When one hears the name KAPENA these days, immediately a picture of three young men with musical instruments in arms comes to mind. But it wasn’t long ago that Kapena first competed in the "Brown Bags To Stardom" contest representing Kaimuki High School…the state-wide high school amateur talent competition. Since then, they have come a long way in the music business. While their "word of mouth" reputation grew, they moved on to become the house band at the local watering hole, Sparky’s Lounge. In 1986, Kapena’s first album entitled, "Satisfaction Guaranteed" was recorded live at Sparky’s and earned a nomination by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts for the 1987 "Na Hoku" award for "Most Promising New Artist." Their second recording project simply entitled, "KAPENA" hit the stores. Again the public response was incredible. This album showed a true display of the versatility of this group… leaving virtually no musical style unexplored. It held "Hawaiian Radio…KCCN’s’ #1 spot as the most requested Hawaiian Album for over 10 months. In 1988, Kapena took home two Hoku Awards; one for The Best Hawaiian Contemporary Album of the Year and Group of the Year! Kapena has been busy with live concert work. They give of their time generously to several charitable causes, and have helped foster a new pride in the Hawaiian and Tonga communities. For Kapena, it’s not just a matter of winning, there is a message here. Music is the global language, one that brings us all closer together. I