What an awesome evening of music and recognition of Hawai`i's great singers, songwriters, musicians and the people behind the music! Mahalo to our wonderful sponsors: the Office of Hawaiian Affairs , the Mountain Apple Company and Pearlridge Center for allowing us to bring you the LIVE broadcast of this year's Na Hoku Hanohano awards. We had a blast talking story with some of our big winners of the evening:

Hoku Zuttermeister, `Aina Kupuna
Humble, but at the same time giddy with delight, Hoku , who ended the night with 5 awards in his pocket (a 6th was nabbed by Robert Cazimero for Liner Notes for `Aina Kupuna ) shared with us his love for his `ohana. He recognized all the people in his life, especially his friends who constantly hounded him to come out with his own solo release. It was a magical night for this proud Kane`ohe bruddah!!

Amy Hanaiali`i, A Hawaiian Christmas
After nabbing the Christmas Album of the Year honor, Amy talked story with us about her big move to Moloka`i. She wanted to raise her baby girl in the simple life and with her Maori hunny, she raises shrimp! And don't think she's too diva to get her hands dirty. Between touring and winning awards for her amazing musical releases, she can be spotted driving her little tractor and singing her lungs out, composing music for future CDs!!

Speaking of future CDs...SPOILER ALERT: Look for `Aumakua, Amy's new project to hit stores September 2008. "This is the hardest project I've ever worked on," she shared. Her powerful vocals front Matt Catingub's amazing orchestra ensemble...look for it in stores!

John Cruz, One of These Days
Coming from a musical family out of Palolo has been one of the greatest influences in his life says John Cruz , Contemporary Album of the Year winner. After a 10 year hiatus (his last release before this one was Accoustic Soul ) he has come back strong capturing that LIVE sound in the studio. He's looking forward to seeing what the rest of his siblings come out with, especially his baby sisters. "They're so good!" he exclaimed with a proud big-brother smile on his face. You can see this Hoku winner at Bishop Museum's "Moonlight Mele on the Lawn" Thursday 6/19/08.

Congratulations to all the winners:

• Album of the Year: The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents - Na Lani `Eha Ku`uipo Kumukahi, Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders, Dr. Isaac Akuna, Karen Aiu, Ku`uipo Kumukahi and Steve Kramer, producers
• Anthology Album: Bill Ali`iloa Lincoln Hawaii's Falsetto Poet, Bill Ali`iloa Lincoln, Harry B. Soria Jr., producer
• Christmas Album: A Hawaiian Christmas, Amy Hanaiali`i
• Comedy Album: Hawai`i, I Love It, Frank Delima
• Compilation Album: Aloha Slack Key - A Tribute to Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, Various Artists, Donald P. "Flip" McDiarmid III and Donald McDiarmid Jr., producers
• Contemporary Album: One of These Days, John Cruz
• Engineering: Dave Tucciarone for Hawaiian Blossom
• Favorite Entertainer: Hoku Zuttermeister, `Aina Kupuna
• Female Vocalist: Napua Grieg, Pihana
• Graphics: Stacey Leong Design for The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Presents - Na Lani `Eha, Ku`uipo Kumukahi, Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders
• Group:Maunalua, Ho`okanaka
• Haku Mele: "Mili`opua" by Cody Pueo Pata from He Aloha...
• Hawaiian Album: `Aina Kupuna, Hoku Zuttermeister
• Hawaiian Language Performance: Hoku Zuttermeister, `Aina Kupuna
• Instrumental Album: Pure Slack Key, Jeff Petersen
• Island Music Album: He`eia, Cyril Pahinui
• Jazz Album: For All We Know, Joy Abbott and Betty Lou Taylor
• Liner Notes: Robert Uluwehi Cazimero for `Aina Kupuna, Hoku Zuttermeister
• Male Vocalist: Hoku Zuttermeister, `Aina Kupuna
• Most Promising Artist: Hoku Zuttermeister, `Aina Kupuna
• Music Video DVD: Kukahi - Keali`i Reichel Live in Concert, Keali`i Reichel
• R&B/Hip Hop Album: More Than Just A Song, Nigel Kauanui
• Religous Album: Redeemed, Gary Haleamau
• Rock Album: Where You Are, Koa
• Song: "Ka Lehua `Ula", Weldon Kekauoha from the album Ka Lehua `Ula