreiner and Robert Freitas Jr. She speaks fluent Hawaiian through the Punana Leo ‘O Kona and Ke Kula ‘O Ehunuikaimalino immersion programs and is currently a senior at Konawaena High School. Leimakamae will be representing the state of Hawaii at the Miss Teen USA in the summer of 2019.